The fourth annual BUKU Music + Art Project 2015 served up a heavy plate of hip-hop, bass, electronic dance music, and indie rock—all of which made the city of New Orleans for the weekend. The festival was held March 13th-14th at Mardi Gras World on the banks of the Mississippi River.
By day, BUKU was a riverside port, shipping in groovy people far and wide; but by night, it was fully transformed into a neon graffiti playground. The live art tunnel, graffiti wall, and sporadic carnival-esque marching bands brought out the weird in everyone— which was welcomed by any and all. Walking through the gravel path into Mardi Gras World, we were surrounded by tribes of friends donned in metallic shorts, sunflower tops, gorilla masks, and (of course) technicolor beads.The river brought in a delicious breeze to match the 75 and sunny weather we were granted. After attending numerous festivals, you become somewhat wary of the dreaded wait in line. At BUKU however, security was quick and friendly, making the transition into the festival seamless, which was nice.
BUKU’s musical menu was distinctive and widespread. Friday’s docket included a performance from STS9 The band’s sunset show with featured funky-fresh classics, as well as new hits like “World Go Round.” Friday continued with hard-knockin’, socks-rockin’ A$AP Rocky, theatrical Empire of the Sun.
My personal favorite performance on Friday was from Run the Jewels. Per ususal, they paired hellishly bumping bass tunes with killer (Mike) raps, just like their newest album “Run the Jewels 2.” If you have the chance to see Run the Jewels, do yourselves a favor and go.
Portugal. The Man rocked out in the Ballroom, playing some fan favorites such as “Hip Hop Kids.” At one point they switched it up by adding a comical cover of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’s “Dayman”, and Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in The Wall” to their famous jam, “Purple Yellow Red & Blue.” Friday night rounded out with Gramatik, Die Antwoord and Chicago-grown Flosstradamus, whose flashing trap set made the crowd go wild.
Saturday’s lineup, while not quite as hip-hop heavy, featured some big names and fresh hits, including ODESZA, TV on the Radio, Hudson Mohawke, and G-Eazy. Toward the end of the day Passion Pit put on a killer show on the Power Plant Stage. The set was filled with hit tunes for the rowdy crowd, and he perfectly ended his set with ’Sleepyhead.’
My favorite set at BUKU Fest on Saturday was Bassnectar. All hail Lord Lorin (AKA Bassnectar)! It’s difficult to put words to the truly stellar, mind trashing, and body rattling Bassnectar’s performance was. Hands down, it was one of the heaviest sets I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing. He threw the crowd into the head banging ‘Encore’, then right into body thrashing “Put it Down”. The crowd’s hips were swinging during “Magical World,” and the set also included trippy-dippy tunes like Korean-based “Hitchhiker’s Eleven (11).” Lorin’s performance really stood-out, especially after he cracked out skulls open with his bass, and scrambling all of our our brains stupid.
Throughout all the kooky and wacky that BUKU brought, I enjoyed the energy of the crowd overall. This festival was nothing but positive. It may be due to the smaller nature of the festival, or because the event is still newer and relatively early in its development. The vibe of the festival was great and the chill location surely had something to do with it. New Orleans is known for being open-minded, which is often people are drawn to the city in the first place.
My one complaint? The span of two days felt incomplete and I was left with a craving for more. My body and mind were amped and ready for it too and many festival attendees felt the same. Luckily, New Orleans has much to offer, and the city gladly welcomed and quenched my thirst for action!
BUKU is a real treat for those willing to make the trek. Given the timing of the festival in March, it serves as a chance for the artists to really showcase themselves and debuting their new or experimental material for the upcoming summer tour season. For those of you who live for the action, new music and live performance art in any form, this is the fest for you. The lineup of this event was so unique and diverse! Also, I can easily say I have never had my body move in so many different ways on my journey from show to show. If you’re for a hot festival destination next year, I highly recommend BUKU Fest! For me, BUKU 2015 was a truly an unforgettable experience.
