Buku
Genre: Dubstep
Origin: United States
From the track record of Robert Balotsky’s work as Buku, it’s clear that the Pittsburgh native and graduate of Music Technology is a well-equipped architect of twisted, layered soundscapes. With a menacing grasp on sound design and music theory, Buku combines deceptively simple and emotive melodies, laden with resounding low-end and intricate drum patterns. With a love of drums rooted early in his childhood, his work reflects his passion for percussion laced with elements only a trained ear could produce.
Establishing himself as an industry favorite since his 2013 debut, Buku has amassed streaming figures in the tens of millions while being championed by a variety of noteworthy curators, including Pete Tong, Diplo, and Zane Lowe to audiences worldwide through BBC Radio 1, Beats 1 Radio, and Spotify editorial playlists. His new label home, Liquid Stranger’s powerhouse bass label WAKAAN, has hosted the producer’s most recent releases (2020’s ‘What You See’ EP and 2021’s ‘Scorched Earth’ EP) notably characterized by their elements of mutated sound design, breakneck transitions, and heavy hitting patchwork synths. Rounding out what has already been an impressive release catalog across dance music’s most prominent labels, Buku has received placements across major media platforms and video game developers such as: ESPN, GoPro, EA Sports’ Madden series, Ubisoft and Capcom.
