After releasing the lead single “Right Here” this past June, Buku is following up with his anticipated Grey Matter EP on WAKAAN Record Label.
Pittsburgh native and graduate of Music Technology, Robert Balotsky aka Buku, has made a name for himself as a well-equipped architect of twisted, layered soundscapes. With a threatening grasp on sound design and music theory, and a love of drums rooting from childhood, BUKU’s work reflects his passion- creating percussive elements only a trained ear could produce.
Establishing himself into the genre with his 2012 debut, Buku has earned streaming figures in the tens of millions, captivating audiences worldwide through BBC Radio 1, Beats 1 Radio, and Spotify editorial playlists. He’s even received placements across major media platforms and video game developers such as ESPN, GoPro, EA Sports’ Madden series, Ubisoft and Capcom.
The producer has been championed by a variety of curators, including Bassnectar, Pete Tong, Diplo, Zane Lowe as well as garnering the support of his peers for collaborations with the likes of Paper Diamond, G. Jones, in addition to being tapped for remix duties for Minnesota, Griz, Nick Catchdubs, Brillz & Tropkillaz. This strong support from the industry has landed him releases on OWSLA’s NEST HQ, UKF’s Pilot Records, as well as features on Fool’s Gold, Main Course & Mad Decent.
Buku began calling WAKAAN his new label home with his debut in August 2020 with “What You See,” followed by his full What You See EP in September. Then came Scorched Earth in 2020. Characterized by their elements of mutated sound design and breakneck transitions, they were two great releases that paved the way for what was to come next. Buku’s latest release, Grey Matter marks his third three-track EP on WAKAAN,
The three-track EP consists of “My Eyes, “Axon” and “ Right Here”. “My Eyes” commences the enchanting trilogy by sending a rush of space bass waves through the ear canal, complete with experimental sequences, mechanical sound designs, and alien-like vocals. “Axon” continues the exhilarating expedition, with loaded drops, cutting beams, and rapid drum patterns. “Right Here” concludes the package, evidently exhibiting Buku’s early love of percussion, combining deceptively simple and emotive melodies, and intricate drum patterns.
“I’ve been infatuated with the audio and visual stylings of the old school acid rave world. I found myself utilizing breakbeats, 303 acid-inspired synths, long rolling buildups, and a variety of drop timbres in my track ‘My Eyes’ and the Grey Matter EP as a whole. Strobe lights are recommended with this EP.”
—Buku
After receiving support on “Right Here” from artists such as Black Tiger Sex Machine, Ghastly, WUKI, Herobust, and Riot Ten, Grey Matter is another win under this Buku’s impressive and evolving discography.
As a result of his consistent output, Buku has quickly placed himself at the forefront of rising talent amongst North American producers. With continued support from top labels, industry heavyweights, and fans like you, Buku’s on a path of continued upwards trajectory and we can’t wait to see what he comes up with next! Catch Buku this fall at Nocturnal Wonderland, Webster Hall NYC, and many more cities as he supports PEEKABOO and his Black Hole Tour.
Connect with Buku:
https://www.facebook.com/bukubass
https://twitter.com/bukudatdude
https://soundcloud.com/buku
https://www.instagram.com/bukudatdude