Robert Balotsky who is better known as Buku has been unleashing a number of productions loaded with emotive melodies, laden with resounding low-end and intricate drum patterns from a long time. From a very young age, he followed the progression of handling percussion duties for multiple bands throughout his adolescence. Once introduced to digital production, Buku took his techniques to stranger dimensions – and he’s been pushing the boundaries ever since.

Buku came into the spotlight when he dropped his debut EP ‘Janky’,  which garnered heavy support from the legend DIPLO himself. The genius has not only dropped a lot of heavy tunes but also has officially remixed for the likes of Minnesota, Griz, Nick Catchdubs, Brillz & Tropkillaz. Back in 2016, he released a stunning tune called ‘Front To Back’ which later received a much-deserved remix treatment from the bass god himself BASSNECTAR. 

We had an amazing opportunity to have a talk with the genius himself about his recent release, upcoming USA tour and a lot more, check it out below:

1. Hello, Robert you recently dropped a tune called “To Ya Brain” marking your first release of 2019, can you share the process behind it in short?

Buku:  Over the last year or so, I’ve been digging a little bit deeper with production experimentation. To Ya Brain was more or less a return to techniques that I’ve used in the past.  Particularly in the synth sound design, I returned to my beloved ES2 synth in logic- which is why some of the sound design might be a little more reminiscent to songs of my past.  

2. This Fall, you will be kicking off your BUKU CRUISIN USA tour. What special things are inbound for your massive tour?

Buku: Oh man, I am SO excited for the fall.  I’ve spent years flying around and doing shows, but this is the first time I’ll be on the ground as a headliner. I’m going to be bringing in a big visual production rig, and I’m hoping to bring in some big sound systems in select markets.  

 

 

3. How would you describe your signature sound?

Buku: I think my sound is at a crossroad of bass music bounce while injecting my own musical and melodic background. I’ve been blessed to have so many people tell me “I instantly know it’s a Buku track,” and I’m honestly not sure how to articulate I developed this sound. It’s a combination of formal music training while learning electronic production without any real training (and before youtube tutorials where readily available). Through learning my own way, I think I’ve carved out this little niche sound of mine.  

 

 

4. Growing up, which acts influenced you the most & drove you to make your own eclectic stuff?

Buku: I grew up with a pretty eclectic musical taste. I was (and still am) a big fan of everything from jam bands to doom metal to industrial techno. As far as electronic music is concerned, I started getting involved with production because of Boards of Canada. From there, I started digging into all kinds of stuff until I found the dancefloor music. All those classic UKF tracks really jumpstarted me to becoming who I am as a dance musician today.

 

5. Back some time ago, how did the release of ‘Front To Back’ impact your career? Also, it was remixed by the god Bassnectar himself, how did that feel?

Buku: When I think back on it, I remember putting together the tune and thinking “this might be something special.”  It turned out to be true, thankfully.  It got such a wild, immediate positive response, and it was overwhelming. As that continued to snowball, I got an email with the subject being “Bassnectar seeking Buku.”  I knew he had played the original, but he was reaching out for the stems so he could bless it with a remix. I was actually at a bar with some friends when it came in, and I was like “sorry guys I have to go right now.”  It was pretty surreal, and I still am wowed when I think of how special that tune was- and the journey that it helped paved. 

 

 

 

6. Can you share the story behind your project name “BUKU”?

Buku: The name Buku comes from a Big Krizz Kaliko track title. I was making music in college and realized that I had to come up with an alias.  I was listening to the song at the time and decided it would work!  

 


 

7. What are your plans for the next half of 2019?

Buku: Other than the fall tour, I’m taking some time to be at home this summer. I’m planning on writing as much music as I possibly can, and I’m already super stoked on what I’ve come up with thus far. Plus I get to do a bunch of cycling and cooking, so I’m happy as can be.

 

 

8. There’s a huge BUKU fan base in India, can you share any special message for them?

Buku: Thank you to all my friends in India!  Hopefully, I can come to see you guys sometime soon. I would love to come to play some music for you guys and experience your beautiful culture. Not to mention, I would LOVE to try a proper Biryani!  Much love to you guys. 

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