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 rooting from childhood, his work reflects his passion – emitting percussive elements only a trained ear could produce.
Buku’s debut EP release, ‘Janky’, sent a shotgun blast into the Bass Music scene – quickly gaining support and full rotation by Diplo, who described Balotsky’s production style as ‘where dubstep is going’ at the brink of 2013. Since then, Buku’s accolades have continued to add up: he was hand-picked by Paper Diamond to join his ‘Rain Drops’ tour alongside L.A. duo GLAdiator, featured on Shade45’s ‘Sway In The Morning’ radio show, called for collaboration with Tropkillaz, and contributed his remix skills for the likes of Minnesota, Griz, Nick Catchdubs, and Brillz, to name a few.
As a result of his consistent output, Buku has quickly placed himself at the forefront of rising talent amongst North American producers – 2015 proved exactly that, seeing the release of his genre-bending ‘Might Be’ EP on OWSLA sub-label NEST HQ, as well as work on such imprints as Fool’s Gold and Main Course. With multiple massive releases on the way, non-stop touring and support from top labels and industry heavyweights, 2016 will surely see Buku’s continued upwards trajectory.