Power, electricity, and love are the best way to describe the emotions being felt on the floor of The Broadberry Saturday night.
It was electronic artist BUKU’s first time in Richmond since 2013, and I certainly hope it won’t be his last. This time he was accompanied by LUZCID; whose fanbase is just as large, as well as Richmond’s own The Rico Suave, Agent and Elliott Ness.
Pittsburgh’s BUKU, who dropped his debut EP Janky in 2013, is certainly a master of his craft, being a graduate of Duquesne University’s Music Technology program; his years of experience paired with his vast knowledge of music theory certainly showed during his performance.
Photo by Renee Brown
Just like most EDM artists, BUKU makes use of well-timed “bass drops” after a build up during mixes. What distinguishes him from most in the business is his careful selection of samples accompanied by the perfect beat, that made for some remarkable remixes. His original material was also enjoyable, but it served more as filler as the remixes seem to evoke the most hype from the crowd.
His hands almost never left his Pioneer DJ Player, constantly tinkering and adjusting certain knobs which made for an unforgettable experience. The flashing lights at the venue perfectly captured BUKU’s vibe and it was extended to everyone else in the crowd.
LED light toys were being twirled to the beat of each song and an inflatable light up alien was being bounced around during the whole performance like it was someone who was crowd-surfing. No matter what mind state anyone was in, everyone seemed to be overtaken by a trance of dancing.
The crowd was a mixed bag with die-hard EDM fans and returning college students who are just trying to have a good time and everything else in between. For a show going on during peak clubbing hours and the same night of the “Fight of the Century”, it was certainly a packed house.
Photo by Renee Brown
BUKU’s September will be a busy one with several music festivals and shows on his plate, including Lost Lands music festival and a performance in his hometown in the middle of the month. One of his tracks is also being featured in the new Madden 18 game. If anything this only indicates his star power is continuing to grow.
I can’t speak for the EDM fanbase, but from what I’ve seen and heard that night, I’m confident that BUKU will only continue to make waves throughout the scene.
