Perhaps more tangibly than any other year so far, BUKU Music + Art Project is sourcing a diverse, talented roster of New Orleans artists to show newcomers and dedicated local followings alike the flavor and rich cultural heritage of the city. Like most things BUKU, these artists bring an eclectic, freaky twist to New Orleans expectations, and they talked with us about how they’re going to surprise new audiences in the city they call home.

AF THE NAYSAYER

River Beats: What are you excited to show audiences during your BUKU set?

“This will be the first big event to showcase my new EP, PARTS, Act I, which is launching March 19.”

What sets New Orleans apart from any other cities you’ve played in?

“It’s a third tier market with first tier talent living in the city.”

Bàwldy

What are you excited to show audiences during your BUKU set?

“I’m super excited to play out some new tunes I’ve been working on, can’t wait to see how the crowd reacts and how it’ll sound on a big system!”

What sets New Orleans apart from any other cities you’ve played in?

“NOLA just has this vibe that you can’t really find anywhere else. Don’t get me wrong, I love playing new cities and meeting new people, but New Orleans is home to me in this scene. Everyone looks out for each other and everyone is really in it for the music. It’s like a huge family out here!”

BOARCROK

What are you excited to show audiences during your BUKU set?

I’m excited to showcase new music in the works as well as upcoming releases.

What sets New Orleans apart from any other cities you’ve played?

“Not too many cities know how to bring the passion and energy to a show like New Orleans. It is always an absolute blast to vibe with everyone there and I can’t wait to experience that at the Float Den.”

Dohm Collective

What are you excited to show audiences during your BUKU set?

“We are excited to show the diversity and passion of the New Orleans underground scene. Dohm Collective has always pushed to be unique and authentic in the music we share and the vibe we create.”

What sets New Orleans apart from any other cities you’ve played in?

“New Orleans is home. We love being surrounded by friends and family while we bring a unique experience to the city.”

The Iceman Special

“We’re honored to be a rock band in 2019 that can play for these crowds who have such eclectic ears, they don’t just listen to OK music, that says something when Buku schedules our sound to kick off a huge sound stage like the Power Plant stage. Get ready to rumble with the Iceman. We humbly accept the role to represent Louisiana music at such a national known festival like Buku.”

“Buku is the most eccentric festival in North America today. They test you as a festival-goer. They truly know what it means to go deeper into music and art than anyone else ever has.”

Klutch

What are you excited to show audiences during your BUKU set?

“My eclecticism. I enjoy jumping all over the genre map and incorporating elements that typically don’t go together. The majority of the set will be either original tunes or remixes, which is a goal Ive been shooting at for a while now. Excited to share all this new music.”

What sets New Orleans apart from any other cities you’ve played in?

“Its history with music. There’s a certain magic that this city pulls out of artists that can only be created here. It’s like standing on the back of the giants before us, we are propelled into a new musical realm that can only be described through personal experience.”

Malik Ninety Five

“Excited to show the audience a full world we create for the live show. From the stage graphics, to crowd interaction, it’s all a sight to see. I think the difference and excitement of playing in New Orleans is more of the lead-up to the show being that it’s home. Other places I bring this city on my back so when I’m doing shows wherever in the country I represent, but when I’m home automatically it’s understood, Hometown shit, things move how they supposed to.”

sfam

What are you excited to show audiences during your BUKU set?

“We’re really excited to showcase our unreleased music along with some homies’ tunes.”

“New Orleans isn’t like any other city, the culture here is unmatched. we’re obviously biased considering we live here but there’s something about this place that keeps you coming back!”

TRAX ONLY

“TRAX ONLY is excited to show the audience at BUKU what two raging homosexuals with a hankering for blending underground dance music for a dance floor looks like. What sets New Orleans apart from other cities we’ve played in is the sense of freedom and permissiveness. The underground and sometimes illegal venues we play at in the city allow for partygoers to feel a sense of freedom and security so that they can express themselves the way they would like, have as much fun as they would like, for as long as they would like.”

Tristan Dufrene

“I’m super excited to showcase some music that has really impacted me over the past year and some particular sounds that most would be unfamiliar with.”

“The beauty of Buku is the surprises and to show up with an open mind and totally immerse yourself as an artist or an attendee. Ive been to Buku since their first year, its just awesome to see their growth and also their ambition in booking out the norm, bold acts leaving one to discover an act that you may just end up a fan of.”

All images in article via artist’s Facebook pages.
Featured image via Bryce Ell Photo.