Erik Browne, the man behind the mythical and ever-diverse Unicorn Fukr, began his electronic odyssey in 2007. With roots in Norway, as well as Chicago, along with a Southern upbringing, music is in his blood. Functioning as a world traveler, skilled DJ, music producer, dance party promoter and label co-owner with Versed Recordings, it is easy to see that this supernaturally skilled artist has his horn in every arena.
Having performed at every BUKU Music and Art Project since its conception, Unicorn Fukr is easily one of the cornerstones, innovators, and leaders in the electronic music scene in New Orleans. He has been hard at work pioneering the bass music takeover in Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. From KOMPRESSION, New Orlean’s world-renowned techno and house event and CHURCH* (formerly known as Bass Church), these late night and often surprise filled events are a legend.
When not holding down multiple residencies, he can be found spreading the love from London and Holland, to New York and California. Unicorn Fukr has also performed at Outlook in Croatia, Bonnaroo, SXSW, Voodoo, Infrasound and much more.
We caught up with this mythical creature to ask a few questions about BUKU Music + Art Project and we were delighted when he shared a mix from the ethereal Unicorn Fukr vault.
This mix has never been heard before, besides those in attendance at Techno Club in New Orleans January 20, 2017. Let this two and a half hour mix take you away and read on for some BUKU Music + Art Project insight.
What does “BUKU” mean to you?
“BUKU is definitely very special to me. I have been very fortunate to have been a part of BUKU Music + Art Project from the very beginning and have performed every year.
We also threw the first official afterparty for the festival at Church* and have done several after parties over the years with Church* and KOMPRESSION ever since. Iāve also had a hand in helping shape some of the festival.
We also threw the first official afterparty for the festival at Church* and have done several after parties over the years with Church* and KOMPRESSION ever since. Iāve also had a hand in helping shape some of the festival.
The first two years, many local DJs were featured in-between acts on the main stage and had 15 to 30 or 45 minute sets (not enough time for a proper DJ set in my opinion), so I suggested having a stage dedicated to DJs and dance music culture with nonstop music and also encouraged them to book more house, techno, and other underground dance music artists.
By the third year,Ā we had the creation of the Back Alley stage with a lineup that I helped curate.
It is by far my favorite stage with an amazing intimate vibe and outdoor setting right on the Mississippi River and a beautiful view of the bridge and city. I think this stage really helps expose a lot of the younger EDM fans to some incredible house, techno and bass music and artists outside of the commercial EDM world as well as our amazing local artists.
Very grateful to the WCP crew for not only bringing the popular music of today to New Orleans (including independent hip-hop and indie bands) but also helping push the underground side of dance music. It makes BUKU unique and sets it apart from your typical “EDM festivalā.
I think most significantly BUKU represents a milestone for the electronic music scene in New Orleans and the surrounding region.
Prior to the Rave Act in 2002 and Katrina in 2005, New Orleans was one of the rave capitals in America, but after the decline in raves around the country and the hurricane, the dance music scene here almost completely disappeared.
I got involved in the scene shortly after that, at a time when there was very little happening and since then have watched everything grow back. And with the explosion of dubstep around 2010, electronic dance music, in general, started making a huge comeback! Rave 2.0 if you will.
By 2012, we had the first BUKU and it has been a massive success every year. It was a clear indicator that dance music was back and here to stay! And New Orleans is a unique city and an ideal setting for dance music to thrive (especially being a 24/7 city). In fact, it is arguably the birthplace of the original underground dance music (Jazz) that led to all the dance music we have today! So for me, Buku is a celebration of not only the music but also of New Orleans in general!
BUKU is also a legacy left behind by the late Jeff Milne who was one of the original founders. He was an amazing person, promoter and dance music lover. RIP Jeff!”
Which artist on the lineup would you most want to collaborate with? What would that collaboration look like?
“I would have to say Shiba San.
I donāt necessarily know what we would come up with (perhaps some hybrid of dirty tech house and bass music), but I would just be excited to work with him because you can learn a lot through collaborating.
Everyone has different approaches and techniques when it comes to production and he is simply an incredible producer Iād like to learn from!”
Who (besides you, of course) is your must-see pick for the festival?
“M.A.N.D.Y”
Listen to this exclusive River Beats #Road2BUKU Guestmix from Unicorn Fukr
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