Photos and story by: Sterling Martin

Simply based on the successful first day of the 2015 BUKU Music and Arts Project, Day Two’s potential seemed unlimited. To kick things off, producer XXYYXX ransacked the FLOAT DEN for a chilled out daytime set. His emotion-driven tracks and smooth transitions flowed seamlessly, allowing the entire crowd to be lost in his tunes.

Fans continued funneling into the FLOAT DEN for a fully packed performance by on-the-rise duo ODESZA. Harrison Mills (pictured right) and Clayton Knight are known for their implementation of live percussion, which resulted in an unprecedented, surreal atmosphere that advanced the “elec-tropical” vibes encompassed by ODESZA’s music. The mixture of live instrumentation over their organic production had everyone moving—standing or not

A rare performance from Arcade Fire’s Win Butler as DJ Windows 98 (pictured left) followed in the BALLROOM, and took many by surprise. Complete in flatbill, bandana and sweater sporting the word “DEATH” across the front, Win took the stage alongside three percussionists.

Instrumental and vocal tribal loops pounded on and on with the three drummers intricately accenting each progression.

The relentless, constantly evolving set sparked tons of curiosity from fans and left them feeling strangely satisfied.

Performances from Passion Pit, Hermitude, and Borgore speckled the rest of the afternoon as the weekend’s headliner prepared to takeover. Borgore put on a mind-blowing set packed with the bangers and heavy drops that we’ve come to expect, including his original track “Love,” “Body and Soul” with Yael, and even a remix to Rae Sremmurd’s “Throw Some Mo.”

Finally, the time came for BASSNECTAR to steal the spotlight. Known ability to transform a normal venue into a highly coveted, sold-out destination and further his unparalleled skills as a DJ, Lorin Ashton again proved why he is the best in the game. He greeted the crowd first by playing his track “Encore” from the Wildstyle EP, while weaving in the lyrics to “Little Bit of This, Little Bit of That” for added effect. Throughout the performance, numerous heavy-hitting remixes like “Don’t Hate the 808” by G. Jones, Jayceeoh’s version of “Loco Ono,” and even Nectar’s remix of “Genesis” could be heard. Near the end of his set, the famous “Down Like Animals” received a refreshing twist as well that left all of BUKU in awe. (shock?)

While Hudson Mohawke—Scottish producer currently signed to Kanye’s GOOD Music—filled the BALLROOM with a peculiar ambient vibe, the talented Porter Robinson closed out the night in the FLOAT DEN.

Displaying fluid flicks of the wrist and fingers in tandem with the music was only one aspect of Robinson’s performance.

He would also alternate between singing vocal tracks and playing the keys, which allowed for a fresh take on his classic songs. By the end of his set, it was evident that BUKU had officially come to an end.

BUKU LATE offered another treat, however, for those still seeking a late-night groove. After playing on Day One at the POWER PLANT STAGE, STS9 stayed around for a second set on Day Two’s BUKU LATE. They sold out the Joy Theatre as well, in anticipation of a special 3-hour long set.

This year’s sold-out BUKU Music and Arts made a huge statement in the music world and raised the bar for those festivals on the rise. BUKU 2015 proved that the jazzy city of New Orleans is not only a place of good times and great people, but also a place where people can unite and come together for the universal sake of enjoying live music.