Buku Music and Art Project 2014 logo

The Buku Music + Art Project has brought another year of top class music to Mardi Gras World in New Orleans, with memorable performances from Chance the Rapper, Sleigh Bells and The Glitch Mob.

When people think of Spring in New Orleans, most are looking forward to the annual Jazz Festival - something that the city has arguably become all about, music-wise. However, an equally astounding event also made its mark this month; the Buku Music + Art Project. This is most certainly a one of a kind festival offering astounding musical line-ups, great food and breath-taking artwork along with a range of other on-site activities.

For a festival setting that's not necessarily what you'd call pretty with its derelict power plant, nearby railroad and Mardi Gras float warehouses, Buku organisers certainly pulled a lot out of the bag last weekend (March 21st - 22nd 2014); the graffiti wall was as vibrant as ever and some of the stage set-ups were just spectacular. Of course, though, it was really all about the music and with a line-up headlined by The Flaming Lips, Ellie Goulding and David Guetta, it was clear we were in for an unforgettable weekend.

It has to be said that 2014 was a good year for hip hop at Buku, with rappers Nas and Chance The Rapper seriously impressing with their high-energy sets on day one. The latter performed the majority of his mixtape 'Acid Rap' for his eager audience, who didn't seem to ever want the show to end. 

Sleigh Bells rang on the Friday, but were you listening? If you were, you'll have got an epic taste of their noise pop genius as they delivered a dynamic set over on the Float Den stage. Also on that stage was baby-faced producer Zedd, who may have struggled with technical difficulties but still managed to draw one of the night's biggest crowds.

Saturday was equally as impressive with innovative saxophonist/electronic producer GRiZ and American trio The Glitch Mob engaging their crowds with ease. The latter unveiled their second album 'Love Death Immortality' earlier this year, while the former is currently promoting his latest release 'Rebel Era'. In terms of acts that aren't necessarily well-known well-established, they were the arguably two of the biggest crowd pleasers of Buku 2014.

The Flaming Lips were further stand-out performers who managed to pull in an audience much younger than their expected demographic. Their light show was a perfect example of some of the dramatic stage set-ups of the weekend. So, with everyone now finished rubbing the stars from their eyes after two days of effervescent luminescence, we reckon we're ready for Buku 2015 already.

Buku 2014