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The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

    Shattered Illusions

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    The music festival scene in the South Louisiana area is growing steadily as more festivals targeted to different audiences pop up. 

    The BUKU Music + Art Project festival, which largely featured Indie and electronic music, began only four years ago and has since expanded its capacity. I went to the festival unsure of what to expect and doubted that I would enjoy much of it due to the genre of music. 

    Surprisingly, I realized even those who do not listen to much electronic, like myself, can enjoy the festival due to how much it caters to the younger crowd. Unlike Jazz Fest and other popular festivals, BUKU was almost entirely attended by people in their early 20s. Walking around, I am not sure I even came across someone older than 30. 

    The young, vibrant crowd definitely adds a nice energetic and electric feeling across the grounds. Nearly all dressed in elaborate outfits, and there was constant dancing at each stage.

    There seemed to be no judgement among any of the attendees, as all embraced the eccentric looks and dance of their peers. I appreciated the positive and relaxed energy among all the people and even the artists. 

    Though music festivals naturally consist of concerts, I did not feel the typical concert vibe common among entertainment. The smaller stages gave off more of a back-alley dance party feel. This intimate feeling brought together not only those in the audience, but also the audience with the performer. 

    While talking to different attendees, I found it was actually the smaller stages they enjoyed most. Two different BUKU goers commented that their favorite stage was the smallest stage with the least known performers. Upon visiting all stages, I realized it was the small stage that had the most dancers and intimacy with artists. 

    While the largest stage hosted well-known artists such as Passion Pit and Bassnectar, it was almost too crowded to reach that same feeling of the smaller stage.

    Aside from the music, there was a middle ground where many relaxed, ate unique food and browsed art. The festival in this way was well rounded, as all festivals should be. 

    Overall, my favorite aspect of BUKU was the size. In comparison with other festivals, BUKU was more intimate. This made it much easier to meet fellow music lovers and get from stage to stage. Even though I did enjoy myself, I will likely not pay to attend BUKU in the future. It maintains a fun environment, but my taste remains with artists who typically play at festivals such as Jazz Fest. 

    If you enjoy deep lyrics and embracing the well-thought out melodies of musicians and bands, festivals such as Jazz Fest will play more to your style. While Jazz Fest is more crowded, it hosts amazing bands and solo artists each year. There is rarely electronic music, but styles to the like of well-known names Elton John and Ed Sheeran.

    No matter what your taste in music, there is likely a festival to fit your preference. If you want to find a place to spend the day and night dancing and worrying about little, BUKU is a nice place to do so.

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