Kikanju Baku approaches music as an evolving experiment, challenging conventional forms through a vigorous expansion of rhythmic and textural possibilities. His drumming and compositional work traverse volatile-jazz, grindcore, and noise, alongside self-defined styles such as "Gunk" and "Phosphorus-Funk," reflecting a deliberate crafting of new musical vocabularies. While primarily based in the UK, Baku has cultivated a strong presence within New York's avant-garde music scene, a testament to his philosophy of continuous transformation and cross-cultural collaboration.
His connections to the city are woven through significant performances and collaborations. He has appeared at downtown Manhattan's Vision Festival and played at vital Brooklyn spots like Threes Brewing and the former Bushwick DIY space, New Revolution Arts. His recorded work with esteemed New York-based innovators like Craig Taborn and Tyshawn Sorey, alongside live performances with figures such as Brandon Lopez and Chris Pitsiokos, situate him within a dynamic network of the city's most forward-thinking improvisers. This dialogue between his UK-based projects and his activities in NYC underscores a commitment to a global network of experimental sound.
Through his own labels and underground platforms, Baku fosters spaces for avant-garde expression, and his intricate, rapid-fire percussion invites listeners into a kinetic world where genre conventions are continuously interrogated. His work contributes to a broader international dialogue on the possibilities of contemporary experimental music, with his NYC engagements serving as a crucial node in that ongoing conversation.
