Broken Prism Studios

Buke and Gass, initially known as Buke and Gass, is an American musical duo that emerged from Brooklyn, New York, in 2008, quickly establishing a reputation for their innovative instrumentation and genre-bending sound.¹ The core of the band consists of Arone Dyer and Aron Sanchez, both multi-instrumentalists who have gained recognition for crafting and performing with their own uniquely designed musical instruments.¹

The genesis of Buke and Gass lies in the individual musical journeys of Dyer and Sanchez. Arone Dyer had been a songwriter and performer since 1993, and after moving to New York City in 1998 due to carpal tunnel syndrome that temporarily halted her guitar playing, she worked as a luthier and bicycle mechanic.¹ Aron Sanchez, originally from Maine, had a history of modifying and creating musical instruments. In 1998, he joined the backing band of the Blue Man Group, eventually becoming their creative director and musical instrument designer, while also establishing his own workshop and recording studio in Brooklyn.¹ Dyer and Sanchez first met in 2000 and engaged in some early musical collaborations.¹ Dyer also contributed vocals to the Blue Man Group’s second album and toured with them until 2003.¹ Around the same time, Sanchez was involved in a post-punk noise band called Hominid, which Dyer later joined. Although Hominid eventually disbanded, the seeds of Buke and Gass were sown in this period of collaboration.¹ After a hiatus, Dyer and Sanchez reconnected in 2008, leading to the formation of Buke and Gass.¹ Dyer, seeking an alternative to the guitar due to her carpal tunnel issues and a lack of inspiration, collaborated with Sanchez to transform a four-string baritone ukulele into a six-string instrument equipped with pickups, which they named the “buke”.¹ Sanchez had already developed the “gass” (later renamed “gase” in 2011 to avoid pronunciation confusion), a hybrid guitar-bass featuring custom-built pickups and separate outputs.¹ The duo’s decision to remain a two-person band was driven by both economic considerations and a desire for creative control, leading them to keep their equipment compact for local performances.¹ To expand their sonic palette, Dyer created the “toe-bourine,” a tambourine attached to a toe clip, and Sanchez modified a kick drum with a tambourine.¹

The name “Buke and Gase” itself is derived from these unique, self-invented instruments.¹ Arone Dyer’s “buke” began as a toy baritone ukulele, which she modified by stripping its original hardware and adding new hardware to accommodate six steel strings.¹ Dyer explained that the name reflected its departure from sounding like a traditional guitar or ukulele, becoming its own distinct entity.³ Aron Sanchez’s “gase” is a hybrid instrument incorporating elements of both a bass and a guitar.¹ Built from scratch, it features alternating bass and guitar strings with multiple pickups, each routed to separate outputs and effects processors.⁵ In addition to these primary instruments, the duo has incorporated other unconventional elements into their performances. Dyer often utilizes the “toe-bourine” for added percussion ¹, while Sanchez employs an electronic kick pedal to trigger samples and loops, controlled through custom performance software.⁶ Over time, their instrumental setup evolved with the introduction of the Arx, a device they developed to trigger percussion, alter effects, and manage vocal harmonies with the press of arcade buttons.¹¹ This innovation marked a shift, with the buke and gase becoming less central to their sound as they embraced electronic music.¹¹

Buke and Gase’s musical style is often categorized as indie pop, indie rock, and experimental.¹ Their distinctive sound is intrinsically linked to the custom-built instruments they play, which allow for unique melodic and harmonic textures.¹ The buke’s unique tuning and construction contribute to the band’s sonic signature.¹ Similarly, the gase’s extended range and separate outputs for bass and guitar strings create a wide array of sonic possibilities.¹ The duo also employs custom-built effects pedals to further manipulate their instruments’ sounds.¹ Notably, they intentionally avoid prerecorded and live looping, preferring to maintain complete control over the timing of their sonic output during performances.¹ Their songwriting process often begins with extensive improvisational sessions, which they later review to identify and develop compelling parts.¹ Dyer then crafts lyrics based on these improvisations and other inspirations.¹ Critics have described their music as “a confounding collection of shifty, unpredictable, unclassifiable indie-rock songs” ¹ and have highlighted the “sonic landscapes, outstanding vocals, and a ‘wait, this was only done by two people?’ instrumental complexity” that results in a “truly unique and exciting listening experience”.¹ Their sound has also been characterized as “huge-sounding prog-punk anthems” with an “effusive sense of joy”.¹ Over their career, their sound has evolved, incorporating elements of “steampunk art-folk” in their early work ¹¹, appealing to fans of metal, math rock, and avant-garde music with their second album ¹¹, and later embracing electronic music with a more concise and emotional approach.¹¹

Buke and Gase have cultivated a significant presence within the indie music scene through consistent album releases and notable collaborations. Their discography includes several studio albums and extended plays, showcasing their evolving sound. Their debut EP, “+/-“, was self-released in 2008.¹ This was followed by their first full-length album, Riposte, in 2010, released on Brassland Records.¹ In 2012, they released the EP Function Falls.¹ Their second studio album, General Dome, came out in 2013.¹ This period also saw the release of Dry Daniel, an album recorded in 2014 but officially released in 2020.¹ In 2017, they put out the EP Arone vs. Aron.¹ Their third studio album, Scholars, marked a significant shift towards electronic music and was released in 2019.¹ A collaborative album with the experimental percussion ensemble So Percussion, titled A Record Of, was released in 2021.¹ Their most recent release is a collaborative EP with Rahrah Gabor in 2022.¹

Beyond their core duo work, Buke and Gass have engaged in numerous collaborations and shared the stage with a diverse range of notable artists, demonstrating their versatility and respect within the music community.⁶ Arone Dyer’s vocal talents were featured prominently on The National’s Grammy-winning album Sleep Well Beast, specifically on the #1 AAA radio-charting song “The System Only Dreams In Total Darkness,” and she accompanied the band on subsequent live and television performances.⁶ Their extensive list of collaborators and support slots includes iconic figures such as Laurie Anderson & Lou Reed, Shellac, Battles, Reggie Watts, Swans, Deerhoof, Owen Pallett, and Mike Patton’s metal supergroup Tomahawk.⁶ This history of working with artists from various genres, including their collaborations with So Percussion and Rahrah Gabor, highlights their experimental nature and openness to exploring new sonic territories. Furthermore, Aron Sanchez’s expertise in instrument building extends beyond Buke and Gass, as evidenced by his invention of the chordstick for Bryce Dessner of The National’s “Music for Wood & Strings” project.¹¹ They have also opened for the psychedelic indie band Animal Collective.⁶ These collaborations illustrate that Buke and Gass are not isolated artists but actively participate and contribute to the broader music scene, with Dyer’s work with The National significantly boosting their visibility.

In terms of their current status and recent activities, Buke and Gass released a full-length concert film and documentary in 2023.¹¹ This film, offering an intimate look into their unconventional and creative journey, is available for free streaming on platforms like Tubi and Prime Video.¹¹ It features insights from notable figures in the music world, including Aaron Dessner, Laurie Anderson, and Jad Abumrad, underscoring the band’s impact and the respect they have garnered within the industry.¹¹ For the most up-to-date information, music links, and social media connections, their official website, bukeandgase.com, serves as a central resource.¹ As mentioned, they recently released a collaborative EP with Rahrah Gabor in 2022.¹ Beyond Buke and Gass, Arone Dyer continues to pursue her own musical endeavors, including her projects Mistresses and Dronechoir.¹¹ She also recently collaborated with the European classical-contemporary ensemble s t a r g a z e, resulting in a solo album release.¹¹ Aron Sanchez remains active in instrument design through his Polyphonic Workshop.² While information about the Aron Sanchez Scholarship Fund exists ⁶⁵, it’s important to note the possibility of it being associated with a chef of the same name.⁶⁵ Regarding live performances, there is some ambiguity. Songkick currently indicates no scheduled concerts for Buke and Gass in 2025 ⁷⁴, while Bandsintown lists an appearance at the Long Play Festival in Brooklyn in May 2025.⁷⁷ Their official website also does not list any upcoming shows.²⁰ This suggests that their live activity might be sporadic or focused on specific events rather than extensive touring in the near future. Despite this, their recent documentary and ongoing individual projects demonstrate their continued engagement with music and creative pursuits.

Buke and Gass have garnered significant critical acclaim throughout their career, solidifying their place in the landscape of independent music. Early in their journey, they were recognized as an “indie rock” obsession by influential entities such as The National and the podcast Radiolab.¹¹ This early validation played a crucial role in establishing their presence. They have consistently received media support from prominent outlets like NPR Music, which featured them in an early Tiny Desk Concert, and Radiolab, which dedicated two episodes to exploring their unique sound.¹ Pitchfork further acknowledged their talent by naming their song “Hiccup” a “Best New Track”.¹⁵ Their album Riposte was included in NPR Music’s “50 Favorite Albums Of 2010,” with Lars Gotrich describing their music as “huge-sounding prog-punk anthems” crafted with an “effusive sense of joy”.¹ Critical reception of their albums offers further insight into their impact. Riposte was lauded for its exciting, unique, and off-kilter pop sensibilities, with some critics marveling at the expansive sound produced by just two musicians.¹ However, some reviewers also pointed out a potential for monotony due to the limited instrumentation.¹ General Dome was generally well-received for its grand sound and engaging songs, with many finding it more accessible and pop-oriented compared to Riposte.³ Scholars, their more recent electronic-focused album, has been praised for its reinvention and forward-thinking sound, often described as innovative and contemporary.¹² Despite the positive reception, some critics found Scholars less consistent or engaging than their earlier work.¹⁹ Their live performances are consistently described as visually unexpected and sonically explosive, often leaving audiences in awe of the complex soundscape created by just Dyer and Sanchez.⁶ Buke and Gass have cultivated a dedicated cult fanbase, earning the reputation of an “artist’s artist” with followers spanning various subgenres, including progressive indie rock, art-folk, metal, and math rock.¹¹

In conclusion, Buke and Gass have carved a unique niche in the indie and experimental music scene through their innovative use of self-invented instruments and their consistently genre-defying musical approach. From their early acoustic-driven sound to their more recent explorations into electronic music, their willingness to experiment and evolve has been a defining characteristic. Their collaborative spirit has not only enriched their own work but has also left an imprint on other artists and the broader music landscape. The consistent critical acclaim they have received, along with the enduring dedication of their fanbase, speaks to the lasting appeal and impact of their music. With the recent release of their concert film and documentary, Buke and Gass continue to demonstrate their significance as an innovative and compelling force in contemporary music, suggesting the potential for further creative endeavors in the future.

Works cited

1. Buke and Gase – Wikipedia, accessed May 14, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buke_and_Gase
2. Polyphonic Workshop, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.polyphonicworkshop.com/workframeset2.html
3. Interview: Buke And Gase | Reinspired – WordPress.com, accessed May 14, 2025, https://reinspired.wordpress.com/2013/01/30/interview-buke-and-gase/
4. Buke And Gass: Handcrafted Instruments, Throttling Sound – NPR, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.npr.org/2010/12/27/132234860/buke-and-gass-handcrafted-instruments-throttling-sound
5. Buke and Gase – Interview Magazine, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.interviewmagazine.com/music/buke-and-gase
6. Buke and Gase: The WL Interview – Wavelength Music – Toronto’s …, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.wavelengthmusic.ca/zine/buke-and-gase-the-wl-interview/
7. Curiosity is the “Big Mother” of Invention: An Interview with Buke and Gase, accessed May 14, 2025, https://walkerart.org/magazine/curiosity-is-the-big-mother-of-invention-an-interview-with-buke-and-gase
8. Buke And Gase: A Broader Sonic Range | Soundcheck – WNYC, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.wnyc.org/story/277058-buke-gase/
9. Buke & Gase film trailer (out digitally in the USA) – YouTube, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5r-fNOYfD0
10. Riposte – Buke and Gase | Album – AllMusic, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.allmusic.com/album/riposte-mw0002024351
11. Buke and Gase – Brassland, accessed May 14, 2025, https://brassland.org/artists/buke-and-gase
12. BUKE AND GASE discography and reviews – Prog Archives, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=7916
13. Buke and Gase Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & Mo… – AllMusic, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.allmusic.com/artist/buke-and-gase-mn0002019109
14. Buke and Gase – Riposte (album review ) – Sputnikmusic, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/55560/Buke-and-Gase-Riposte/
15. Buke and Gase – Artists – Other Voices, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.othervoices.ie/artists/buke-and-gase
16. Buke & Gase’s “Scholars” – Make Weird Music, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.makeweirdmusic.com/articles/jaw-droppers/buke-and-gase-scholars
17. Interview : Buke and Gase – Treble, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.treblezine.com/interview-buke-and-gase/
18. Buke and Gase on the value of starting over – The Creative Independent, accessed May 14, 2025, https://thecreativeindependent.com/people/buke-and-gase-on-the-value-of-starting-over/
19. Scholars – Buke and Gase | Album – AllMusic, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.allmusic.com/album/scholars-mw0003230953
20. BUKE AND GASE, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.bukeandgase.com/
21. Album Review: +/- by Buke and Gass(Gase) – 4 out of 5 – Lost in OK, accessed May 14, 2025, https://lostinok.com/2012/12/06/album-review-/-by-buke-and-gassgase-4-out-of-5/
22. The History of Rock Music. Buke and Gase: biography, discography, review, best albums, ratings – Piero Scaruffi, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.scaruffi.com/vol8/bukegase.html
23. Buke And Gass Discography: Vinyl, CDs, & More – Discogs, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.discogs.com/artist/1831696-Buke-And-Gass
24. BUKE AND GASE +/- reviews – Prog Archives, accessed May 14, 2025, http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=40917
25. Buke & Gase – Scholars – Amazon.com Music, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.amazon.com/Scholars-Buke-Gase/dp/B07KC1L45W
26. Discography: Buke and Gase – Apple Music, accessed May 14, 2025, https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/discography-buke-and-gase/pl.947998fc5d7540c4a5f9c1f9650583be
27. Buke and Gase – Bang on a Can, accessed May 14, 2025, https://bangonacan.org/people/buke-and-gase/
28. News ~ Buke and Gase – Brassland, accessed May 14, 2025, https://brassland.org/news/artist/buke-and-gase
29. Buke And Gase – Scholars | Releases – Discogs, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.discogs.com/master/1490387-Buke-And-Gase-Scholars
30. BUKE AND GASE unveil album art & title track for “General Dome” via Pitchfork + free Mp3 via VICE – Discorporate Records, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.discorporate-records.com/news/buke-and-gase-reveal-cover-for-general-dome-free-mp3-hiccup-new-song/
31. Buke and Gase: Scholar (Brassland) Review | Under the Radar Magazine, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.undertheradarmag.com/reviews/buke_and_gase_scholar
32. Buke and Gase album review: Scholars – The Skinny, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.theskinny.co.uk/music/reviews/albums/buke-and-gase-scholars
33. Buke and Gase: The Challenge of Intimate Venues | Concert Review, accessed May 14, 2025, https://beardedgentlemenmusic.com/2019/04/30/buke-and-gase-concert-review/
34. General Dome – Buke and Gase | Album – AllMusic, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.allmusic.com/album/general-dome-mw0002434683
35. Live In Studio: Buke and Gase – YouTube, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ght5TI8UAnM
36. Interview w/Buke & Gase – YouTube, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E96SuuIWca4
37. Album Review: Buke and Gase – General Dome – Consequence.net, accessed May 14, 2025, https://consequence.net/2013/01/album-review-buke-and-gase-general-dome/
38. Buke & Gase’s Scholars Alliance: Year Two 2020-21 – YouTube, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBySkuWs12Q
39. Buke and Gase – Arone Dyer, accessed May 14, 2025, https://aronedyer.com/307
40. Buke and Gase return, as singular as ever – The Line of Best Fit, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/reviews/albums/buke-and-gase-scholars-album-review
41. Scholars by Buke And Gase reviews | Any Decent Music, accessed May 14, 2025, https://anydecentmusic.com/review/9685/Buke-And-Gase-Scholars.aspx
42. Review: Buke and Gase – Scholars | Sputnikmusic, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/78752/Buke-and-Gase-Scholars/
43. Scholars (album) – Wikipedia, accessed May 14, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scholars_(album)
44. http://www.google.com, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.google.com/search?q=Buke+and+Gase+discography
45. Buke and Gase – The Line of Best Fit, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/artists/buke-and-gase
46. A Whimsical Return for Buke and Gase – Mother Jones, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.motherjones.com/media/2019/01/whimsical-return-buke-gase-scholars-review/
47. A Record Of… – Buke and Gase, So Percussion – AllMusic, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.allmusic.com/album/a-record-of-mw0003467929
48. Buke & Gase Live Interview – YouTube, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CDZdAp8XkM
49. Buke & Gase – Apple Music, accessed May 14, 2025, https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/buke-gase/390316880
50. Listen to Buke and Gase & Rahrah Gabor’s second single ‘Pass Impasse’ off upcoming collaborative EP – CAST THE DICE, accessed May 14, 2025, https://castthedice.org/?p=18540
51. So Percussion’s new album with experimental indie rock duo Buke & Gase is “a most magical pairing” | Rayfield Allied, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.rayfieldallied.com/news/2021/so-percussions-new-album-with-experimental-indie-rock-duo-buke-gase-is-a-most-magical-pairing
52. The Quietus reviews “A Record Of…” with Buke and Gase: “a superb collaboration”, accessed May 14, 2025, https://sopercussion.com/the-quietus-reviews-a-record-of-with-buke-and-gase-a-superb-collaboration/
53. Buke and Gase / So Percussion: “Diazepam” – YouTube, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uP1g_V0cfho
54. Buke & Gase (2023) – IMDb, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26447700/
55. Buke & Gase – Apple TV, accessed May 14, 2025, https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/buke–gase/umc.cmc.5dvl2ej2n7i9hd3uasb78ypa4
56. Arone Dyer – Brassland, accessed May 14, 2025, https://brassland.org/artists/arone-dyer
57. Jessica Hopper and Arone Dyer Talk the Art of the Music Doc – Talkhouse, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.talkhouse.com/jessica-hopper-and-arone-dyer-talk-the-art-of-the-music-doc/
58. Arone Dyer Discography: Vinyl, CDs, & More – Discogs, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.discogs.com/artist/170604-Arone-Dyer
59. Arone Dyer, accessed May 14, 2025, https://aronedyer.com/
60. Arone Dyer — KinoSaito, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.kinosaito.org/arone-dyer
61. Former Resident Arone Dyer – KinoSaito, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.kinosaito.org/former-resident-arone-dyer
62. Arone Dyer Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More – AllMusic, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.allmusic.com/artist/arone-dyer-mn0000501100
63. Arone Dyer & s t a r g a z e release ‘Define’ and announce a new album, accessed May 14, 2025, https://transgressiverecords.com/news/arone-dyer-s-t-a-r-g-a-z-e-release-define-and-announce-a-new-album/
64. Mistresses – Arone Dyer, accessed May 14, 2025, https://aronedyer.com/309
65. Chef Aarón Sánchez, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.chefaaronsanchez.com/
66. This Recipe from Aaron Sanchez Is Your New Go-To Side Dish – YouTube, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9Rzt6-hiWQ
67. Aarón Sánchez (chef) – Wikipedia, accessed May 14, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aar%C3%B3n_S%C3%A1nchez_(chef)
68. An Interview with Chef Aarón Sánchez | Institute of Culinary Education, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.ice.edu/blog/interview-with-chef-aaron-sanchez
69. 63 Aaron Sanchez chef recepies ideas – Pinterest, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.pinterest.com/marcoamatlan43/aaron-sanchez-chef-recepies/
70. Former Food Network chef Aaron Sanchez to get new show on Discovery similar to Restaurant Impossible – Reddit, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/foodnetwork/comments/11tp21a/former_food_network_chef_aaron_sanchez_to_get_new/
71. How to Complete Overhaul Your Health in 2025 | Aaron Alexander – YouTube, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYPocXDWyVM
72. #238–Aron Sanchez – YouTube, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzpZ2UUClRw
73. Aaron Sanchez non-tendered by Astros – MLB.com, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.mlb.com/news/aaron-sanchez-non-tendered-by-astros
74. Buke and Gase Concert Tickets – 2025 Tour Dates. – Songkick, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.songkick.com/artists/5076088-buke-and-gase
75. http://www.songkick.com, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.songkick.com/artists/5076088-buke-and-gase#:~:text=Unfortunately%20there%20are%20no%20concert,and%20Gase%20scheduled%20in%202025.
76. Buke and Gase Full Tour Schedule 2025 & 2026, Tour Dates & Concerts – Songkick, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.songkick.com/artists/5076088-buke-and-gase/calendar
77. Buke & Gase @ Various Venues in Brooklyn – Bandsintown, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.bandsintown.com/e/1034359946-buke-and-gase-at-various-venues-in-brooklyn?came_from=209
78. Buke & Gase – 2025-2026 Tickets – Bandsintown, accessed May 14, 2025, https://www.bandsintown.com/a/3041720-buke-and-gase