Bucko Art Machine

Chris Binkowski, also known as Bucko, is an emerging artist working primarily in electronic music performance. Central to Bucko’s work is the idea of music as a dynamic way to express oneself and connect with people. In his own words, Chris states “every time I perform music live it is an act of advocacy for inclusion and accessibility.”

Technically, Chris utilizes an iPhone mounted to his wheelchair to control a myriad of synthesizer applications, generating interwoven gestures that range from deeply serene to outright unhinged. Chris will present his expanded ensemble, known as the Bucko Art Machine. An initiative that involves additional instrumental accompaniment, this is an occasion for the signature Bucko sound to be elevated alongside producer Nick Schofield to create anthemic music stemming from a singular source.

Taking influence from Air, Stereolab and LCD Soundsystem, Chris’ musical output is equally

innovative and intriguing, often taking audiences on a brave sonic expedition. In concert,

Chris has opened for like minded artists, such as Jessica Moss, Organ Mood and Danielle

Dahl, performing his solo music to receptive audiences at Club SAW and Arboretum Festival.

As an artist with a disability, accessibility, visibility, and representation is very important to Chris’ practice. He is an ambassador in the Ottawa arts community for accessibility in creative spaces, and is a recognized scene-builder and pioneer for his work in the experimental music circles. CBC recently awarded Chris the ‘2021 Trailblazer’ prize for his leadership in the arts. Currently, Chris is working on his debut album alongside producer Nick Schofield. This body of work fuses his iPhone synthesis with a full backing band, to form the Bucko Art Machine.