Buke and Gase Break Up

Pitchfork

by Nina Corcoran

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Buke and Gase, the New York experimental indie-rock duo known for their unique DIY approach and hybrid instruments, are calling it quits after nearly 20 years. The band will perform two final concerts in April: one in Brooklyn and another in Hudson, New York, as a farewell to their dedicated fanbase. Arone Dyer, the band's lead vocalist and primary songwriter, revealed that her pregnancy and desire to focus on starting a family are key reasons for the breakup. She also addressed financial challenges faced by artists today, citing streaming platforms' failure to fairly compensate creators and the growing influence of AI in music. Formed in 2008 by Dyer and Aron Sanchez, Buke and Gase gained recognition for their innovative instruments: the buke (a six-string baritone ukulele) and the gase (a guitar-bass hybrid). Both members built these instruments themselves, reflecting their commitment to a DIY ethos. Additionally, Dyer created custom percussion setups using a modified bicycle pedal with tambourine parts, while Sanchez combined a kick drum with a tambourine. This unconventional approach defined their experimental sound, showcased in five albums and four EPs, including their critically acclaimed 2021 release *A Record Of* featuring Sō Percussion. The band’s story is deeply personal but also reflective of broader challenges faced by independent artists today. Dyer highlighted the struggles of earning a living from music in an era dominated by streaming services, which often fail to fairly distribute royalties to creators. She also criticized the rise of AI-generated music, calling it mere mimicry rather than genuine creativity. Despite these frustrations, Buke and Gase’s legacy as pioneers of experimental indie rock remains undeniable. For fans of independent music, Buke and Gase’s breakup marks the end of an era. Their DIY ethos and willingness to experiment set them apart in the indie-rock scene, offering a unique perspective on both sound and artistry. While their final performances will serve as a bittersweet farewell, their impact on music will continue

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Originally published on Pitchfork on 2/25/2026