For the supreme romantics of electronica, Bonobo is a name that instantly arrives into our psyches when we’re thinking of eclectically arousing music. Our Artist of the Month for the month of November, Simon Green aka Bonobo is an artist who has avoided categorization and taken soulful music wanderers with him to a universe of sonically rich and distinctive soundscapes. The UK based musician has been DJing ever since his breakthrough track ‘Terrapin‘ put him on the hotbed of eclectronica music, but another side of his performing avatar sees him often collaborate on stage with live bands, with himself fronting the band as a bass guitarist. On the eve of his emphatic Indian debut, we take a closer look at the Bonobo sound style, how it has evolved and what we can expect from the maestro in the coming days and months.
Often performing under the moniker Barakas, Bonobo‘s musical style utilizes samples, remixes, re-edits and live instrumentation, including various synth modules and an array of vocalists. His live performances often include a live rhythm section, horn section, a string section and backing vocalists. Bonobo‘s music was first introduced in 1999 when his track “Terrapin” was included on the Tru Thoughts compilation, ‘When Shapes Join Together‘. His self-produced debut album, ‘Animal Magic‘, was released in 2000 on Tru Thoughts. The record was met with critical acclaim and many dubbed Bonobo a pioneer of the “new downtempo” scene. In 2001, Bonobo signed with British based label Ninja Tune and released ‘Dial “M” For Monkey‘. In 2006, Bonobo made big strides with the release of his third album ‘Days to Come‘ on Ninja Tune, before his breakout came with the March 2010 release of ‘Black Sands’, which showcased his expanding influences, including Gamelan, Afrobeat and Middle Eastern music. The album also allowed him to showcase his live band all over the globe and resulted in a remix album in 2012. His fifth album, ‘The North Borders‘ in 2013 saw him collaborating with soulstress Erykah Badu and Grey Reverend, from Cinematic Orchestra fame.
Speaking about his musical style, Bonobo uses a wide variety of samples in his music combined with heavy, often complex basslines. His music generally develops linearly – with new elements such as basslines or percussion coming in one after the other. A live musician in parts, he brings his organic sound into his production style, with his music often side stepping and breaking the conventional 4 by 4 drum rolls. Another distinct element in his productions is the irresistible guitar strings that he synergises with other layers to curate a perfectly amalgamated assembly of harmonic progressions that leave plenty for imagination and nothing to achieve any further perfection.
Bonobo’s live performances are nothing short of an aural and visual paradise for audiences as he brings his euphoric collection of tracks and remixes and breaks them down alongside anything between six to fifteen musicians including live vocalists. His incredible stage persona can be reiterated through the fact that he’s performed in 140 shows last year and reached the Top 20 Live Acts of 2013 as per Resident Advisor. Re-constructing his own sound, he makes his live performances organic and invokes listeners into a journey of melody and lush soundscapes that tease them with hints of surrealistic signatures and tones. Having performed at every major stage across the globe, Bonobo boasts a worldwide audience of music listeners and critics, who have continuously been rewarded with the ever enchanting and glistening portfolio of his works. Check out our essential list of 10 Bonobo Tracks you Must listen to!
We had the honor and privilege of speaking to the man, ahead of his India tour, as he shared his opinions on his musical style and where he hopes to take it in the coming years. Check out the exclusive interview here! Don’t forget to catch Bonobo will be playing India for the very first time, at Johnny Walker – The Journey inMumbai with his live band on the 13th of December, along with Paul Potts, Snarky Puppy and Disclocate.
Event Details:
Saturday, 13th December – Mehboob Studio
Buy your tickets here
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