Bonobo (musician)
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| Bonobo | |
|---|---|
 Simon Green performing in London, August 2007.
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| Background information | |
| Origin | England |
| Genre(s) | Downtempo Trip hop |
| Years active | 2000–present |
| Label(s) | Tru Thoughts Ninja Tune |
Bonobo (real name Simon Green) is a British producer, composer, musician and DJ.
Green has also recorded and performed solo DJ sets under the name Barakas, and together with Robert Luis from Tru Thoughts as Nirobi and Barakas.[1]
Contents |
[edit] History
At 18, he moved to Brighton where he released his debut album Animal Magic on the Tru Thoughts label in 2000[2]. With this album, completely self-produced and mainly self-instrumented, he became one of the "new downtempo pioneers"[3] and his chilled, beat-driven music captivated press as well as many major labels.
In 2001, Bonobo decided to sign for Ninja Tune and in 2003, after one album of remixes on Tru Thoughts in 2002, he released Dial 'M' For Monkey. In 2005, Bonobo contributed to the Solid Steel series, with his Bonobo Presents Solid Steel: "It Came From The Sea", the release date was scheduled for October 10, 2005, but was released a week early[4], the mix features several exclusive tracks as well as remixes and re-edits. Later that year, "Pick up" and "Flutter" from the Dial 'M' For Monkey album, were featured in the popular snowboard game SSX on Tour[5].
His latest album, entitled Days to Come, was released on October 2, 2006, the first single from the album was "Nightlite", featuring vocals by Bajka[6]. The track also appeared on the soundtrack of the game UEFA Champions League 2006-2007[7]. Following the success "Days to Come" his tracks have appeared in a number of media-related items. Days To Come was voted Best Album of 2006 by Gilles Peterson's listeners[8]. In 2007, Bonobo's track "Ketto", was featured in a Citroen C4 Picasso advertisement[9]. Bonobo's track "Flutter" is the opening title theme to CBC Television's sitcom jPod. "If You Stayed Over" appeared in the 3rd episode of Season 4 of the TV show Lost, The Economist[10].
[edit] Style
Bonobo uses a wide variety of samples - mainly ethnic - 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. In Days to Come, he mixes this sonic background with the clean yet distinctive vocals of Bajka, who often uses harmony to build up a multifaceted sound.
[edit] Live
Whilst often touring solo, and performing DJ sets, in 2004 Bonobo opted to follow the growing trend amongst electronic acts of playing with a full band. The band plays live renditions of studio material, with a singer, keyboardist, guitarist, saxophonist, string section, Electronics, and drummer. Simon Green mainly played bass guitar, and led the band from the middle.
[edit] Discography
[edit] Studio Albums
- Animal Magic (2000, Tru Thoughts; 2001, Ninja Tune)
- Dial 'M' For Monkey (2003, Ninja Tune)
- Days To Come (2006, Ninja Tune)
[edit] Other Releases
- One Offs... Remixes & B-Sides (2002, Tru Thoughts)
- Sweetness (bootleg) (2002)
- Bonobo Presents Solid Steel: It Came From The Sea (03 Oct 2005, Ninja Tune)
- Live Sessions EP (2005, Ninja Tune)
- The Shark EP (2001, Tru Thoughts)
- Scuba EP (2000, Fly Casual)
