Bonobo is the stage name of Simon Green, a British musician, producer, and DJ known for blending electronic music with organic instrumentation, lush textures, and a deeply emotional atmosphere. Emerging from the downtempo and trip-hop scenes of the early 2000s, Bonobo has evolved into one of the leading figures in contemporary electronic music, celebrated for his masterful production and immersive live performances.
He was born on March 30, 1976, in Brighton, England.
Simon Green began experimenting with music in his teens, playing bass and producing tracks inspired by hip-hop, jazz, and ambient sounds. His early works caught the attention of Tru Thoughts Records, where he released his debut album.
Major Releases:
Animal Magic (2000), his debut, a downtempo record featuring rich samples and live instrumentation. It established Bonobo as part of the emerging chill-out and trip-hop scene.
Dial 'M' for Monkey (2003), More polished and cohesive, blending jazz and electronic textures.
Days to Come (2006), featuring vocalist Bajka and showcasing a shift toward more soulful and song-oriented material.
Black Sands (2010), – a breakthrough album that fused electronic, classical, and world influences, including the hit “Kiara.”
The North Borders (2013), Marked a more intricate production style and international touring success. Includes collaborations with Erykah Badu (“Heaven for the Sinner”).
Migration (2017), a lush, cinematic record exploring themes of travel and belonging; nominated for a Grammy Award.
Fragments (2022), blending organic instrumentation, field recordings, and guest vocals from Jordan Rakei, Joji, and others, expressing themes of renewal and introspection.
Bonobo’s live shows are renowned for their full-band setups, featuring live drums, strings, horns, and vocalists, transforming electronic tracks into dynamic performances. His global tours have sold out major venues and festivals, including Coachella, Glastonbury, and Sonar.
Bonobo is often mentioned alongside artists like Four Tet, Tycho, Caribou, and Floating Points, representing a wave of electronic musicians who bring organic sensibility and emotional depth to digital music. His label affiliations with Ninja Tune and collaborations with diverse artists have made him a key figure in the evolution of modern downtempo and ambient electronic music.