B i o g r a p h y (by Official Press)
Simon Green, AKA Bonobo, is an artist very much at the peak of his powers. His 2013 album ‘The North Borders’ was the high watermark of his career to date: a masterful record, marrying Green's inimitable melodic genius to cutting edge electronics, bass and drums. An artist that constantly pushes himself outside of his musical comfort zone, Bonobo’s ranging personal tastes and regularly expanding range of synthesizers and instruments continue to take his productions to new levels. This outlook has earned him a reputation as one of the most pioneering figures in electronic music, in both his solo DJ sets and 12-piece live band shows. All this comes as the result of over ten years hard work, and five albums that have honed Green's skills. A born musician, Green - like many artists - expresses himself most articulately via his music. The result is that his work is always keenly felt, and always feels imperative. There are no wasted moments, and myriad great ones. It's tempting to relate Green's yearning, emotive aesthetic to his upbringing in rural Hampshire. His move to Brighton is also an influence; his skill at drum programming perhaps harking back to his days DJing and producing in the small, musically fertile town. Under the initial guidance of Tru Thoughts' Rob Luis and at nights such as Phonic:hoop, Bonobo found an early education in music. His first album - 2000's 'Animal Magic' - was released via Tru Thoughts before being picked up by Ninja Tune. It announced him as a serious talent; able to bring a true musician's edge to electronic music, with all the freedom that skill allowed. His subsequent albums for Ninja, Dial M for Monkey and Days to Come, developed his sensibility, won him fans across the globe, and saw him develop his live show into a mesmeric re-working of his records. He also worked hard as a DJ, a part of Green's arsenal that perhaps truly came into its own at the same time as 2010’s Black Sands. 2012 saw him take the uptempo, club re-edits of Black Sands from a seminal Boiler Room performance in London to dance floors across the world, and unveil a new light show that further enhanced the impact of these stunning songs. A remix album was released featuring reworkings by fans and peers such as Machinedrum, Floating Points, Mark Pitchard, Lapalux and Falty DL. Later the same year, he finally settled down in his New York studio to write his fifth album. The North Borders was another long stride forward - both a natural evolution and a continuation of the electronic palette of Black Sands. Thematic, resonant, addictive and perfectly formed, it's a thrillingly coherent statement piece. With vocal features from no less than Erykah Badu, as well as Grey Reverend (Cinematic Orchestra) and Cornelia (Portico Quartet) it's another finely balanced body of work, leaving room for the beautiful, rich productions themselves to breathe and shine. Bonobo has a long history of unearthing new talent (Andreya Triana, Bajka) and The North Borders saw him do so once again. The startling vocals of new collaborator Szjerdene are sprinkled across the album, and Green has yet again found the perfect voice to express where he's at. Since the album’s release, Green has gone on to play over 175 shows across three continents and 30 countries, wowing audiences of almost 2 million people with the hypnotic, extended live versions of his songs. He performed sold out shows at The Sydney Opera House and Brixton Academy, and his very own, day long festival at London’s Roundhouse. 2014 saw him and his band play the iconic Coachella festival, Sonar, Glastonbury and many more. This period of extensive touring came to a breathtaking close with his largest show to date at London’s Alexandra Palace in November. In celebration, Ninja Tune released ‘The North Borders Tour. - Live’ in October. A deluxe release including a live album, hardback book and a DVD of seminal live performances from a truly memorable tour. It’s a full schedule and then some, but one that’s constantly rewarding for his fans, and perhaps proves that Bonobo is not only one of the world’s hardest working artists in electronic music, but also one of its best.
Animal Magic Dinosaurs (sample of The Kingston Trio's "M.T.A.") These are the times that try men's souls In the course of our nation's history the people of Rallied bravely whenever the rights of man have been threatened Today, a new crisis is arisen Citizens, hear me out, this could happen to you
The Plug
I didn't mean to tell you But I guess you got to know I'm always on the run and I hate copy paste for god's sake I didn't mean to tell you But I guess you got to know...
Days To Come
Days To Come (Feat. Bajka) Journey set sail was to leave Cause I'm only birds & bees Lose and news and all things be Sunlight garden low red blossoms Moon tides of the sea When struggling for a magic grain We throw our life to the winds like rain For goodness sake Spare your failings and take the ability To strengthen No spirit can stimulate all minds Blossoms of days to come Blossoms of days to come Move away from your western guns Travel towards eastern suns Far above all earthly goals A pledge for creation's soul Spirit finds fresh morning and the dew Of precious things Hope is a phoenix building wings to fly And what we wish shall be Like a breathe of fresh air Safe and secret powers That no love can spare I'm always on the run and I hate copy paste for god's sake Move away from your western guns Travel towards eastern suns Far above all earthly goals A pledge for creation's soul Far above all earthly goals A pledge for creation's soul Move away from your western guns Travel towards eastern suns Far above all earthly goals A pledge for creation's soul Move away from your western guns Travel towards eastern suns Far above all earthly goals A pledge for creation's soul Far above all earthly goals A pledge for creation's soul
Between The Lines (Feat. Bajka) Well we can't change the world We sure can change the way we live We can't only take Also got to learn to give People do wrong cause they don't understand There's a book of truths And a book of lies Think with your heart Read between the lines Things aren't always how they seem We've got to make the best of it Eye for an eye Tooth for a tooth Sometimes we're blind We can still see the truth I'm always on the run and I hate copy paste for god's sake Well we can't change the world We sure can change the way we live We can't only take Also got to learn to give Sometimes you're lost Sometimes you're blind Think with your heart Read between the lines
Nightlife (Feat. Bajka) Weather is in a style To keep the hope We tread these waters make our waves yes we do, Peaceful shall proceed An every single week, Come lets bring light To the night of need Weather is in a style To keep the hope We tread these waters make our waves yes we do, Peaceful shall proceed An every single week, Come lets bring light to the night of need I'm always on the run and I hate copy paste for god's sake There comes a time in somewhere new A time when trueborns really show Can you depend on friends to help when your in need Everybody got problems of they own Look all the silver seasonin shown Somethings are besta left alone
If You Stayed Over (Feat. Fink) If it's on it's on for good, yeah 'Cause when it's gone it's gone for good Let me tell you And if you stayed over You know we would, if we could Put it back together Make it good If I If I Breathe in the future, breathe out the past, yeah Savour this moment as long as it lasts Let me tell you... Put it back, piece by piece If you stayed over I'd make it so sweet I'd make you remember, baby From your head to your feet I'm always on the run and I hate copy paste for god's sake And if you go now, baby We'll never know how it ends Make it good And if you go now, baby We'll never know how it ends Make it good And if you go now, baby We'll never know how it ends Make it good Walk In The Sky
(Feat. Bajka)
They walk in the sky So near and so high They're stopping for none And when the day's done They agree that the sea Is the best place to be Wondrously free They live happily They know from the past Life simply doesn't last So they live for today For tomorrow they may Not be able to walk in the skies Sun slips into horizon Moon reaches for the stars Music is the healer No matter who you are No matter who you are... I'm always on the run and I hate copy paste for god's sake They walk in the sky So near and so high They're stopping for none And when the day's done They agree that the sea Is the best place to be Wondrously free They live happily They know from the past Life simply doesn't last So they live for today For tomorrow they may Not be able to walk in the skies Sun slips into horizon Moon reaches for the stars Music is the healer No matter who you are No matter who you are... Sun slips into horizon Moon reaches for the stars Music is the healer No matter who you are No matter who you are...
Black Sands Eyesdown (Feat. Andreya Triana) Hands up I got my eyes facing down I'll show you where my tears come down Slowly down I'm always on the run and I hate copy paste for god's sake The Keeper (Feat. Andreya Triana) I know she said That I don't need her 'Cause every time I call She's sitting sweeter Well I know she said To get near her But I'm feeling cold And I must leave her Sat down here with my head hung down And I just seem to find A bit of peace A bit of love A bit of something left behind Sat down here less intentions Nothing said, nothing lied A bit of peace A bit of love A bit of something left inside I'm always on the run and I hate copy paste for god's sake And my heart's content I said I don't please her Happiness is on her face It's the mind that greets her Only my disgrace To admit I need her But we all fall from grace Dust me down and keep her Sat down here with my head hung down And I just seem to find A bit of peace A bit of love A bit of something left behind Sat down here less intentions And nothing said, nothing lied A bit of peace A bit of love A bit of something left inside We can go on We can go on We can go on We can go on... Because we can go on Living this way Stay the Same (Feat. Andreya Triana) A night train Midnight Bags gathered round my feet Possessions Some lessened To carry with me Heavy and soothing Like a gentle symphony I rest my head right Back upon my seat It's hard and cold though The best thing for me This train is moving But my heart is stationery I'm always on the run and I hate copy paste for god's sake Seasons change Signed that it won't be the same I'm hoping, I won't stay the same Reasons strange Why we almost play these games I left it With you A note that was discreet I made sure I put it Upon the cellar door It's hanging, hoping Will you read it while I weep Last time The last time It flickers through me So vivid It rushes From my head down to my feet We're laughing, joking Threw a dice to my defeat Seasons change It will never be the same I'm hoping I won't stay the same Reasons strange Why we almost play these games Seasons change It will never be the same I'm hoping I won't stay the same Reasons strange Why we almost play these games Seasons change It will never be the same I'm hoping I won't stay the same Reasons strange Why we almost play these games The North Borders First Fires
( feat. Grey Reverend ) How do you see it The dream's gone Faded fires, moving on Why do you need it The waves come Over you, to undertow Honestly I can't believe it's burning again Like the first fires Run from the fences, you don't have to pretend In the first fires And if you can find it, don't let go Hold it tight, keep it close Don't even fight it, the leaves fall Over me, for every blow I'm always on the run and I hate copy paste for god's sake Honestly, I can't believe it's burning again Like the first fires Run from fences, you don't have to pretend Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com First fires And all the memories are calling my name For the first fire Honestly, I can't believe it's burning again Like the first fires Like the first fires Honestly, I can't believe it's burning again Honestly, I can't believe it's burning again Like the first fires
Emkay (sample of Keyshia Cole's "Love") What am I - gone What am I - gone What am I - gone What am I - gone - do Oh love Empty
Heaven For The Sinner ( Feat. Erykah Badu ) We don't need no truth, got planted now It grows on trees I don't let it ... or 8 side loose There's no saint and there's no sinner Done more dirt than these I know that we can do more right that these I need to find a paradise for me We just ask about God is ready, but you don't wanna No one tell me, heaven's waiting For the sinner, It's steady waiting I'm always on the run and I hate copy paste for god's sake World keeps turning Shine on light Shine all time Heaven's waiting, for the sinners We just ask about God is ready, but you don't wanna No one tell me, heaven's waiting For the sinner It's steady waiting We just ask about God is ready, but you don't wanna No one tell me, heaven's waiting For the sinner It's steady waiting
Sapphire (Sample : Bon Iver - Skinny Love) Load is full, so slow on the split Load is, split Load is full, so slow on the split Load is full, so slow on the split Load is, split Load is full, so slow on the split Load is full, so slow on the split Load is, split Load is full, so slow on the split Load is, split Load is full, so slow on the split
Towers ( Feat. Szjerdene ) You were here for a while You come to me docile Try to make sense of this By the time that I express That I have felt hopeless You had turned away from me I'm in this silence You're raising towers I'm walking over I'm in this, burning For kindness searching I'm walking over I'm in this silence You're raising towers I'm walking over I'm always on the run and I hate copy paste for god's sake You were gone days and nights Empty spaces no light Try to find peace in this Looking at those times So all the years you lie So you hide away from me I'm in this silence You're raising towers I'm walking over I'm in this, burning For kindness searching I'm walking over I'm in this silence You're raising towers I'm walking over
Don't Wait
Hey, don't wait Hey, don't wait Don't wait
Hey, don't wait Hey, don't wait Don't wait...
Transits ( Feat. Szjerdene ) You'll never know Only my soul Bares the truth Cares for you Only my soul You'll never see Stays here with me Overload, nothing more Only my soul Knew you were ready You had no answers for me Knew you were ready You had no answers for me Knew you were ready I knew you were You had no answers for me I'm always on the run and I hate copy paste for god's sake Knew you were ready I knew you were You had no answers for me Take me back to where love grows I don't want to be here anymore Take me back to where love grows I don't want to be here anymore
Pieces
( Feat. Cornelia ) Love is in the eyes of the beholder I Used to keep a lighthouse lit for you Hoping there's a chance you would stay sober and Find your way back home without the booze In this deep hole of shame I've got secrets buried In this deep hole of shame There is no one to call I'm always on the run and I hate copy paste for god's sake Love is in the eyes of the beholder I've Kept the clouds at distance from the blue Hoping there's a chance we'd change it over Picking up the pieces and make do Love is in the eyes of the beholder I Used to keep a lighthouse lit for you Hoping there's a chance you would stay sober but It's not up to me to guide you through We were fighting but its over now Picking pieces off the ground Once so reckless but I'm older now Picking pieces off the ground Picking pieces Picking pieces off the ground
Migration
Break Apart (Featuring Rhye) It's hard to take all of this hate It's hard to take all of this hate, this hate First move they think they never saw Be careful with me, be careful with Join with me I should've heard your fear So, it's on me, so, it's on I should've heard your needs So, it's on, so, it's on, so, it's on We've thrown apart these pieces We've thrown apart these pieces So, I don't go home Tell me love, tell me love You're my favourite, you're my favourite But we're phasing, but we're phasing You're my favourite, you're my favourite But we're phasing, but we're phasing You're my favourite, you're my favourite But we're phasing, but we're phasing You're my favourite, you're my favourite You're my Instead of something to break apart Instead, it's just broke apart Stand up and shake this heart Instead, it's just a break apart from us I should've heard your fear Shame on me I should've heard your needs Shame on me Help me out, on me, help me out, on me Help me out, on me, help me out, on me Help me out, on me, help me out, on me Help me out
Grains
One, sand One drop of water, water, sand One, sand One drop of water, water, sand One, sand, one, sand One, sand, one, sand One grain of sand One drop of water, water, sand One, sand, one, sand One, sand, one, sand One grain of sand, one, sand One grain of sand Water in the sea One grain of sand One grain of sand Water in the sea One grain of sand One grain of sand Water in the sea One grain of sand One grain of sand One grain of sand
Surface (Featuring Nicole Miglis) Make me I've been paper thin so I can not fly I can not move without wind, without wind Saw the side of you I never knew But were we ever good enough And all we have to do is talk it through But words are never good enough Can we get anywhere Paper thin paperweight Are we close enough Close enough Seek the surface I can make it up By not being perfect I can make it up, I can make it up I can make it up, I can make it up I can make it up, I can make it up I can make it up, can I make it up But what you wonder, if I'm crystal blue But you were never clear enough And every word to you is hard to say 'Cause words are never good enough Can we get anywhere Paper thin paperweight Are we close enough Close enough Seek the surface I can make it up By not being perfect I can make it up, I can make it up (Seek the surface) I can make it up, I can make it up I can make it up, I can make it up (By not being perfect) I can make it up, can I make it up I can make it up
Seek the surface Seek the surface Seek the surface
No Reason (Featuring Nick Murphy) It's beautiful, and even though I told you so, you know We'd face survival, we're leaving lights on We'll move or go on somehow Looking like soldiers waiting to drown And I'm not around no more And looking at people that don't make a sound When music's around, stay warm And we've got no rhyme or no reason now We've got the time of our lives now It's seasonal, nobody knows We'll make it known somehow Just you and me, and we can see Small machines and sunrise Looking like soldiers waiting to drown And I'm not around no more Pictures of people that don't make a sound When music's around, stay warm And we've got no rhyme and no reason now We've got the time of our lives now Pictures of people that don't make a sound When music's around, stay warm And we've got no rhyme and no reason now Looking like soldiers waiting to drown And I'm not around no more Lookin at people that don't make a sound When music's around, stay warm And we've got no rhyme and no reason now We've got the time of our lives now
Figures
(Samples : Elkie Brooks - Just An Excuse)
Oh, if it hadn't been for, don't need me no more Oh, if it hadn't been for, don't need me no more Oh, if it hadn't been for, don't need me no more Oh, if it hadn't been for, don't need me no more You'd be happy some, why do you feel Don't need me no more Oh, if it hadn't been for, don't need me no more You'd be happy some Believe it, be Don't need me no more, why do you feel? Don't need me no more Oh, if it hadn't been for, don't need me no more You'd be happy some, it's not You'd be happy some, it's not Don't need me no more, believe it Why do you feel you'd be happy some Why do you feel Believe it Believe it Believe it, it's not Don't need me no, believe it Oh, if it hadn't been for, don't need me no You'd be happy some Why do you feel Don't need me no, you'd be happy some Why do you feel You say I tie, don't need me no Oh, if it hadn't been for, don't need me no, had enough Oh, if it hadn't been for, you say, don't need me no Believe it, it's not, believe it, it's not You say I tie, believe it, it's not, believe it, it's not You say I tie, believe it, it's not Don't need me no, believe it, it's not You say I tie, believe it, it's not Don't need me no, believe it, it's not You say I tie, believe it, it's not Don't need me no, believe it, it's not You say I tie, believe it, it's not Don't need me no, believe it, it's not You say I tie, believe it, it's not You say, don't, believe it, it's not, believe it, it's not You say, don't need me no
Fragments
Shadows Jordan Rakei: I thought you'd know what came to pass This love is falling down But falling leaves hang on for life As time is ticking now I'll wait and see the fire burn It's burning to the ground Wake from the dream without the hurt The journey's turning 'round Save me, save me from the unknown While I daydream I leave this world to follow you My footsteps are sinking to the hollows I can retrace the memories in the shadows Consider that my time away Was working for the soul I studied all I had to face The fear inside me grows Save me, save me from the unknown While I daydream I leave this world to follow you My footsteps are sinking to the hollows I can retrace the memories in the shadows Save me, save me from the unknown While I daydream I leave this world to follow you My footsteps are sinking to the hollows I can retrace the memories in the shadows
Rosewood I won't leave you I won't leave you I won't leave you I won't leave you I won't leave you I won't now I won't leave you I won't I won't leave you I won't now I won't leave you Not this time I won't leave you I won't now I won't leave you Not this time Your mind has set me free Your mind has set me free I won't leave you... I won't I won't leave you I won't now I won't leave you Not this time Your mind has set me free I won't now I won't leave you Not this time Your mind has set me free I won't leave you Not this time Your mind has set me free Tides Jamila Woods: We cloud people, we live in gray Why we don't need release in rain We cloud people, we never stay We hold our freedom like a plane We won't be dry soon Here come the tides You move when I do You'll never be mine We won't be dry soon Here come the tides You move when I do You'll never be mine I'm not supposed to feel I'm not supposed to miss How am I supposed to heal How am I supposed to fit A little awkward then, a little oxygen I let you get away, I held the ocean in We cloud people, we live in gray If you love me, let me float away We won't be dry soon (won't be dry) Here come the tides You move when I do (won't be mine) You'll never be mine We won't be dry soon (won't be dry) Here come the tides You move when I do (won't be mine) You'll never be mine We won't be dry soon (won't be dry) Here come the tides You move when I do (won't be mine) You'll never be mine
Closer You Closer to you Closer to you Far closer to you Closer to you Closer to you Close Closer to you Far closer to you Closer to you Closer to you Closer to you Far To you Closer to you Far To you Closer Closer to you Closer Closer to you Closer to you Closer to you
From You Joji : Gone like changing seasons Alright, alright You sweared this is easy Alright, alright Falling from you Falling from you Falling from you Falling from you You said it was all in my mind Running through the sugarcane Stars in my eyes I don't wanna believe about falling back Running from the world and I'm calling back Hiding from the world in a cul-de-sac Hiding from the world in a cul-de-sac Falling from you Falling from you Falling from you Falling from you Falling from you Falling from you Falling from you Falling from you
Day By Day I know you can hear me You don't want it this way But dark is the middle And the walls are still wet clay You slay an old nightmare A mirrored display Beneath all the wreckage Is a form that wants to stay I know you can hear me You don't want it this way But dark is the middle And the walls are still wet clay Inch by inch, day by day We'll make this a better place Not too loose, not too tight Like lovers do, we'll be alright Inch by inch, day by day We'll make this a better place Not too loose, not too tight Like lovers do, we'll be alright