Bonobo and Arooj Aftab Unite on New Single 'Fire on the Water'

A taste of forthcoming album 'Distance in Static' arrives alongside club-focused track 'Drift'.

Bonobo has shared two new tracks from his forthcoming album 'Distance in Static', including the stunning collaborative single 'Fire on the Water' featuring acclaimed Arooj Aftab.

Released today alongside the more dancefloor-driven 'Drift', 'Fire on the Water' is described by Bonobo – aka Simon Green – as the emotional heart of the album. The collaboration emerged during recording sessions at Broken Arrow Ranch, the legendary Californian studio once owned by Neil Young. What began as an improvised acoustic guitar loop quickly evolved into one of the defining moments of the record, with Aftab adding soaring Urdu vocals inspired by poetry written by her friend Yasra Rizvi.

The release offers another glimpse into 'Distance in Static', Bonobo's first album since 2022's 'Fragments'. Set for release on 11 September via Ninja Tune, the record spans sessions across Los Angeles, Tokyo and London, bringing together an impressive cast of collaborators including Joy Crookes, Nilüfer Yanya, Ichiko Aoba, Nicole Miglis and Aanya Martin.

Alongside the introspective beauty of 'Fire on the Water', companion track 'Drift' leans into Bonobo's club instincts, pairing emotionally rich production with propulsive rhythms that have already become highlights of his recent DJ sets.

To coincide with the release, Bonobo has also announced a brand new live production set to debut this November with a North American headline tour. Designed by acclaimed creative director Pierre Claude, the show marks the beginning of a new chapter for one of electronic music's most influential artists as he prepares to bring 'Distance in Static' to audiences around the world.