#63 - Bonobo - Surface (feat. Nicole Miglis)
A deep dive into Bonobo’s “Surface,” where subtle electronic textures meet Nicole Miglis’s ethereal voice in a cinematic meditation on solitude.
Story Behind “Surface” by Bonobo
“Surface” is a standout track from Bonobo’s 2017 album Migration. Featuring haunting vocals by Nicole Miglis of Hundred Waters, the song captures urgency and existential tension. Bonobo’s layered production—percussion locked to Miglis’s emotional delivery—creates a soundscape described as instilling “a feeling of legitimate desperation and fear”.
These elements form a cinematic moment in the album, reflecting Bonobo’s evolving sound palette shaped by travel and collaboration .
Technical Details
Notes About “Surface”
Release Date: January 13, 2017 (single and album)
Album: Migration
Duration: ~4:11
Key: E♭ minor
BPM: 110
Genre: Electronica / Downtempo
Writers/Producers: Simon Green (Bonobo), Nicole Miglis featured vocals
Album Details
Album: Migration – Bonobo’s sixth studio album
Release Date: January 13, 2017
Label: Ninja Tune
Background: A reflective journey shaped by Bonobo’s travels and collaborations
Artist Details
Bonobo (Simon Green): English musician, producer, and DJ known for blending electronica, downtempo, nu‑jazz, and world music
Nicole Miglis: Member of Hundred Waters, whose ethereal vocals are central to “Surface”
Interesting Facts
Emotional Impact: Stereofox described the song as evoking “legitimate desperation and fear … haunting, terrifying, but beautiful”.
Collaborative Spirit: “Surface” is one of several high-profile collaborations on Migration, showcasing Bonobo’s genre-crossing explorations .
Album Recognition: Migration won Album of the Year at the 2017 Electronic Music Awards and received a Grammy nomination.
Reception & Community Insights
On Reddit, fans noted that Migration “incorporates a lot of elements from throughout his discography,” with “Surface” reminding them of his earlier works like Black Sands
