Music has always played a pivotal role in the works of renowned anime director Shinichir Watanabe. His storytelling is often interwoven with elaborate soundtracks that do more than simply accompany the visuals; they are fundamental to the identity of each series. From the vibrant jazz and rock sounds of Cowboy Bebop to the relaxing lo-fi beats of Samurai Champloo, Watanabes creative vision consistently melds music with narrative.

The latest addition to his impressive portfolio is Lazarus, a sci-fi action thriller anime that premiered earlier this month. This series stands out not only for its engaging plot but also for its conceptually and sonically ambitious soundtrack. Instead of relying on a traditional composer, Watanabe collaborated with a trio of his favorite musical artists: acclaimed jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington, electronic dance music (EDM) producer Floating Points, and downtempo EDM maestro Bonobo. This unique partnership aimed to create an expansive soundscape that complements the intricate universe Watanabe has crafted for Lazarus.

In a recent interview with Polygon, Bonobo, whose real name is Simon Green, shared insights into his experience working alongside Watanabe, his approach to scoring the series, and the significance of the song that encapsulates the core themes of Lazarus. The conversation highlighted the collaborative spirit and the artistic freedom that permeated the project.

Bonobo recounted how the collaboration first began, revealing that Watanabe reached out to him a couple of years ago. The two had been fans of each others work, and Watanabe expressed his desire to contribute music to this new project. This initial outreach happened around early 2023, during which Watanabe sent Bonobo a PDF detailing the characters, their backstories, and the geographical and conceptual dimensions of the universe he was building for Lazarus.

During the conversation, Bonobo reflected on his history with anime, acknowledging that while he doesnt consider himself a hardcore anime enthusiast, he has always appreciated Watanabe's work. He expressed admiration for classics like Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo, as well as influential films from the 1990s, such as Akira. Bonobo even mentioned that he created a song called Otomo on his album Fragments, named after the director of Akira, highlighting the profound impact of anime music on his own creative journey.

When discussing his work on Lazarus, Bonobo mentioned that he views his albums as chapters of his life, with each record representing a distinct period. He characterized his score for Lazarus as a blend of everything he has done previously, integrating varied influences and production knowledge while paying homage to the show's essence. This unique approach allowed him to craft a soundtrack that resonates deeply with the themes of the anime.

A focal point of their collaboration was the pivotal track Dark Will Fall, which opens the first episode. Watanabe conveyed to Bonobo that he wanted the song to capture the essence of deals made with the devil, drawing inspiration from classic Delta blues themes. Bonobo recalled a significant conversation they had in Tokyo, where Watanabe emphasized the importance of this song, likening its energy to Robert Johnsons iconic track Me and the Devil. The song not only sets the tone for the series but also makes a reappearance in the final scene, creating a full-circle moment that underscores its thematic significance.

In terms of instrumentation, Bonobo shared that Watanabe encouraged him to move away from conventional scoring approaches. Instead, he aimed to create music that felt original and organic to his style. One standout element in the score is a Ugandan harp called a dongo, which Bonobo incorporated after discovering it during a writing camp with Gorillaz. This unique instrument adds a distinct cultural texture to the soundtrack, highlighting the diverse influences at play.

Since the premiere of Lazarus, Bonobo expressed his appreciation for the series, noting that it revisits the universe of Cowboy Bebop while addressing contemporary themes relevant in 2025, such as corporate ethics and societal moral dilemmas. His perspective emphasizes how Watanabe has successfully adapted the beloved anime's aesthetic to reflect current issues.

As for future opportunities, Bonobo indicated his openness to scoring more anime projects, although he has yet to receive any offers beyond Lazarus. He remains enthusiastic about the prospect of engaging in scoring work that resonates with him, indicating that anime remains a compelling medium for his artistic expression.

The Lazarus soundtrack, which is a collaboration with Adult Swim, is currently available for streaming on platforms like YouTube and Spotify. The anime series itself can be streamed on Max, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in this innovative blend of animation and music.