A Branch Above

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s rare for a new DJ to break into the scene and make an immediate impact. In Spokane’s saturated EDM scene, it borders on impossible. Yet here I am, already talking about DJ Conobo, an artist whose ‘aww shucks’ meets Neo energy and genre-bending sets have quickly garnered them some well deserved attention. Simply put, Conobo is a branch above the rest.

Like Dian Fossey, My First Encounter

To date I have witness this gifted great ape (yes I know Bonobos are monkeys, but its my piece so huff my shorts) on the ones and two’s a handful of times now. Each set has left me more impressed than the last. Its not just the depth of their crate, but also their natural understanding of how songs should complement one another. They glide between 20+ subgenres of EDM with the ease of a seasoned festival veteran. Whether it’s house, funk, psytrance, or sample-heavy experimental beats, Conobo handles each transition with the care of a mother handling a new born.

Onstage, they pocess this rare combo of calm coolness and exciting presence. It’s the kind of energy that takes the crowd by the hand and says “Don’t worry, papas got ya.” It’s a presence they excites and prepares the audience for the drop, but doesn’t feel forced. It’s charismatic, charming, even dangerously likable. The kind of energy where if they hit on your mom, you might actually root for them.

But behind the decks, it’s more than just monkeying around. I wanted to get inside the mind of this mysterious music-making mammal, so I sat down with DJ Conobo for a private interview.

Behind the Bongos: An Interview with DJ Conobo

Q: What do you want your audience to know about you?

“I truly do it just for the audience. I love watching people groove, dance, move. If I’ve done that, I feel accomplished. I’m not doing this for money or clout. I know that’s cliché, but I really mean it.”

And honestly? You can feel that sincerity in every set. No ego. Just energy,  music and movement. The lights, the sound, even the booth, none of that takes the spotlight away from the audience in a DJ Conobo performance. Their whole vibe is built on the foundation of community and shared joy.

Q: What in your childhood influenced your love for music? And who are your current influences?

“My first album was Gorillaz’ self-titled debut. That album influenced my fascination with all kinds of different genres of music, hip hop, electronic, indie and funk. Really though, my influences have come in waves throughout life. DJing was something I was always afraid to do until my mid-twenties. After I rediscovered house music, that passion came rushing back, and I knew I had to do something with this.”

This answer was almost too perfect. The Gorillaz are a perfect example of the genre-bending musical chasms DJ Conobo can cross behind the decks. And funny enough, I briefly clocked the clever parallel between Bonobos and Gorillaz, whether they recognized it or not I like to think somewhere deep in their subconsious it influenced their name a little bit.

They continued:

“I’m a lifelong Grateful Dead fan, so there’s definitely psychedelic influence in my sets. There’s some amazing psych music coming out of Australia right now. There isn’t a lot out there like the sound design in psych. Hip hop is huge for me too, especially sample-heavy artists like Black Thought, Sault, Mad Alchemist, Madlib, and Flying Lotus. Oh, and funk. If I could go back in time, it’d be to see Parliament-Funkadelic’s Mothership Connection Tour. No question.”

Q: What’s the biggest high you get from performing?

“When the crowd’s in sync and vibing with a song I didn’t think they’d love — that’s the best feeling. Like, I played Sriracha Lights by Hot Chip once, and seeing the crowd love it as much as I do? That was a highlight for me.”

Q: And as a member of the crowd?

“It’s the same thing, but from the flip side. Everyone vibing together, like a shared language without words. When Odd Mob and Omnom played Hyperbeam for the first time, I had that kind of moment. As both a fan and a DJ, I want to create that feeling.”

As I have said, I got this sense as an onlooker long before I had a chance to speak with them, but in talking with them I could see the sincerity and glint of excitement in their eyes behind this mission. They were truly doing this as a service to the audience and not themselves. Many DJ’s set out with a similar goal, but they loose sight of that once they step foot on the stage.

Bigger Forest and Greener Trees: What’s Next for DJ Conobo?

What became glaringly apparent in our conversation was how grounded and thoughtful Conobo is about their path. This isn’t a race to the big stage, it’s a mission to build connection through sound.

Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?

“I’ll be finishing school and hopefully producing a lot with the skills I’ve gained. I’m moving to Denver next year and plan to build my career there.”

Q: Where did the name ‘Conobo’ come from?

“Before I knew about DJ Bonobo, I always loved Bonobo monkeys. The name just worked well with mine. I might change it once I start producing seriously. It’s a good name for the local scene, but I’m still waiting for the new one to hit me.”

 

And there it is. That last answer really tied the whole Conobo package together. No forced mystique. No dramatic declarations. Just that signature calm, cool, collected energy. Almost like they’ve already seen how it’s all going to unfold and they’re just waiting for the rest of us to catch up. Honestly, DJ Conobo is the living embodiment of “success is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” And right now? They’re riding that wave like a funky, genre-bending surfer.

If I were you, the next time you see DJ Conobo’s name on a flyer, GO. Treat yourself. Grab a ticket, get loose, and dance like everyone else will be. I guarantee, or I wil pay for your ticket, that you’ll leave with a full heart, a goofy smile, and a new favorite DJ.

Oh, and hurry up. They’re not sticking around forever. Spokane might’ve been their launchpad, but this ape’s got altitude.

Note: I will not pay for your ticket if you don’t like the show. I don’t have that kind of money and you need better taste in music.