'Obscured by the shadows' An interview with Claptone

Photo: Claptone Credit: Ariya Behjat

As one of the most unique forces in modern deep house, Berlin based auteur Claptone is forging a singular path on his own, creating slinky floor focused cuts whilst donning an enigmatic, plague doctor mask that heightens the intrigue behind his mysterious presence.

Ahead of his Masquerade Ball for The Gallery at Ministry of Sound on Friday the 24th, we caught up with the cryptic Berliner to try and get behind the mask. The results were confusing, bizarre and intriguing, often all at the same time. Strap in, and stream his latest mix below.

How long have you been based in Berlin?

I am constantly circumnavigating the globe but it seems to be that more often than not my journey begins and ends in Berlin. There is a creative magnetism and it’s difficult for a creature such as myself to break its gravitational pull. This has been going on for some time!

How long have you been producing music?

From my inception my heart kept a rhythm and I have built out from there. But interestingly it’s the same 4/4. Isn’t that strange?

In some media Claptone is referred to as a duo? Which is correct?

Claptone is an otherworldly being who appears to most as a visitor delivering a musical message of hope and love. Sometimes this message can be hard to interpret or even fuzzy like the distant constant crackle of a pirate radio station broadcasting from the edges of the receiver. Whether the message is clear or the the hallucination plays tricks on the eye, the message is the same and I am one. 

Your remix of jazz giant Gregory Porter's 'Liquid Spirit' climbed to number one on Beatport, how did the remix materialise?

I have existed at the back of the smoky room for as long as there has been a beat, obscured by the shadows but letting my presence be known. It was in one such room that I met my musical match and this remix was born. It wasn’t an easy fusion as his history laid heavy on my shoulders. But the result was hard won and I am terribly proud. 

You are releasing your debut album on the esteemed PIAS label. When will it be available?

We will be building momentum and releasing the album at the right time before we are plunged back into another long dark winter. This project is designed to keep hope alive when the nights are longest. 

You have generated a broad spectrum of popularity. How would you best describe your musical style?

My style is a primal one channelling the urge to congregate and lose oneself among the crowd while the groove whips up a fervent ecstasy. 

What is the inspiration behind your new single ‘Forest Of Love’?

Forests have always been a place of solace upon which to dwell upon the very nature of being. If we are trapped in a forest of love as I envisage then it’s a place of wonderful abandon where anything is possible. I highly recommend you seek such a place right now!

Who are your biggest musical influences?

I am influenced by those who walk the high line of authenticity despite the pitfalls and mirage of success that dazzles many and lures them into the desert. 

You are throwing a Masquerade ball at The Gallery on Friday 24th, are you planning to do more masked events? 

The Masquerade is not something you enter into lightly and so the timing must be right. When a group of music fans choose to lose themselves in the music and hide their identity anything might happen and often does. To that end, this weekend is a test to see if you are ready… 

Your set at WMC was one of the highlights of the week, can you tell us a bit more about it?

Claptone have worked with the Oscar-nominated director Peter Martin to create a visual feast to accompany our music and Ultra gave me the platform to bring it to the public on a beautiful day.

My sound was a welcome respite from the raw music elsewhere and the setting plus the sounds served up something even my magic couldn’t conjure. Expect to see the Claptone Immortal Live show at leading festivals this summer and special shows later on this year. 

Which festivals will you be hitting this summer?

Right now you’d need to have some magic to keep up with the Claptone touring agenda as every day brings fantastic new opportunities to travel and present my sound of ever larger stages. Please follow my procession on my social media and I cannot wait to entertain you this summer. 

Do you think the mask will come off at some point in the future?

The mask is a state of mind and we all have the ability to reveal our real soul at the drop of a hat. 

And finally, can you let us in on your current top five records?

At number one would be my record 'The Music Got Me', a track inspired by the golden age of eighties New York nightlife and envisioned for a future scene. Happy to win Pete Tong’s Miami Essential New Tune and to see support from DJs and fans all over the world. 

Then I'd pick Dauwd's 'Jupiter George', with its sunshine spaced out disco feeling that practically shimmers like the heat from an Ibiza horizon. Tune out with Jupiter George

Chuva Speaks Arab's Reckless Girl would come in at number three, a tune that channels the washed out blues and roots of the Deep South with a swing to make the moon cry tears of joy. 

At number four I'd have Paul C, Paolo Maldini and Roland Clark's 'Take Some House', the Riva Starr Edit. Claptone’s friend and nocturnal conspirator Riva Starr helps us make twists that sound unique. 

And lastly our remix of Gregory Porter's 'Liquid Spirit'. The Grammy Award winning jazz hero steps lightly onto the global dance floor with our help and the magic happens. So happy to see how well received my remix has been all over the world as I put my soul into this smokey vibe. 

You can see Claptone in all his (their?) glory at Ministry of Sound this Friday alongside Henry Saiz. Get your Claptone tickets here.