Claptone

Origins and Hidden Identity

Claptone is one of the most enigmatic and successful musical projects in the history of contemporary electronic music. It emerged from the vibrant underground scene of Berlin, Germany, in the early 2010s. Its characteristic image is based on an iconic golden mask inspired by Venetian plague doctors, accompanied by white gloves and an elegant top hat. Although the project is officially presented as a mysterious and eternal character who has never revealed its human face, music industry records, copyrights, and media investigations point to the fact that behind this imposing mask operate the talented and experienced German producers Daniel Brems and Christoph Göttsch. Both musicians were already operating with great success in the electronic scene under the acclaimed duo Malente & Dex.

The brilliant decision to hide their identity served as an absolute marketing genius and a pure way to keep the public's focus exclusively on the music, managing to free the project from the traditional cult of personality that surrounds superstar DJs. Furthermore, this intelligent anonymity strategy has allowed Claptone to logistically perform in different and distant places around the world simultaneously, unleashing popular fascination, countless theories, and confirming that at least two people don the mask to perform globally.

Rise to Fame and Debut Album 'Charmer'

Claptone's international takeoff came through the prestigious Berlin label Exploited, releasing their first major dancefloor hit titled 'Cream' in 2012. However, it was in 2013, with the captivating and melancholic vocal anthem 'No Eyes' featuring the emotional voice of JAW, that they managed to definitively consolidate themselves as a global superstar in the sophisticated genres of Deep House and Tech House. This resounding international success paved the way for the ambitious production and release of their acclaimed debut album, titled 'Charmer', which was published at the end of 2015.

The album was an absolute sales triumph, masterfully fusing club house rhythms with indie pop music sensibilities, and including notable vocal collaborations with globally renowned artists such as Peter Bjorn and John and Nathan Nicholson. That same year, their spectacular remix version of the track 'Liquid Spirit' by the award-winning jazz singer Gregory Porter became the best-selling track globally on the Beatport store, granting Porter's original album a prestigious gold record status in the United Kingdom. Furthermore, this huge achievement elevated the definitive status of the mysterious masked DJ, who was awarded 'Best Producer' at the historic DJ Awards held on the island of Ibiza.

'The Masquerade', Evolution and Global Dominance

With their brilliant reputation at the absolute peak of the industry, Claptone independently designed and launched their own series of immersive events, conceptualized under the mystical name 'The Masquerade'. These lavish themed parties, which combine grandiose elements of a classic Venetian carnival with intrigue and visual magic, debuted triumphantly and became an unstoppable global touring phenomenon. These exclusive productions led them to headline highly successful summer residencies at the most legendary clubs on the island of Ibiza, conquering iconic venues such as Pacha, Amnesia, and, more recently, establishing their home at the majestic Club Chinois. Additionally, these incredible live performances have undoubtedly positioned them as an essential headliner on the main stages of titanic festivals around the world, dazzling at colossal events such as Tomorrowland, Coachella, and Ultra Music Festival.

In the strictly recording realm, the enigmatic duo continued to expand their captivating sonic identity with their second studio album, 'Fantast' (2018), creatively adopting a much more melodic, introspective, and organic approach. This evolution was masterfully continued by their third studio LP, titled 'Closer' in 2021. This latest work was boldly co-produced by the famous and legendary British producer Stuart Price, and featured memorable stellar collaborations from great classic pop icons such as Seal and Barry Manilow. In addition to successfully operating their own record label, the acclaimed Golden Recordings, Claptone currently remains indisputably at the pinnacle of House music, breaking astonishing streaming records on digital platforms and forcefully demonstrating that their immense musical magic will continue to shine and influence with as much intensity as their unmistakable and magnetic golden mask for many years to come.