Clapper

Soul, UK jazz and the energy of instrumental hip-hop

Rooted in Aarhus, Clapper blend soul and UK jazz with the energy of instrumental hip-hop. The result is a soundscape where rhythmic precision meets melodic freedom, with off-kilter grooves, tempo changes and collective improvisation as central driving forces.

Since their debut album On Tempo (2023, Super Bad Disco / HHV) and the live release Under The Radar, the band has made its mark on the Scandinavian scene. The band consists of Frederik Emil Bülow (drums), Adrian Christensen (bass), Jeppe Lavsen (guitar) and Malthe Jepsen (Rhodes & synth) — four musicians who also play in bands such as Abekejser, Hvalfugl and İpek Yolu.

Now they are visiting Svanekegaarden with their new album With Friends. The concert offers grooves, tempo changes and collective improvisation.

With Friends expands CLAPPER's distinctive soundscape with contributions from an international lineup of guest artists, including Walter Smith III, Sanyu, Musina Ebobisse, Mathias Heise, Oilly Wallace, Ronja Rose Andersson and Jonas Due. The guest artists will not be appearing at the concert.

In true CLAPPER style, the album blends soul jazz with instrumental hip-hop and RnB. From Walter Smith III's saxophone solos and Sanyu's soulful vocals to Ronja Rose Andersson's atmospheric harmonies, each guest brings their own expression while remaining rooted in CLAPPER's collective sound.

“We've never been interested in fitting into one particular genre,” says guitarist Jeppe Lavsen. “The music comes from playing together, experimenting and trusting each other creatively. This album simply opened up the circle to friends we admire.”

Together, the quartet delivers dynamic arrangements and sharp rhythmic shifts. Politiken described a CLAPPER concert as “an almost perfect experience” and wrote that the band's music “engages both the brain and the heart,” while GAFFA noted that CLAPPER proved that “a front person is overrated.”

With Friends embraces precisely this spirit: less focus on the individual and more on connection, trust and shared musical expression. This time, friendship is the front person.

Photo: Alexander H. Jespersen