Claptone Announces Debut Album 'Charmer,' Premieres First Track 'Puppet Theatre' (Exclusive)

The masked artist unveils his most ambitious project to date.

For Claptone, anonymity is more than a clever gimmick -- it's a means to creative fulfillment. Since arriving on the scene four years ago, the enigmatic artist has earned the favor of industry peers and fans alike under the veil of a golden mask.

His accomplishments range from a Beatport No. 1 remix of Gregory Porter’s “Liquid Spirit,” to an acclaimed BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix debut -- and that’s just this year.

Mix Mondays: Listen to Michael Brun, Claptone, Pretty Lights & More

Today, Claptone has officially announced his new album, Charmer. Featuring thirteen tracks in total, the Berlin-based producer has collaborated with artists such as Nathan Nicholson of The Boxer Rebellion, Philadelphia’s Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Finnish musician Jimi Tenor and more.

The album's first track to see daylight is “Puppet Theatre,” featuring Peter, Bjorn and John. The song expands upon Claptone’s penchant for world-refined house music, albeit with a bit more theatrical flair than normal. The lyrics speak of apathy, immorality, and the commodification of society -- deep topics for house music, yet befitting of Claptone’s scrupulous aesthetic.

Listen to the full premiere exclusively on Billboard:

Charmer will be available on October 16 via Different Recordings.

Claptone Tour Dates:

Sept. 3 - Pepper, Monterrey, Mexico

Sept. 4 - Mansion Magnolia, Guadalajara, Mexico

Sept. 5 - SCMF, El Paso, USA

Sept. 6 - Electric Zoo, New York, USA

Sept. 25 - Marquee, New York, USA

Sept. 26 - Sotto, Ottawa, Canada

Sept. 27 - TomorrowWorld, Atlanta, USA

Oct. 9 - Ink Studio, Mexico City, Mexico

Oct. 10 - It’ll Do, Dallas, USA

Oct. 11 - CRSSD Festival, San Diego, USA

Oct. 22 - Soho House, Santa Barbara, USA (TBC)

Oct. 23 - Temple, San Francisco, USA

Oct 24th - Something Wicked Festival, Houston, USA

Nov 1st - Hard Day Of the Dead, Los Angeles, USA