Clapper (DK)

New Danish jazz with beat scene chops. Hailing from Aarhus, Denmark, the quartet Clapper blended classic soul and fusion jazz with the wonk, swing, and groove of modern instrumental hip-hop. With a sound rooted equally in rhythmic precision and melodic freedom, the group became known for neck-snapping switch-ups, deep-pocket beats, and an intuitive sense of collective improvisation.

Since the release of their debut album On Tempo on December 8, 2023 via Super Bad Disco / HHV, Clapper accumulated more than 200,000 plays online and steadily built a reputation as one of the most vital voices on the Scandinavian jazz-adjacent scene. The album introduced a band equally comfortable with laid-back groove and high-energy fusion workouts, driven by strong themes and playful musicianship.

Clapper consists of Frederik Emil Bülow (drums), Adrian Christensen (bass), Jeppe Lavsen (guitar), and Malthe Jepsen (piano & Rhodes)—all well-known figures within the young Danish jazz movement. Beyond Clapper, the members are involved in a wide range of acclaimed projects including Abekejser, Hvalfugl, and İpek Yolu, contributing to the cross-pollination of jazz, beats, and contemporary instrumental music in Denmark.

Built on a long-standing collaborative history, the quartet’s creative process was instinctive and unpretentious. As guitarist Jeppe Lavsen explained:
“It wasn’t important for us to adhere to any particular genre or style. We just met up, had fun, and improvised over riffs we were feeling. Having played together for so many years, it took very little time to lock in and move in the same direction. From there, it was simply a matter of selecting and developing the strongest ideas from our sessions.”

This spontaneous energy carries directly into Clapper’s live performances. Their concerts often begin with deceptively cheerful, groove-led themes before unfolding into intense, beat-focused fusion sets that leaves both audiences and musicians on their feet. Live shows became a cornerstone of the band’s reputation, praised for their drive, dynamics, and sheer musical joy.

In May 2025, Clapper released their second album, Under the Radar, again through HHV Records / Super Bad Disco. Recorded live in 2024, the album features entirely new material except for one reimagined track from On Tempo. Drawing inspiration from classic fusion jazz as well as modern influences from Detroit and London, Under the Radar captured the band at full throttle—raw, heavy, and deeply groove-oriented.
While already acclaimed in Denmark, Clapper’s international profile steadily grew following the release of Under the Radar. What had once felt underground quickly proved impossible to overlook, as the quartet cemented their status as leading figures in modern European beat-driven jazz.