Beatport Exclusive: Claptone Adds His Signature Touch to nimino’s "I Only Smoke When I Drink"

Today, a new remix hits Beatport, and it’s one that fans of electronic music won’t want to miss. Nimino, the UK-based producer known for his distinct blend of lo-fi, UK garage, and house, has handed over his viral track "I Only Smoke When I Drink" to none other than the enigmatic house maestro, Claptone. The remix, released through Counter Records/Ninja Tune, reimagines nimino's breakout hit in a way that feels both fresh and loyal to the original.

Before getting into Claptone’s remix, let’s appreciate the trajectory of nimino’s original track. “I Only Smoke When I Drink” didn’t just quietly appear on the scene—it erupted.

With over 17 million organic plays on TikTok, this track has resonated deeply across social media and amassed a devoted fanbase. It's a song that taps into that universal, introspective vibe of those “quiet moments in chaos”—and maybe that’s why it caught fire. From casual listeners to DJs like Diplo, who’s been dropping it into his sets, nimino’s track became a cross-platform sensation. Within months, it clocked over 32 million streams, racked up 130,000 Shazams, and even landed on Billboard’s Dance/Electronic Chart, peaking at #22, as well as reaching #61 on the UK Singles Chart.

Nimino’s sound is a lush mix of UK garage, lo-fi beats, and house, with an uncanny ability to craft catchy, reflective tunes that pack an emotional punch. He’s part of a wave of new producers who bridge the gap between club-ready bangers and headphone-friendly introspection. His songs are immersive, almost like mini soundscapes that create worlds of their own. Tracks like “I Only Smoke When I Drink” capture a mood—ethereal yet grounded, upbeat yet contemplative—that listeners seem to crave.

Adding to his viral hit’s success, nimino is currently on a 13-stop North American tour, where he’s bringing both DJ sets and custom live performances to fans. Known for his unique visual artistry, nimino uses custom-made visuals to create an experience that’s as visually captivating as it is sonically rich. He offers two show formats: freeform DJ sets for clubs and pop-up venues, and a more intricately designed live show for concert stages. This dual approach lets him craft a different vibe depending on the setting, enhancing his ability to connect with his audience on a deeper level.

Enter Claptone, the mysterious, golden-masked producer who’s become a staple in the global house scene. Known for his hypnotic, tech-house sound, Claptone’s style brings a certain finesse and groove that makes any track instantly club-ready. His remixes have a way of injecting infectious energy into any track, and nimino’s “I Only Smoke When I Drink” is no exception.

In this remix, Claptone doesn’t stray far from the heart of nimino’s original. The remix retains the magic of nimino’s lead synths and hazy, introspective vocals while layering in a pulsating tech-house beat. This bouncier, more rhythmic take is unmistakably Claptone—perfectly crafted for late-night dance floors, yet true to the moody essence that made the original so compelling. The result is a seamless blend of nimino’s introspective tone and Claptone’s driving, high-energy sensibility.

Claptone describes his approach to remixing as a delicate balance: “When I remix, it’s not about outshining the original—it’s about amplifying what’s already there and finding the essence of what makes it connect with people.” That philosophy rings true in this remix, which feels like a celebration of nimino’s melody and vocals rather than a departure from them.

This remix marks an interesting cross-generational moment in electronic music. Nimino, as a newer voice in the genre, represents the streaming-era musician, rising to prominence through platforms like TikTok and Spotify. Claptone, on the other hand, has built his legacy over years of performing worldwide and releasing on prestigious labels, playing venues from Ibiza’s Pacha to Tomorrowland’s main stages. In a sense, this remix symbolizes the bridge between nimino’s up-and-coming energy and Claptone’s established house mastery.

With its exclusive release on Beatport today, the Claptone remix of “I Only Smoke When I Drink” is poised to continue the original track’s viral momentum, as Claptone’s fanbase adds to nimino’s already wide-reaching audience. For both artists, this collaboration presents an exciting moment that could push the track to new heights on global dance charts and festival playlists alike. As nimino’s North American tour continues, fans can expect this remix to become a staple in his DJ sets, offering a new, pulse-quickening way to experience an already beloved song.

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