Benjamin Clementine unveils dramatic new track ‘Phantom of Aleppoville’

After winning the Mercury Prize back in 2015 and recently collaborating with Gorillaz on their ‘Humanz’ cut ‘Hallelujah Money’, Benjamin Clementine is back with new solo material. ‘Phantom of Aleppoville’ is Benjamin’s first new solo music since his debut album ‘At Least For Now’, and it’s a dramatic return from the pianist and singer. Inspired by the writing of child psychologist Donald Winicott, who worked with children who’d experienced bullying in the home and at school, realising that while the trauma wasn’t totally comparable in scale to kids displaced by war, the effects followed a similar pattern. Speaking of the track, Benjamin said: “Aleppoville is a place where many are bullied if not all, but no one understands nor see why; Phantom.” The six-and-a-half minute track is accompanied by a video directed by British photographer Craig McDean alongside Russian filmmaker Masha Vasyukova. As well as sharing the new track, Benjamin has also announced a 20-date tour of the UK and Europe, where he’ll be stopping off at London’s Brixton Academy on the way. Tickets go on general sale from Friday 2nd June. He’s also set to play a number of festivals this year, including Rock Werchter, Bergenfest and Iceland Airwaves. Watch the video for ‘Phantom of Aleppoville’ and see Benjamin’s new upcoming tour dates below.