Claude VonStroke does not scowl and look mean while he DJs. He does not pretend to know everything and he will be nice to you and your friends. He is grateful to be doing music for a living and he knows that the reason people go to parties is to have fun. If you want to act cool and not have any fun then please do not book him.
The name "Claude VonStroke" was a random joke that caught on after a series of tracks grabbed the attention of underground dance music in 2005. His very first record, “Deep Throat,” was an unusually quirky affair that caught fire worldwide and he has been blessed with similar success stories ever since. Claude's real name is Barclay Crenshaw, a guy raised in the suburbs Detroit who wanted to be a filmmaker but always had a knack for music. After several different film careers of varying success and with some help from his friends, VonStroke started the "dirtybird" label at the very late age of 32.
Since 2005, dirtybird has carved out a niche as a premiere American label and has released over 40 EPs. VonStroke has released two artist albums as well as a Fabric mix and over 25 remixes for a wide range of commercial and underground artists from Indy rock group “The Rapture” to Detroit techno legend Kevin Saunderson.
In an effort to give something back to the community VonStroke unveiled a new label “mothership” in 2007. A large percentage of the label’s proceeds go to a music school for children in Claude’s hometown of Detroit, Michigan. This label features more euro-flavored techno and house featuring groups like Catz ‘n Dogz, Maetrik and Voodeux.
Tour wise, Claude has headlined almost every major club, festival and basement after-party in the world. The outdoor dirtybird parties in San Francisco’s scenic Golden Gate Park have also become a legendary summer destination point for both locals and international travelers.
But like we said at the start, Claude VonStroke is only coming to see you if you want to enjoy yourself and get sweaty and nasty. If you want to wear a sweater and frown in the VIP section, he is not the right DJ for you.
dirtybirdrecords.com/
soundcloud.com/claudevonstroke
twitter.com/vonstroke
1. Claude VonStroke & Eats Everything - Ignorance Is Bliss
2. Sacha Robotti - The Major
3. Kingdom - SFX
4. A1 Bassline - Why Do You
Title: dirtybird HATCHED (part 1)
Cat-No: DB064
Beatport release date: January 11, 2012
Release date: January 25, 2012
Over the last seven years dirtybird has released an eclectic range of bass influenced house music. This new compilation is a glimpse into the next wave. 14 different artists deliver deep house, bass music, jackin funk, and ghetto filth. The series will be released in 3 parts and as a full length cd.
Part 1 opens with the red hot Eats Everything, fresh off his live from Bristol essential mix. This is a first-time collaboration working with label chief, Claude VonStroke on a deep techy number with plenty of surprises. Second in line is a jackin funk gem by Sacha Robotti, who you might recognize as curator of the famed Berlin Kreuzberg Institut podcast since 2008 or by his label, Klasse Recordings. After that an unexpected deep house-bass influenced single comes from LA’s Kingdom, the bass/R&B maverick and label boss of Nightslug’s new U.S. sister label called “Fade to Mind.” Last but not least comes an elegant combo of Detroit style techno and UK bass from our good friend A1 Bassline, owner of Tighten Up records and overall club destroyer.
1. Kill Frenzy - Make it Clap
2. Worthy - Shy Look
3. Christian Martin - Waiting
4. DJ Cra$y (Breach rmx) - That Amen Track
Title: dirtybird HATCHED (part 2)
Cat-No: DB065
Beatport release date: January 25, 2012
Release date: February 8, 2012
Hatched Part 2 is where we pick up the pace from deep and groovy house into the bass and ghetto crossover sound dirtybird have been championing for the last couple of years. Kill Frenzy comes to us from Belgium having already recorded for the infamous Ghetto labels Dustraxx (Chicago) and Juke Trax (Detroit). He brings a legit juke joint that drops down into hip-hop for 30 seconds and is a filthy crowd favorite. After that, Worthy, head of the Anabatic imprint and part of the O.G dirtybird crew surprises us with “Shy Look,” a futuristic bass-house crossover track that really peaks in the right spots and smashes it every time. Third in line comes Christian Martin, also an original dirtybird member, roaring through with “Waiting,” a house-meets-breakbeat slayer. Get your subs ready because it’s got some big balls (and a really sweet vocal drop half way through.) Lastly, we have Breach/Dj Cra$y re-appearing after the epic New Years “Just E” debut on dirtybird. Ben Westbeech is firing on all cylinders right now. This is as close to 90’s jungle as you can get in a house tune. A superbly crafted homage to that old school LTJ Bukem vibe.
A1. Just E
B1. I Need You
Title: DJ Cra$y (Breach Remixes)
Cat-No: DB063
Release date: Decemeber 28, 2011
I first met Ben Westbeech (BrEaCh) at a dinner in London. He was sitting across from me and I found out he made “Fatherless” a year ago which interested me right away. We got to chatting and the conversation took an unexpected turn and i heard the following story.
As a kid BrEaCh grew up in Hertford, north of London, where early UK rave pioneers like Omni Trio and 2 Bad Mice where from. His Dad was friends with 2 Bad Mice and was surrounded by musicians and DJs.
2 Bad Mice had a friend called Paul, aka DJ Cra$Y. He used to make tunes back in the early rave days but sadly did too many pills and went mad. When Paul was taken into mental care his old dat format tapes got left at BrEaCh’s Dad’s house. 20 years later, BrEaCh found them in the garage in and old box marked “music.” He started listening through and found some cool old jungle vibes going on.
The tracks ‘Just - E’ and ‘I Need You’ are remixes of two of the tracks found on the old DJ Cra$Y recording sessions… These are a rare hybrid crossover records between jungle and house and they are massive. So peace to Dj Cra$y wherever you are and respect to BrEaCh for putting these together.
best,
VonStroke
A1. Jon Bovi
B1. Jon Bovi (dirty version)
Title: Catz n Dogz “Jon Bovi”
Cat-No: DB062
Release date: Decemeber 14, 2011
With the success of their new label Pets Recordings and their consistent production schedule, Catz n Dogz have come a long way since their first album on our label mothership several years ago. They also happen to be two of the nicest, funniest and most likable guys out there. I love working with them and consider them part of my family.
This release is a great double dose of Bon Jovi’s big hair and some low down dirty house.
Best,
VonStroke
A1. Looped Down
Title: Nat Self “Looped Down”
Cat-No: DB060
Release date: November 30, 2011
Way back when we put out one of the very first Zombie Disco Squad records called “the Dance” before they signed up with Made To Play. I have been friends with Nat Self ever since, sometimes getting into trouble or debating the value of Cadbury Fruit n Nut bars or whatever other nonsense that happens on the road. I’m super happy to release this single on dirtybird. It worked the first time i played it at dirtybird here in SF. Even Justin Martin asked me what it was as soon as it came on.
It’s a simple concept done very well. The bass is big and it’s got all the drama needed to be a big tune. We hope you like it too.
Best,
VonStroke
A1. Free Sco
Title: B-Ju “Free Sco”
Cat-No: DB060
Release date: November 9, 2011
B-Ju’s first track with us was called “My Sneakers” and it was one of my favorite tracks from 2 years ago. The he appeared again on DB050 with “Babbel Net,” another great effort that is still in my rotation. Hailing from Frankfurt but now living in Hamburg, B-Ju is a copywriter for advertising in the “real world.” So we don’t see him appear as much as we would like to. But i have a feeling the DJ life like is like a tractor beam pulling him towards it.
This release is called “Free Sco” and it is as good as anything i have in my bag. It sounds like a proper old school house vibe made with modern technology. I absolutely LOVE the simple synth that drops in around the 2:20 mark. The crowds seem to agree and have been going bananas to this everywhere!
Best,
VonStroke
@ZombieDisco just checking the wavs in the office. Mental!
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