It goes without saying DIRTYBIRD is one of the biggest labels around these days. It needs no introduction and nor does the label chief Claude VonStroke. We caught up with Claude recently as he embarked on a tour that took him through the Emerald Isle and will see him travel across the European continent and beyond. Ahead a highly anticipated date at London’s Fabric, he ran us through his day to day giving us a DIRTYBIRD digest and a host of cuts he’s feeling right now. Hear what the legend had to say below 🙂
WWD: Hi Claude. How’s things? What have you been up to as of recent?
I’ve been locked in the studio remixing my own track. believe it or not it’s the 10th anniversary of Who’s Afraid Of Detroit so I’m making an updated version for this year’s Movement festival in Detroit where Green Velvet and I are headlining in our GET REAL guise.
WWD: ou’re about to embark on a busy schedule of tour dates. What are some things you’ll miss most when on the road?
My wife and kids are #1. I always miss them the most. I also miss the more consistent schedule of being at home.
WWD: What are some of the local delicacies you’re looking forward to trying on your various stops?
This may sound stupid but I love a good ploughmans sandwich because you can’t get them in America. I also love this one fish and chips spot in Dublin where they still wrap it up in newspaper.
WWD: What would you consider your main challenges as a DJ? In comparison to your producing.
Staying on top of new music that I didn’t make or isn’t on DIRTYBIRD is a challenge but it’s been going well because of my new radio show, The Birdhouse (http://www.claudevonstroke.com/birdhouse), I have to be way more on top of new tunes coming out everywhere.
WWD: Running a label, throwing parties, and going on tour as an individual must be very difficult to stay on top of, how do you manage your time?
I have a great team at Motherbird Mgmt and DIRTYBIRD. I get a lot of help on the details from them. Honestly I couldn’t do it without all the people working hard.
WWD: In Dublin, just like in most vibrant cities, there are currently lots of different crews hosting parties. What do you think is key to a successful party? Obviously good music is essential. Is that the key or is there something more ?
Good sound system and good music is #1. But yes, the attitude of the party is very important all the way to front of house where the people are working at the door and coat check to the people serving drinks. Do they make you feel welcome or do they make you feel like an asshole? That’s the most important thing in my opinion. Good vibes good party.
WWD: With the great success of Dirtybird, what are you searching for when doing A&R for the label?
It’s just a feeling when I hear the right song and I put it straight into my Dj folder and then it destroys at the club. It’s as simple as that but if you are a producer you know that’s not so easy!
WWD: Have you got your eyes on any particular artists you’d like to sign 2016?
Anyone great. ha ha. SeriousIy. I’m always excited to find that new name. You’re out there.
WWD: Tell me a bit how the idea of the DIRTYBIRD BBQ come about? Where did the original concept come from? Food and tunes make for a good combination!
It came from our original free bbq party in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, where we would show up with a sound system and try to play our new sound for people. Now it’s not so new, But the feeling is the same or even better. Grillin and chillin. We’re now taking it across the US, bringing the Dirtybird to new locations. All of them have been awesome so far and we’e got more planned this year.
WWD: Last year was the first year you guys ran the DIRTYBIRD camp out and it’s just been announced it’s returning for a 2nd edition this year. How did you come up with the concept, and with the festival market being rather saturated, did you and the team feel like you were taking a big risk?
Yeah for sure but I know that we are totally different from every other brand or entity so I knew we would bring the right flavor. No other festival is like this where the artists are partying with the fans and playing games all day and hanging out. It’s just a different way of doing things and it’s not able to be duplicated unless you can find another record label where all the DJ’s are happy to mingle with the fans for three days on a very real level.
WWD: I’m sure planning is in the early stages but has there been anything new planned for this year’s instalment or will you be keeping things relatively similar?
Somewhat similar we’ve had to tweak the lineup a little bit. I’m trying to add some new features and remove the ones that maybe could have been better. Always looking to improve the experience.
WWD: Where do you see the electronic music scene going in 2016? Particularly in America. Is the EDM fad dying of over there like it seems to be?
That’s a media story that seems to be getting repeated a lot but It’s the best possible time in history to be an underground house Dj in America, which is what I care about. I couldn’t be happier that it’s come at this time when I’m this age. Maybe everyone finally figured out what the good stuff is!
WWD: Finally, a few quick Q’s on the music you’re bringing with you on this tour.
Any new music from your good self that we should keep an eye out for? If so, any release info you can give us?
I have a brand new record, which came out April 1. It’s a cover of a couple old 80’s songs I’m really happy with it. It’s called The Rain Break and I’ll spare you the long details but check it out and see if you can recognize the inspiration tracks.
WWD: I’m sure there’s plenty but off the top of your head, what would be one track that always does the dancefloor justice?
Right now I love this Sidney Charles track ‘Paraswing’ it’s not super complicated but it reminds me of the old days like when justin long was putting out stuff on dot bleep in Chicago. It’s bouncy like old school house with tech sounds like an old plaid record even.
WWD: Who are the artists in your recently added folder you’ll be spinning plenty of?
Ciszak, Walker and Royce, Will Clarke, and Justin Martin with his new album… So good!
WWD: Your personal favourite track in that folder right now?
Do I lose any points if I say The Rain Break is my fav right now? It’s so cheap to pick my own track but hey, I love playing that one.
Claude plays Fabric, London tomorrow Saturday April 16th. Find all info about his Tour dates HERE
Follow Claude VonStroke : Facebook // SoundCloud