Catching Up With...Claude VonStroke (Dirtybird)

After over 5 years of delivering the goods on his Dirtybird imprint, even crackerjack DJ, Claude VonStroke admits he’s still full of surprises. This year, the bass line aficionado played what he considers to be one of his best sets yet, dressed as a giant garden knome in his hometown, Detroit for Halloween.

Always bringing energy, enthusiasm and a sense of fun to the dancefloor, its stories like these that still make us jump out our seats each time Claude and anyone of his Dirtybird darlings swoop down on our Farringdon disco. With just three nights to go until Eats Everything, Justin Martin and Claude VonStroke himself takeover Room One, we were lucky enough to pin down the man otherwise known as Barclay Crenshaw. Listen up as we talk about the bridge between house DJs and bass DJs, remix tips and Q-Tip, Justin Martin ‘Ghettos and Gardens’ shiny new album and his personal projects other music.

Hi Claude, you’ve played many places this year, what have some of the highlights been so far?
Best show was this past weekend in Detroit for Halloween. It’s always special to go back to where I grew up and I always go bananas. This time was no different. I felt like I played one of my best sets this year (and I was dressed as a giant garden gnome.)

How would you say your tastes have evolved since the start of Dirtybird? What's happened along the timeline since Deep Throat, The Whistler & Who’s Afraid Detroit? Have their been any specific big shifts?
I would say we have kept it fun in general and I have always been careful not to make this a "joke" label. I had some funny sfx tracks but they were good tracks even without the funny bits. The label has been getting a wider scope especially after I decided Mothership will not be releasing anymore 4/4 music. We release deep house, UK bass stuff, ghetto beats, bass music, techno etc etc. There is a "sound" to it all but the range is quite big.

Earlier this summer you played a monster set for Rinse FM- how did you link up with the Rinse crew & would you be keen to do more UK shows like this..?
I was worried about that because I was just put in a room with a mic and I’m not a big hyped up DJ voice in case you didn’t notice. We rocked it very California style in there but I did show off some of our UK hybrid material. So yes, if I were ever able to get any free time I would love to get back on the radio at some point.

Tell us about the younger artists you’ve been supporting from Julio Bashmore, J Philip to L-Vis 1990 and Ramadanman. What’s exciting you most abut these young guns?
I'm a huge fan of the eclectic styles that are getting dropped right now, the way the next generation is way less afraid to go all over the map in a set. I guess not everyone is like that but the people you mentioned play quite well and I enjoy their music. I also like the experimentation with BPM and non-4/4 tracks that can still rock a club. A lot of those names especially Ramadanman in particular opened up a new vibe. It is like a bridge between house DJs and bass DJs.

You’re playing alongside Dirtybird newbie Eats Everything & super producer Justin Martin this Saturday in Room One. What are the different sounds you’ll be pushing on the night & how do you intend to rock the dancefloor?
I'm so excited to play with Dan (Eats Everything) because we have been chatting on email for about 6 months. I'm always excited to play with Justin as well. I have to prepare quite extensively because I think every record in my bag will have been rinsed by the time I get on! Well, almost every record...I got some surprises as always!

It’s was Halloween this weekend …what’s the scariest thing that’s ever happened to you?
Having a non-music related real job for 20 years.

Tell us about your new vinyl-only label, Krush Groov. There’s been a lack of press about it.. is this intended? What are its future goals?
Yeah I don’t do any press or discuss. It just is.

What helpful remix tips & techniques do you have for aspiring artists and if you could have anyone remix one of your tracks, who would it be and why?
Don't get too caught up in keeping the original intact. I've had almost everyone of my favourites in dance music remix a track already but maybe someone who hasn’t would be Q-tip.

Is there a new Claude Von Stroke album on the horizon?
It’s hard to say...I have 4 tracks already done and I’m just figuring out how they will come out. If I make it an album then we have to wait to release all this music until the end of next year. It’s a bit long so there might just be 3 or 4 EPs this year instead of an album. I'm a very slow producer so I know I will not make more than 10 originals in a year. We also have a big album from Justin coming and I want that to really shine above all this next year.

What are you looking forward too most coming up on Dirtybird, as well as personal projects & away from the clubs ?
Justin Martin 'Ghettos and Gardens', I cant freakin’ wait for this album. Personal projects include some other music, and I mean totally other music, not dancefloor.

Lastly tell us five records that are on repeat for you at the moment?

Yo Vogue - French Fries


B-Ju - Free Sco (Dirtybird)

Robosonic - The Sweetness (J Phlip Remix)

Mickey Moonlight Close to Everything (Martin Brothers Dub)


Champion - War Dance