cvs-300 ✮ CLAUDE VONSTROKE – facebook / twitter / soundcloud

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.

Twitter Interview 12.20.14

Apart What / where / who was your first experience of electronic music?
CVS The first real electronic music I loved was hip hop in the 80s and 90s later I got really into drum n bass

Apart Which artists had the greatest impact on your decision to pursue being a DJ?
CVS The only DJ I even knew who was working was Nigel Richards and he sold t shirts on the side. I still remember thinking it would be incredible if that was my job I was fascinated by seeing Nigel do it

Apart What are your top favorite 3 clubs (or cities) that you have performed at?
CVS Don’t like to play favorites because every place has its own thing. But a couple hometown shows in Detroit prolly

Apart Is there one place or club that you haven’t DJ’ed at yet, that you really want to?
CVS I wouldn’t turn down a booking from cocoon in Ibiza just cuz The first time I went to that it kinda blew my mind

Apart What has been the most challenging part of running a record label?
CVS Royalty statements and keeping everyone happy

Apart Do you have any upcoming @dirtybird_sf projects you’d like to tell us about?
CVS It’s our 10 year dirtybird birthday in 2 weeks and the compilation is the best we have ever released ever.

Apart Youtube us one track that we can expect to hear you play tonight?
CVS Kill Frenzy – All Night Long – http://t.co/6Ri7dHdDZK

Apart When you’re not listening to electronic music, what do you like to listen to?
CVS When I’m alone I listen to jazz when I’m with people I think reggae is the best people music

Apart Whats your favorite thing about Midwest?
CVS People actually care how you are doing

Apart One last question for ya this evening.. Finish this sentence: Nobody would ever guess that I _________
CVS Love watching survivor. I know it’s stupid and I love it