In this day and age of music cross-pollination, Claude VonStroke sits at the forefront of all that is good, proper and most importantly, fun. He is just the same at home remixing Kenny Larkin or London Grammar as he is dropping multiple underground hits. DJ wise, his relentless touring of every major city, festival and basement after-party around the world has only enriched this unique perspective on music.
Raised in Detroit and now based in Venice Beach, Barclay Crenshaw created the quirky alias “Claude VonStroke” in 2005 and went on to become one of the most well respected label owners and DJs in dance music. His first release, ‘Deep Throat’ was a hit putting his imprint on the decks of DJs around the globe. But the real breakthrough came with double-header ‘The Whistler/Who’s Afraid of Detroit?.’ The 12” cemented Claude’s reputation as a producer to be reckoned with, crossing borders, genres and musical ears and is now known as one of the classic dance releases of the decade.
Since then, VonStroke has released three original artist albums, a remix album and several high profile mix compilations. Highlights include a collaboration with the legendary P-Funk bassist Bootsy Collins as well as a few number #1 & #2 hits on Beatport. Most importantly, VonStroke has kept it original, fun and funky.
As the owner of the record label, DIRTYBIRD, VonStroke also built an impeccable A&R roster signing (and even naming some) acts like Justin Martin, Julio Bashmore, Catz n Dogz, Riva Starr, Tim Green, Breach, Eats Everything, Justin Jay & Shiba San well before they broke out of their hometown scenes. Today, the DIRTYBIRD label continues to surprise and innovate in the underground dance scene, releasing an enigmatic combination of house, funk, dirty-bass and electronica. Staying true to Crenshaw’s Detroit heritage, DIRTYBIRD donates 10% of its profits to a children’s music school in Detroit.
A lot of the success of DIRTYBIRD and VonStroke can be attributed to a good attitude. Claude VonStroke does not scowl and look mean while he DJs. He does not pretend to know everything and he truly loves his fans. He is grateful to be doing music for a living and he knows that the reason people go to parties is to shake their ass and have fun. Catch him play at numerous festivals, clubs or even better at his legendary DIRTYBIRD BBQ series of outdoor events.