Somewhere between house, techno, drum’n'bass + dubstep lies Dirtybird. Since 2005 this San Francisco label run by Claude VonStroke has been infusing life into the North American techno scene with its signature blend of 4/4 rhythms sliced, diced and funked up with breakbeats, drum’n'bass and dubsteppy interludes.
Label founder Claude VonStroke’s real name is in fact Barclay Krenshaw, but after a drunken night of tomfoolery and ridiculousness, when faced with the challenge to think up a fake European techno DJ name, Claude VonStroke was born. VonStroke’s–and Dirtybird’s–philosophy is simple: that musical experiences should be spontaneous, full of laughter, and fun.
So the next time you pick up a track by Claude VonStroke, Julio Bashmore, Justin Martin, or J Phlip, take a look for the dirty bird logo and if you see it, crack a smile, crack a beer, and enjoy wholeheartedly, because you are supporting quality homegrown North American techno music.
