Claude VonStroke at U Street Music Hall

Thurday, 8/30 Claude VonStroke at U Street Music Hall
10pm, $10. $12 at door. Purchase Tix: http://www.ustreetmusichall.com/event/132749/

CLAUDE VONSTROKE
http://claudevonstroke.com/
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 shake their ass and have fun. If you want to act cool and not have any fun then please do not book him.

VonStroke created dirtybird records in 2005 and has been running everything from A&R to daily operations ever since. The name "Claude VonStroke" was a joke that caught on after he released a series of quirky tracks under the moniker in order to help kick start the dirtybird label. His very first record, “Deep Throat,” used a strange vocal sound effect as percussion to make a sleeper hit selling tens of thousands of copies. The follow-up track, "Who's Afraid of Detroit?" was the catalyst that changed his career from bedroom producer to touring DJ. He has been blessed with similar success stories ever since.

Claude's real name is Barclay Black, a guy raised in the suburbs of Detroit who wanted to be a filmmaker but always had a knack for music. After several different film careers of varying success he moved to San Francisco and started dirtybird records. Since 2005, dirtybird has carved out a niche as a premiere American dance imprint and has released over 50 EPs. The label is mostly known for dirty house music with distinct hip-hop, funk and drum 'n bass influences.

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 sub-label “mothership” in 2007. A large percentage of the label’s proceeds go to a music school for children in Detroit, Michigan. This label features alternative house and techno and features 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.