Dirtybird released its first record in Janaury 2005 but the idea began in 2002 during the production of “Intellect,” one of the most intensive studies on DJs and producers of house and techno music ever filmed. The Intellect dvd featured over 40 interviews with legendary producers from Juan Atkins, to Swayzak. Director Barclay Crenshaw created the concept of the label in order to supply tracks for the dvd soundtrack. In 2003, Barclay’s friend Christian Martin purchased a massive portable sound system and began throwing outdoor parties in San Francisco called “dirtybird.” The bird logo was derived from a sketch cartoon character Barclay had been drawing since he was 10 years old.
In 2005, “dirtybird,” the record label began releasing vinyl. At the same time, Barclay created the DJ alias “Claude Von Stroke” as a joke but the name stuck forever after the debut record “Deep Throat” sold through more than 11,000 vinyl copies worldwide.
Since that time both the label and the dirtybird party have enjoyed great success. Some classic records released by dirtybird include:
Claude Von Stroke – The Whistler (2006)
Style of Eye – The Big Kazoo EP (2008)
Martin Borthers – Dum / Rocket Surgery (2008)
Riva Starr – La Conga EP (2008)
Donk Boys – Sucker Punch EP (2009)
Justin Martin & Claude Von Stroke – Beat that Bird (2009)
Claude Von Stroke – Vocal Chords (2009)
Claude Von Stroke – Greasy Beat feat. Bootsy Collins (2009)
To celebrate 5 years Dirtybird have been releasing a series of 3 specially recorded EP’s, which lucky for us landed in our inbox this week. Below are our favourite picks from each EP, these are all LOW BIT STREAMS ONLY so make your way to Beatport to get your hands on these EP’s.
1. Hickup – Hickup Theme (5 Years of Dirtybird EP1)
2. Riva Starr – Organ D’Amour (5 Years of Dirtybird EP2)
3. Talal & Zoi – Silky King (5 Years of Dirtybird EP3)