There are DJs that like playing massive rooms, festivals, and stages where thousands of eyes are on them - then there are DJs that prefer intimate rooms with low-ceilings and great sound.
Claude VonStroke falls somewhere in the middle, definitely leaning toward smaller spaces. Known as a DJ-producer that creates infectious and groove-filled tracks that creep onto the dance floor, through your toes, and up into your head, this week he's set to take the stage at the popular
Voodoo Experience music festival in New Orleans. But before heading down to NOLA, he took some time out for a chat with me on the current state of electronic music in the states, making the kind of money that
Deadmau5 and
Skrillex do, and his thoughts on table service in the club.
Clubplanet: 2011 is already starting to wrap up. What's kept you the busiest this year?
Claude VonStroke: Touring and getting dirtybird back into shape. We've had a series of label managers and basically I've just taken over because I'm the only one who cares enough to make sure everything is correct. I've had to make some adjustments and assess the playing field again this year.
Clubplanet: You've played some of the biggest dance music markets in the world, from Ibiza to Berlin. There's been a lot of talk of Vegas taking over as the new Ibiza. Do you think Las Vegas stacks up against what Ibiza does every summer?
Claude VonStroke: No way in hell. It seems like it would and the money invested and advertising is similar so there is a comparison to be made. But in Ibiza you can see and still hear underground music and in Vegas you'd be very lucky to see that if at all. Plus there's the whole ocean seaside vs. barren desert thing. Vegas has it's charms but I think it should just be built up on it's own merit instead of trying to be Ibiza.
Clubplanet: Dance music stateside seems to be on this meteoric rise to popularity among the masses. Do you think this is just a fad that will pass, or is it something that will stick around for years to come?
Claude VonStroke: I remember when Sasha and Digweed could fill Cow Palace in San Francisco in the 90s. Then there was a big lull. Now that is happening again but even bigger with Deadmau5 and Skrillex types. For me, it's just about good music so I don't really care about stadium DJ-ing. I'd love to get some of that money though! (laughs) Where's my dang Skrillex!
Clubplanet: You ended up starting dirtybird Records when you were 32. What finally prompted you to make the move?
Claude VonStroke: I always hated having a day job but the funny thing is I work 10 times harder now than when I had a day job! I started the label when I saw the opportunity to start it. Everything was coming together at the right time with my friends also producing music. Take note, I didn't just start it. I saved up a ton of dough and then started it. It wasn't just willy-nilly, "Hey I'm starting a label." I was thinking big from the beginning.
Clubplanet: If you had to list 3 of the current most underrated DJ-producers, who would they be and why? Whom would you say is overrated?
Claude VonStroke: Frankie (from France/ Frankie Recordings) is the most underrated producer of all time for me. But I don't want to get into name calling and saying who is good and who isn't good. That's not productive for anyone. I was just in Paris and the people I was with (all DJs), never even heard of him!
Clubplanet: What would you prefer a basement after-party or a massive festival set?
Claude VonStroke: Basement afterparty without question. Festivals can be amazing but I connect with a smaller room better.
Clubplanet: After playing some of the best clubs in the world, what are your thoughts on table service? Many believe that it's killed what nightclubs used to be.
Claude VonStroke: Clubs have to make their bottom line and they sometimes have to do that because their clients demand it. Personally I think it's counterproductive to the dance floor and the sense of community in the club. It creates a class system where some people are overseeing the fun from their private area, almost like managers at a factory. On the flip of that, I will say if someone famous walks in the club you better have a private area or there will be chaos. You can't have Pharrell in the middle of the dancefloor. He might get mobbed to death.
Clubplanet: What can we look forward to from you for the remainder of the year?
Claude VonStroke: I have a new single this November with a guy from Brighton called 6Stroke believe it or not. It's more UK-bass oriented. Then I have a new single with Jaws of Dop on vocals and a bunch more new music. This was a slower year for releases but next year there will be tons.
