So how did the teenager who was classically trained to play the cello make the move to the bass drivers and the mixing desk? “It really was a long process,” explains VonStroke. “Basically, I dropped the cello the second I could afford a sampler because back in the day, they used to cost a ton of dough! So I started off making hip hop beats, and then I gradually got more and more into electronic music. My kit has changed dramatically over the years but I notice that the less stuff I have the better the music is, so I like to keep my options open, but not too much! Admittedly, I failed many times before things worked out for me.”
Fast forward a whole lot of years and VonStroke has now worked across multiple genres – as well as under a number of different aliases – but he feels like he is settled now, to the point where things are moving with momentum. Indeed, his Dirtybird imprint continues to release consistently good music, while VonStroke is back in the studio, working on a follow up to his acclaimed 2009 LP, Bird Brain. Timing wise too, things are about right. His debut LP Beware Of The Bird was released in 2006, so it’s fair to say we are due for album three, being 2013 and all.
And luckily, our speculation around timing is spot on: “I am working on another album right now,” he chimes. “I am really hoping to have the new album completed for the fall of 2013.” That makes it later this year, but fans will surely not be disappointed for he is once again hoping to mess around with the rule book. “I’m working on a number of different genres I have to say. It won’t all be house music, that’s for sure. Another bit of trivia is that we have a pretty huge tour starting this year for the label. It’s going to be called Dirtybird Players and I will also have another artist tour towards the end of next year as well.”
Vibe wise, expect the parties to get down and dirty – much like any time VonStroke takes to the stage. “Because our sound is bass heavy house music and influenced mostly by hip hop, funk and drum and bass, we felt it had to have that dirty vibe,” he describes. “But the name Dirtybird was in fact named after a free BBQ at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco!” So it seems then that with a combination of being a little free spirited – as well as having a love for the sound of grime – the label and its legacy were born.
“For us it was a bit of a combination actually,” describes VonStroke. “It started out from a distaste for the popular electronic music scene in San Francisco around 2003. My friends and I wanted to hear something different and less polished than the vocal influenced house that was popular in the area at about that the time.”
So in between touring, producing, running a label and some associated A&R duties, one wonders where the man finds the time. “It does seem like a big operation,” he admits, “though a lot of people help me these days. But to be honest, it wasn’t like that for the first seven years when I did almost everything myself. I still do 100 per cent of the A&R and art approvals nowadays, but I’ve had to step back from some of the other jobs on the label side just to be able to tour properly and make music. I also have a wife and two kids so you can imagine once you add touring and producing to that mix, it does get a bit hectic!”
No less, one cannot help but be impressed that he continues to hold down a family as well as run a mini musical empire – least of which, one that presents him with the requirement to stay current and fresh. Funnily enough though, it is not staying abreast of the latest trend, or even pushing boundaries that VonStroke struggles with. Surprisingly, it’s an issue of time. “That is the hardest thing,” he says. “I don’t actually have enough of it, but keeping things relevant is the easy part. I am listening to new music every single day. I am really dialed in to what kind of sound I want to put out. Even staying motivated becomes an issue only on the production end because I find producing to be a slow process; realistically for me it is like that sometimes and I just get fed up with it! Right now though, I’m feeling like I’m really inspired to make some music but there are still lulls where I don’t want to go near the studio!”
That said, the man of the moment is rather looking forward to his upcoming working holiday in Australia – and likewise, he is looking towards experimenting in his sets, and going into different directions. If nothing else, he is enjoying being spontaneous and unpredictable preferring to do things in his own way, but even freedom comes with its compromises. “I do actually wish I had a few more killer edits right now,” he says in jest. “That might be something I start working on again soon! I’ve noticed recently that in my travels that I’m relying a lot on more solid grooves; like super funky stuff rather than necessarily big bangers. I find it more satisfying to get a room to go off to a really ill groove. In my opinion, anyone can get people to jump up and down with a huge banging noisy track. In all, I’m enjoying my work a fair bit more right now. It’s a tricky question, this one of genres.”
Now whether his is an opposite approach to what is going on the industry right now, VonStroke can’t be sure. He accepts that more recently, DJs have purposely moved across genres to keep the punters guessing, yet he questions whether it’s the correct approach. “I see some DJs doing this, but not as many as you would think. People do sort of get really caught up in their niches. Other than that, I don’t spend too much time thinking about it! I also like to do inside jokes and keep it light sometimes but I don’t want the set to be jokey or silly. I think that musically you can do whatever you want as long as it sounds good and people are getting down!”
Otherwise, VonStroke is rather chuffed to have taken the time off to get down to Australia for what will be a working holiday. Proudly, he describes his setup as much the same, but musically, he is pushing a slightly changed-up sound. “The music is different,” he says. “But I am really looking forward to the tour. I always have such a great time out there. It’s hard to believe that I have been coming out to Australia every year for the last seven years! Time flies when you’re having fun!”
Indeed it does.
BY RK
