Born in Cleveland and raised in Detroit, Claude VonStroke grew up surrounded by hip-hop culture and radio –  running his high-school station before eventually making his way to Los Angeles, where he still lives today.

His path started in film, producing and directing documentaries like Intellect: Techno House Progressive, which featured interviews with over 50 influential DJs. But music was always calling.

In 2005, Claude founded Dirtybird Records alongside his wife Aundy, turning her one-year challenge to make it succeed into a cultural revolution. What began as an underground project soon became one of the most important independent dance labels in the world. Even being named Label of the Decade by Mixmag and home to breakout artists like Justin Martin, Steve Darko, and Green Velvet. Dirtybird reshaped U.S. house and techno, fueling countless festivals, backyard BBQs, and dance-floor memories.

After selling Dirtybird to EMPIRE in 2022, Claude took time to reset. In late 2023, he announced a hiatus from the Claude VonStroke alias, returning to his birth name Barclay Crenshaw with a promise that “a new bass era begins.” Now, with his latest track, Bobblehead, he’s diving back into his signature mix of minimal funk, greasy grooves, and oddball rhythm, marking the start of a new creative era building toward 2026.

Fans can expect that same Life of Leisure energy: experimental, fun, and unpredictable. As Claude continues to push the limits of dance music and bring that underground magic to life again.

Listen to his latest Booblehead here: https://too.fm/avbk3kk