Claude VonStroke in conversation with Eats Everything: "We don't do this job to be serious"

With his 'Clash of the Tight-Uns' EP set for release on March 31 via the respected Dirtybird label, Eats Everything sat down with label head honcho Claude VonStroke to discuss a myriad of topics.

Getting a start in the music industry is never easy, but Eats Everything's persistence and passion fueled him to land his debut on Dirtybird in 2011 and he's since gone on to launch his own label Edible Records. Now six years on from his debut, he's back on Dirtybird and sharing a slice of his story.

From his early beginnings joining the DB family to revealing what it takes to start a label, along with advice for fresh producers and DJs, Eats goes in depth with Claude to take Mixmag readers inside the current climate of the label and the process of producing the forthcoming material with Lord Leopard.

Read Claude VonStroke interviewing Eats Everything and listen to the new 'Clash of the Tight-Uns' EP below.

You sent in a lot of demos for a long time at the start and I even missed out on 'Entrance Song' because Voitek from Catz 'N Dogz was faster than me at the time. Did you ever get frustrated in the beginning?

I sent in A LOT of demos, but never got frustrated because yours was the team I wanted to be on. I loved everything about the vibe of the label, the ethos, the music and most importantly the people on the label. The advice you gave me helped massively and I think it's better to be pushed as you search harder in the music you make.

Dirtybird was one of your first labels and you even played a lot of b2b shows with Justin Martin. How important was it back then to be part of a crew?

It was amazing and the best times are with the DB gang. The crew dynamic is just so positive and fun. At the end of the day, we don't do this job to be serious. We do it to have fun and Dirtybird are the best at it!

You were based in Bristol, UK. What made you seek us out, an oddball label in SF?

I love the music. I was a big fan of yourself, Justin, Jess, Worthy, Christian, Ardalan and the music that you guys were putting out fitted me perfectly. I knew I would be part of the gang, I just had to deliver the goods.

After Dirtybird and Pets, you ventured out on your own and found great success with your own brand Edible Records. Did you find that difficult to start up or did it come naturally?

I have a great team of people, all old friends who we now all work together and it just seemed like a natural progression. I've known one of my managers since I was 16 and the other since I was in early 20s so we have grown up in this business together. The guy that I run the label with is Nick Harris and he ran NRK, a hugely successful UK underground label. He knows exactly what he's doing. It's a very exciting time, man!

Your success wasn't an overnight story. How important was that time in the trenches for you? What advice do you have for aspiring DJs who are grinding, but might not be catching a big break?

My advice is always the same. Buy the best monitor speakers you can possibly afford - spend everything you can on them. All you need is your ears to really make music well and the better the speakers are, the easier it is for your ears!

Go to the clubs that the people you want to be associated with are playing and meet them, because a face and the music, physically, is a lot better than a link on the internet.

Lastly: NEVER GIVE UP, I'm testament to that!

What made you decide to return to the roost - back to Dirtybird - with a hot new release?

I've wanted to be back on the label ever since I put out my last record, but I sadly don't get to make a lot of music because I have a young family and my touring schedule is pretty hectic. I made 'Song For' with Lord Leopard and immediately thought that it would be perfect for Dirtybird. As soon as you were into it, the excitement grew and we knocked up 'War Rhythm' straight after. It really helps being in the studio with someone as talented as Lord Leopard - especially when you have a limited time in there - as things come really naturally, having someone to bounce off is vital. I am really happy with the tracks and I think they fit wicked with Dirtybird.

We've had many crazy memories with you over the years. What are a couple Dirtybird memories that have stuck with you?

There have been MANY. The two that standout the most are my first ever gig at Space in Ibiza with you guys where I closed the terrace and then you had arranged a fucking photo shoot for all of us straight after! All of us were out of our heads, trying to coordinate a photo shoot in the boiling hot sun. Eventually we sacked it off and went in the sea, then went to DC-10 and carried on till way into Tuesday afternoon. The other is when you, me and Justin got stuck in the lift in Paris!

I heard a rumour you might even find your way to America's most enjoyable festival (Dirtybird Campout) this year? Any truth to that?

YEAH, MAN! I can't fucking WAIT!!!

Listen to the 'Clash of the Tight-Uns' EP from Eats Everything and Lord Leopard below. Purchase here

Harrison is Mixmag's East Coast Editor. Follow him on Twitter here