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

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