SPRACI

With an expanded 10-piece Booty Affair Pimpestra (that's a Pimp Orchestra for those honkies not hip to the jive), the sweet sweetback sounds of the baddest movies ever made are coming to downtown ghetto Sydney!

We're talking tracks from films like Superfly, Shaft, Across 110th Street, The Mack, Black Caesar, Slaughter's Big Rip Off and Cleopatra Jones, as recorded originally by soul greats Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, James Brown, Isaac Hayes and Willie Hutch. These cult classic Blaxploitation movies from the early-mid 1970 s spawned some of the greatest soul and funk tracks ever released, from moody, atmospheric background music like Marvin Gaye's Trouble Man Soundtrack to the plaintive ghetto dramas of Curtis Mayfield's Superfly or the electrifying excitement of Isaac Hayes's Shaft.

Now it's time to recreate and revitalise an amazing selection of these Blaxploitation soundtrack soul classics LIVE, while screening classic and rare footage from the original movies.

Featuring Australia's very own Mack Man: the pimp rolling, streetworking, high risk player Professor Groove, and a raft of special guest hustlers and ho's including the sweet soul tones of Juanita Tippins (Confection, Jimmy Barnes), the Marvin-like smoky voice of Jonah Lataukefu (Katie Noonan, Suite Az), The Crackhouse Horns (a 3 piece horn section featuring the Weird Assembly's Dave Weir), and of course the A Team of Professor Groove's regular funk crew, players like Josh Beagley (guitar), Terepai Richmond (drums) and Alex Hewetson (bass). The Pimpestra is ready to recreate the hustle and bustle and pure uncut funk sound of wah wah guitars, wobbling synthesisers and those world famous ghetto breakbeats.

So it's time to dust off the platform heels, break out the purple leather overcoat, slide into the denim superflares, drape yourself in rolled gold and stroll down to the sleaziest soulsonic shakedown this side of Harlem circa 1973, cos this is a one-show-only special event.

DJ Stephen Ferris from FBI Radio's Funk Flashback will be on hand to drop some crackling old vinyl onto the decks, and the dirty funk will continue late into the night with Professor Groove and The Booty Affair conducting the after party.

KLUTE (UK)
Klute is one of the greatest human beings to have walked the earth. He has been a member of the inter-galactic council of 9 for a number of years now and was recently awarded the prestigious role of Minute taker for Brent council narcoleptic society. 
Klute began sometime in the mid nineties as an exclusive name for Certificate 18 records and produced 2 fine albums for them before receiving a help in the community grant from Sir Alan Sugar to start Commercial Suicide, the home for mental deficients.
Since 2001 Klute has steered Commercial Suicide to release over 50 12" singles and 7 albums, mostly by himself but countless others too........... tbose too stupid enough to know better to be honest. If you see Amit, SKC, Nymfo, Break, Chris SU, Hive, MIndscape, Trei, Dose, The Upbeats, Ill Skillz etc etc when you are out and about, do stop to give them a pat on the head and a caring grin. They know no better.
As well as releasing on his own label, which is called COMMERCIAL SUICIDE, Klute has released on many of the most prestigious labels in the world, such as Metalheadz, R:Soul, Hospital, 31 Records, Shogun Audio, Certificate 18, blah de blah. He has also collaborated with many studio greats too, such luminaries as Lamb, Mogwai, Bis, Natasha Atlas, Harold Budd, Concord Dawn, John Tejada and loads of really sexy women too.
That'll do for now, you get the idea.

GRIDLOK (USA)
A true pioneer of the Drum and Bass sound, Gridlok remains one of the most highly regarded artists in the industry. With a discography spanning over a decade and featuring classics such as 'Moodswings', 'Bottomfeeder', and 'Standing Room Only', it's little wonder that the Gridlok name has become synonymous with timeless Drum and Bass

NYMFO (NL)
A true DJ at heart with many years experience under his belt, Dutch DJ/producer Nymfo has recently been making waves with his skills in the studio as well as on the decks. Standout singles for Commercial Suicide and Critical Modulations have made his name synonymous with tough, techno-tinged dancefloor drum & bass, adding to a reputation built at his own nights Red Zone and Breek in Eindhoven. Now in 2012 he's pushing his sound further with releases set for Commercial Suicide and Metalheadz as well as further collaborations with Black Sun Empire, Klute and S.P.Y

PROLIX (UK)
Prolix is one of the most respected producers of his genre, well-known in the scene in particular for his technical production skills and creativity as well as his ability to rock dancefloors with his DJ sets worldwide. He has played gigs far and wide, from regular Playaz nights at Fabric in London to touring clubs across Europe, America and Canada.
His CV is graced with work on cutting-edge labels such as Playaz, Metalheadz, Ganja Tek, Trendkill, Project 51, Viper, Renegade Hardware, Virus, Uprising, Commercial Suicide and Bad Taste.

Strictly old skool event 1995-2005

APHRODITE vs MICKEY FINN 

+

MC SHABBA D 

All the biggest tunes in a very special 'Urban Takeover' strictly old skool event. 

Fellow jungalists Kenny Ken, Dj SS & Skibadee showed us what these nights are all about in Aug, 2012...if you missed it this is your chance to see what will without a doubt be one of the biggest strictly jungle nights to come to Melbourne in years!! 

HERMITUDEâS ASTONISHING RISE IS SET TO CONTINUE AS THEY ANNOUNCE A NEW SINGLE AND 2013 TOUR The Villain Tour takes flight in late January/February 2013. Hermitude have risen to new heights in 2012 off the back of their incredible HyperParadise album and hit single âSpeak of the Devilâ.

They've released worldwide (Regal/Parlophone & Astralwerks), sold out countless shows across Australia and internationally and in the process catapulted themselves into the festival circuit with spots at Groovin The Moo, Parklife and Homebake. Their production work has been in solid demand with remixes for The Presets, Missy Higgins and co-production credits on Urthboy's acclaimed Smokey's Haunt album.
They won an AIR Award for Best Dance/Electronic Release and have been nominated for two ARIAs (Best Dance Release & Best Video) and a j award for Australian Album of the Year.
'The Villain' is the fourth single from HyperParadise. It's a dark and pulsating piece of beat wizardry, designed to destroy club & festival PAs.
The accompanying music video directed by Kess Broekman-Dattner, sees Hermitude continue on with the dance theme made famous by their j award-winning video for 'Speak of the Devil', only this time there's a heist-like twist.
They will be supported by South Africa-via-Australia's Jonti, a star on the rise whose Sine & Moon album was released on the legendary Stones Throw label. Jonti returns home to Australia having just supported Gotye across North America and Europe.

ON SALE THURSDAY 22 NOVEMBER. + Flower Fairy (UK), Mr Woodnote (UK), Lil Rhys (UK), Eva Lazarus (UK), Snareophobe (UK) and Cade (UK). Australian-born and UK-based beat box artist, renowned street performer and internet sensation, Dub FX is set to tour the east coast of his home country, performing at The Hi Fi in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney on Jan 24, 25 & 26 respectively.

Hailing from Melbourne, Dub FX (real name Benjamin Stanford) has generated a legion of fans worldwide purely on YouTube (he has over 70 million views) where videos of his street performances have captivated music audiences worldwide.

Using only his vocals aided by live looping and effects pedals, he creates intricate hip hop, reggae and drum & bass rhythms that sound as deep and heavy on the street as they do in a packed venue.

At an early age, Dub FX knew he wanted to be a street performer and left his home in St Kilda to pursue his dreams in the UK, where he met label mate Flower Fairy (who performs and tours with him) and found himself selling so many of his recordings at his live performances that he created his own label, Convoy Unlimited.

Initially set up to sell his own material, Dub FX found himself discovering a bunch of talented acts to sign, some of whom will also join the Australian tour from the UK in 2013: Flower Fairy, Mr Woodnote, Lil Rhys, Eva Lazarus, Snareophobe and Cade.

With Flower Fairy at his side, Dub FX has toured extensively throughout 2012, kicking off the year with sold out shows in New Zealand to warm up for his first ever Australian tour which saw him conquer audiences in Melbourne, Sydney, Cairns, Brisbane and Perth. He followed this up with 30 sold out shows in Europe, 19 cities in Canada and recently completed a 20 city tour of the US that saw Dub FX added to 130 college radio stations, where he is currently receiving rotation airplay.

From across the Ditch, just in time for Christmas...

Natalie Slade is a singer/songwriter with a twist. She doesn't play guitar, or any instrument for that matter. She hears the sounds she wants to make, she dreams up the words she wants to write, and then, she sings the shiznit out of them! Natalie brings her unique blend of jazz, spoken word, funk and pop together for this special night of originals with local hip hop DJ and producer Pro/Gram.

Joining Natalie are a band of her earlier collaborators, Sydney based 7 piece funksoulnblues band The Solid Ones, and future collaborator Duan & Only a man of electronic roots playing in solo mode with more soul than a congregation.

Natalie's style of music is a blend of her past interests and influences. Her first love was jazz music, and she spent years listening to and performing the songs of Ella Fitzgerald, Anita O'Day, Blossom Dearie and Nina Simone. When she later discovered the blues, soul, electronica, funk, spoken word, and pop, she started to combine all the influences to find her own sound. The result is  cleverly written 'funky as alt pop'.

Natalie was born and raised in Australia, but has been living in New Zealand for the last 6 years. It's there that she has been discovered by some amazing artists who have helped to set her on her path in music. Mike Chunn of Split Enz has referred to her as being "a great lyrical talent, with a beautiful voice capable of power, intimacy and poignancy". One of the worlds finest female drum and bass MC's, MC Tali says of Natalie "I was literally stopped in my tracks. Her voice has a velvet smoothness laced with emotion that has the ability to cut through to your very soul."

Natalie's current mission in life is to write, record and promote an album of her original songs.

feat. APHRODITE, MICKEY FINN & MC SHABBA D.

Jungle Fever is back! Arguably our biggest series of events - these sell-out shows featuring the biggest heavy-hitting pioneers of jungle/drum & bass are always something special. For the first instalment of 2013 we have gone all out to bring you BOTH label bosses of the legendary URBAN TAKEOVER imprint - APHRODITE & MICKY FINN accompanied by their long time partner in crime MC SHABBA D!!

These dons have been in the game for over two decades and it is hard to find anyone more influential in shaping drum & bass as a genre. They are no strangers toPerth either, selling out venues here since most of us were still in nappies. Now they are back, the original rudeboy jungle duo - TOGETHER! If you are only going to attend one drum & bass event this year then make sure it's this one!

Support: GREG PACKER & ASSASSIN / RINTEL & MC LURCH (Trafik set) / ILLUSIV & DVISE / MCs SEEKA & WEBBZ

A great night of dancing lies ahead with lacal and International Acts

The All Good Funk Alliance formed in 1997 consists of Frank Cueto and Rusty Belicek. They've been creating music and DJ'ing since 1995 and have a slew of releases and remixes. Their style blends funk, breaks, and Latin grooves to produce a style unto their own.

Originally starting out producing house tracks, the All Good Funk Alliance have moved on to the style of party breaks and renamed their house music production persona to B-Team. Initially signed to Defective out of Baltimore, and later having their third release blow up on the classic label Maxi out of New York the boys were soon on there way. They have been featured on several mix comps, television shows, commercials and tons of labels. Their remix roster includes Unklejam (Virgin Records), Ikon, Fort Knox 5, Dublex Inc., Malente, Ed Royal and Swamburger just to name a few.

MC Think Tank shreds magma. Straight up he does. He's speed skated on Saturn's rings and he could kick an asteroid into another galaxy! This guy is actually a spaceman and one of the most versatile MC's to come out of western Canada. He uses old school flavor and expertly timed verses to move the crowd. Taking international audiences on a journey that could be described as spacey, funky, political, psychedlic and high energy.

When Adrian Cartwright and Rupert Keiller played their last Big Day Out show in Perth in 2006 they thought that show would be the last for Sonic Animation. So it was astonishing even to them when the itch to create new music never subsided and the desire to play live again intensified. This year that urge was forceful and they decided to team up again to produce their new album.

Back in 1999 sonicanimation's single Love Lies Bleeding launched them
into the eyes and ears of an unsuspecting Australian audience and
their follow up single Theophilus Thistler choked the national
airwaves soon after. The tongue twister's success was fuelled in part
by the gigantic furry 'Technotubbie' creatures, named Robert Rollie
and Theophilus Thistler that originally featured in the video. During
sonicanimation's eleven-year stint from 1994 to 2006 the band won
awards for BEST LIVE ACT and BEST VIDEO at Australia's DANCE MUSIC
AWARDS, as well as being nominated for two ARIA's. They released five
albums including the gold selling Orchid for the Afterworld as well as
numerous EPs and 12-inch singles. They also did remixes for KYLIE
MINOGUE, ICEHOUSE and SKYHOOKS.

sonicanimation's reputation as an energetic and frenetic live outfit
saw them play the BIG DAY OUT festival nationally five times. They
supported THE PRODIGY, CHEMICAL BROTHERS, THE CRYSTAL METHOD, BASEMENT
JAXX, UNDERWORLD and FAT BOY SLIM and played countless dance parties
including MINISTRY OF SOUND and HARDWARE.

In the years since their last Big day out show Cartwright has been
quietly turning out new tunes in his bedroom studio while bringing up
a family. Keiller moved to Canada and began running events in his
small hometown of Rossland, British Columbia. From this picturesque,
small ski resort community, Keiller began recording again in mind of
adding some dynamics/variation to his touring DJ career at ski resorts
around the province where Australian fans follow him devotedly. Behind
the scenes as tour manager and music producer for a professional
theatre company, Keiller continued doing remixes for Vancouver's Dehli
to Dublin, New York's Black Peter Group, Andrew Friendly and Bexta, to
name a few. Most recently, Keiller has been working with Canadian
singer/songwriter Nadine Tremblay to create their new album and club
experience ELECTRO SOCIAL CLUB. Keiller and Cartwright continue to
create music that pushes the boundaries of dance music as we know it
and remain ahead of their time.

Current RSK bio (only slightly different to before):
Rupert Keiller aka DJ RSK is a DJ, music writer, singer, performer and
electronic music producer based out of British Columbia, Canada. He
began DJing in Australia in 1993 under the moniker Dr Roopa after
returning from London with a bag full of 12" trance vinyl, playing
various clubs and many house parties around Melbourne. Though it
wasn't until moving to British Columbia 2 years ago that his passion
for spinning really took hold. Rupert now plays his style of
breakbeat, electro punk and indie electronica in various clubs and
venues in BC. Most of Rupert's career in the Australian electronic
music industry was spent with outfit Sonicanimation. His 11 year
career as singer, writer, producer and performer with the band saw
them win awards for BEST LIVE ACT and BEST VIDEO at Australia's DANCE
MUSIC AWARDS, as well as be nominated for two ARIA's. They released
five albums including the gold selling Orchid for the Afterworld as
well as numerous EPs and 12-inch singles. The track Love Lies Bleeding
launched them into the eyes and ears of an unsuspecting Australian
audience in 1999 and their follow up single Theophilus Thistler choked
the national airwaves in 2000.

They also did remixes for KYLIE MINOGUE, AMIEL and ICEHOUSE. Rupert's
reputation as an energetic and frenetic front man combined with the
bands live notability saw Sonicanimation play the BIG DAY OUT
nationally five times. They supported THE PRODIGY, CHEMICAL BROTHERS,
THE CRYSTAL METHOD, BASEMENT JAXX, UNDERWORLD and FAT BOY SLIM. They
played countless dance parties including MINISTRY OF SOUND and
HARDWARE. Their fame was fuelled in part by the gigantic furry
creatures (the 'Technotubbies' named Robert Rollie and Theophilus
Thistler) that originally featured in their video for Theophilus
Thistler. This year Rupert has begun work on a new album for
sonicanimation. Working again with Adrian Cartwright the guys have new
songs with a couple of killer remixes planned. Watch for it to drop in
February 2013. In the meantime you can check out DJ RSK touring BC,
Canada and Australia this December and January.

On Boxing Day at the Prince Bandroom, a handpicked selection of some of Australia's most respected and talented MC's will grace the stage for MASTERS OF CEREMONY.

PRINCE BANDROOM PRESENTS:

MASTERS OF CEREMONY
BOXING DAY 2012

Featuring:
DELTA (NUFF SAID)
TUKA (THUNDAMENTALS/BIG VILLAGE)
THE TONGUE (ELEFANT TRAKS)
MAUNDZ (CRATE CARTEL)
DAZED (DFTC)
SINKS (DFTC)

Hosted by: Eloquor

DJs:
WAX MUSEUM DJs
STAEN1 (3 x Aust DMC Champion)
PETE CARGO
MADCAP

BOXING DAY - WED 26 DEC
PRINCE BANDROOM
29 Fitzroy St, St Kilda

On Boxing Day 2012 (Wed 26th Dec) at the Prince Bandroom in St Kilda, a handpicked selection of some of Australia's most respected and talented MC's will grace the stage for MASTERS OF CEREMONY, a showcase of solo Hip Hop artists who are considered craftsmen in the Australian Hip Hop landscape. Each emcee has a unique style that sets them apart from the next; from Melbourne to Sydney to Adelaide, these 6 MC's will deliver an authentic Hip Hop show that will guarantee entertainment from beginning to end.

Hosting the night will be one of Melbourne's most likeable MC's, Eloquor, while the Wax Museum DJs will be laying down selections throughout the night backed up by Staen 1 (3 x Aust DMC Champ), Pete Cargo & Madcap who plan to keep that holiday vibe rockin' into the late hours.

THE ACTS

DELTA (Nuff Said)
https://www.facebook.com/mrdeltarock
http://lostralian.com/photos
https://twitter.com/mrdelta

As winner of countless freestyle MC battles, Delta has forged an identity as a formidable lyricist and crusader for the elevation of MCing as an artform. His life has been shaped by his long standing commitment to hip hop culture and he is respected around the world as one of the rawest talents to come from down under. Currently crafting his third album titled 'Pyramid Schemes', it promises to push the limits of hip hop, showcasing the elevated form of hardcore yet conscious lyricism he has always been known for featuring a who's who of guests from both Australia and abroad.

TUKA (of Thundamentals)
https://www.facebook.com/willrap4tuka
http://willrap4tuka.tumblr.com/
http://twitter.com/Tukasnatch

Having toured Australia a few times over with Thundamentals on stages like Sydney's Enmore Theatre or Hi Fi and Luna Park's Big Top (Come Together) and most recently Big Sound, Tuka is as at home in front of a couple of hundred as he is in front of a few thousand. He's developed his performance style to be comfortable handling the stage on his own or as part of an ensemble. His captivating style ranges from playful to menacing, sometimes all in the one song. 

THE TONGUE (Elefant Traks)
https://www.facebook.com/thetongue1
http://www.elefanttraks.com/thesextape/
https://twitter.com/thetongueisdead

When it comes to hip hop, there isn't much The Tongue hasn't done. He is an infamous MC battle champion, seasoned touring artist (opening for the likes of Public Enemy, Dizzie Rascal, Drapht and The Herd) and a prolific songwriter, with two albums ("Shock And Awe" and "Alternative Energy"); three mixtapes and an EP ("Bad Education") to his name. He has played Australia's biggest music festivals including The Big Day Out, Good Vibrations, Come Together, Sydney Festival, Sprung Festival, Peats Ridge and Groovin The Moo. Known for his clever wordplay, sense of humor, freestyle ability and inspirational lyrics The Tongue is currently finishing off his third full-length album, set to the released in 2013.

MAUNDZ
https://www.facebook.com/maundz
http://cratecartel.com/
https://twitter.com/MAUNDZ

Maundz, the outspoken rascal of Melbourne's rap-scene; has a heart of gold, a potty mouth, and an acid tongue. His second LP Zero, is the first release of 2012 from irrefutable hip hop collective Crate Cartel. Zero is a fast approaching sun on the horizon after what has been a long winter for Maundz fans.

"Maundz" quickly became a buzz word throughout Australia's various hip hop circles after the release of his debut LP Mr Nobody in twenty-ten. Revered by the likes of Hilltop Hoods and Drapht as the "next big thing", Maundz has become highly respected by his underground and commercially established cohorts alike.

Belonging to the elite Crate Cartel crew, Maundz is surrounded by a support network of stoic men with strong spirits and an outstanding yet unconventional work ethic. The intuitive approach applied to every project the Cartel take on, is what has assisted them to produce such consistently unique, purist material.

DAZED
https://www.facebook.com/Dazed.DFTC
http://music.dftc.com.au/album/hearing-not-listening
http://twitter.com/Dazed_Music

Hailing from Canberra, raised in Sydney and now calling Melbourne home; producer/MC Dazed has found himself firmly rooted in Melbourne's burgeoning Hip-Hop scene.

Originally recognised amongst the Australian Hip-Hop community as one half of MC duo Dazed & Flawlezz, Dazed has forged a career on his own path, producing for a range of artists and now a driving force behind Down For The Count Records.

Brandishing an MPC Renaissance and an eclectic stash of wax for sampling, Dazed is a producer at heart and it's music that fuels his daily life. One to not forget where we have come from, Dazed continues to release music on vinyl in a digital age where mp3s reign supreme, where music is thrown away just as easy as it is accessed.

Whether crafting a hardcore banger or getting personal with melancholic boom- bap, the focus is on creating something unique and fresh that the audience can connect with. Living, breathing, street-level Hip-Hop for the heads.

SINKS
http://twitter.com/sinks_dftc
http://music.dftc.com.au/releases

As a young rapper and producer hailing from Melbourne's inner south, Sinks' passion for the craft of hip hop is second to none. As a newer MC in the scene he has been able to form a niche sound for himself, bypassing the sound of the majority of modern monotonous raps which get regular mainstream radio rotation.

Unapologetically blending boom bap production with the odd classic dub to form a sound not often heard in the local scene, Sinks' work as a beat maker combined with his energetic and thought provoking rhymes ensures he is an artist that both new and old heads can both respect and enjoy. From rapid double times to a slower drawl Sinks has drawn attention from some of the bigger names in the scene who have name checked him as the next emcee to watch.

This year ANDY C returns with the Godfather Of The Mic, MC GQ and Loaded Dice presents the recently crowned BEST DNB DJ for the 14th consecutive year becoming one of the leading forces in what is Drum N Bass today.

His label RAM Records celebrates its 21st year running after winning the best DNB Label for 2012. Andy C is set to sell out so be quick! Don't Miss This...

ON SALE 9AM MONDAY 20 AUGUST. + guests Sleepmakeswaves. Sheffieldâs electro-post-rock titans 65daysofstatic formed in 2001 and soon became known for their incredible sound - a blend of live electronics, drum and bass beats and the pummelling build and dynamics of post-rock.

Over 5 albums and hundreds of shows across the globe, the band has earned a loyal following for their powerful, forward-thinking fusion of dance, rock and electronica.

The success of 2004 debut 'The Fall Of Math' and the follow up 'One Time For All Time' earned 65DOS a personal invitation to support The Cure on their 2007-09 arena tour across the US, UK, Europe and Asia.

Since then they have played some of the world's biggest festivals, including Sonisphere and Summersonic.

While their records showcase their ornate instrumentation and experimental sound manipulations, their live show is a rock and roll rave that has made them one of the most popular instrumental touring acts in the world.

Now, with the announcement of their first ever Australian tour, 65dos have announced the re-release of their entire back catalogue in Australia, with deluxe editions of each album including previously unreleased tracks as well as guest appearances from Robert Smith (The Cure) and Australian instrumental group sleepmakeswaves.

THE EVENT OF THE SUMMER! - This Australia Day Chinese Laundry presents a DirtyBird Records Garden Party - featuring Claude Von Stroke (USA), Justin Martin (USA) & J.Phlip (USA) + more @ the newly renovated Ivy bar

Australia Day ... is there a better day to party in this beautiful city of ours ? We think not ! 

This year we are pleased to bring youa lineup that is going to be the hottest ticket event this summer, and probably our biggest Garden Party yet!

A DirtyBird Records party, featuring sets from the label head and amazing DJ Claude VonStroke, man of the moment and probably the stand-out artist of 2012 Justin Martin, and the coolest female dj in house music J.Phlip.

Anyone who knows what they are talking about will tell you that the DirtyBird label is pretty much the most on point & at the forefront of amazing House music right now.

Full Line Up :

Court Yard 

Claude Von Stroke 

Justin Martin 

J.Phlip 

U-Khan 

Den - hosted by Bad Apple 

Whitecat 

Ben Ashton 

Antoine Vice

About Jack 

More Info:
Claude Von Stroke
Claude VonStroke does not scowl and look mean while he DJs. He does not pretend to know everything and he will be nice to you and your friends. He is grateful to be doing music for a living and he knows that the reason people go to parties is to have fun. If you want to act cool and not have any fun then please do not book him.

The name "Claude VonStroke" was a random joke that caught on after a series of tracks grabbed the attention of underground dance music in 2005. His very first record, "Deep Throat, " was an unusually quirky affair that caught fire worldwide and he has been blessed with similar success stories ever since. Claude's real name is Barclay Crenshaw, a guy raised in the suburbs Detroit who wanted to be a filmmaker but always had a knack for music. After several different film careers of varying success and with some help from his friends, VonStroke started the "dirtybird" label at the very late age of 32.

Since 2005, dirtybird has carved out a niche as a premiere American label and has released over 40 EPs. VonStroke has released two artist albums as well as a Fabric mix and over 25 remixes for a wide range of commercial and underground artists from Indy rock group "The Rapture" to Detroit techno legend Kevin Saunderson.

In an effort to give something back to the community VonStroke unveiled a new label "mothership" in 2007. A large percentage of the label's proceeds go to a music school for children in Claude's hometown of Detroit, Michigan. This label features more euro-flavored techno and house featuring groups like Catz 'n Dogz, Maetrik and Voodeux.

But like we said at the start, Claude VonStroke is only coming to see you if you want to enjoy yourself and get sweaty and nasty. If you want to wear a sweater and frown in the VIP section, he is not the right DJ for you.

Justin Martin 

As the late Oscar Wilde once said: "life is too important to be taken seriously", an ethos that Justin Martin is sticking with despite achieving soaring success over the last six years as a producer and international DJ.

Justin initially pricked the ears of the electronic music community in 2003 with his first record 'The Sad Piano' on Ben Watt's Buzzin' Fly label. Everyone in the electronic music food chain got involved, from the A list DJs like Derrick Carter and Pete Tong that were playing the track, to the international music press that were raving about it. It even translated to the German underground, with Poker Flat licensing it for Steve Bug's 'Bugnology' compilation. Like someone that goes bowling for the first time and gets five strikes and a turkey, Justin couldn't really have hoped for a better entrance.

Feeding off the energy of the San Francisco underground and mentored by fellow super producer Claude VonStroke, Justin was intrinsically involved with the development of dirtybird records, appearing on its first four releases. Justin was soon ready to take flight, releasing a string of solo EPs which flaunted a very unique sound and garnered still more respect among fellow DJS and heavyweight's of the scene.

In 2010, such respect prompted an invitation for Justin to DJ mix Pete Tong's infamous "Essential Mix" series and also landed his felicitous placement on the front cover of DJ Magazine. Justin continued to roll out two further killer EPs on dirtybird, which were collaborations with his prot g e Ardalan. "Mr Spock" earned recognition from major digital news outlet NPR as "surrounding sounds with tactful little details: the hissing white noise; that chubby, wet bass kick. This is music that doesn't need to be heard on the dance floor, though it does work awfully well there". What followed was "Lezgo", which knocked down the genre walls and pretty much remained a firm fixture in every DJ's box throughout 2011.

As well as his formidable arsenal of original productions, Justin is now equally known for his collaborations with his brother Christian as The Martin Brothers, producing such hip-hop influenced hits as 'Duckface', 'Stoopit', 'Dum'. Justin has also made his mark remixing such bona fide classics as Radiohead's 'Nude', Marshall Jefferson's 'Mushrooms', TG's 'Revox' and remixes for labels such as Fools Gold and Greco Roman, firmly establishing himself as the man to make big tracks even bigger.

2011 found Justin in the perfect position to work on his boldest project to date, his debut artist album and he couldn't be more enthusiastically happy with the results. "Ghettos & Gardens" was one of the most highly played albums of 2012 and received glowing reviews 

Demand for Justin's skills behind the decks has skyrocketed with his bookings schedule constantly crammed to capacity. With dates everywhere from Panorama Bar (Berlin), Fabric (London), Space (Ibiza) and a full album tour for summer and fall 2o12, its no wonder Justin's diary is reading like the dreams of a professional raver. Stateside he continues to be a regular fixture at the dirtybird events in San Francisco and beyond.

Music journalists typically describe Justin's sound as 'melodic and tough' with his music encapsulating both melody and emotional depth yet always with enough undeniable ass shaking properties to translate to the floor.

"I'm always trying to find music for my DJ sets that rattles sound systems, but still has enough melody and interesting texture to expand your mind even if you're sitting at home on a snowy or rainy day."

He remains as enthusiastic as ever to be involved in the scene. When recently questioned by Resident Advisor on what he'd be doing if he wasn't a DJ or dance music producer he just replied: "Wishing I was a DJ or music producer."

By all accounts it's hard to tell him to wipe that smile off his face.

J.Phlip

J Phlip (pronounced J Flip) known to some as Jessica Phillipe discovered house music in her hometown of Champaign, Illinois, just 2 hours south of Chicago. Sometime around her 19th birthday she got her first DJ rig - two belt drive turntables and a mixer lacking EQ knobs for $100 bucks! From then on, her poor roomates were forced to listen to a constant dance party in-between her Systems Engineering studies. There aren't a lot of 4.0 braniac engineering majors who decide to become DJs instead of cashing in on their degrees but Jessica truly loves the music and has dedicated her life to it.

Her proximity to Chicago's famous house scene tremendously affected her sound, but the distance afforded her the freedom to incorporate a variety of other influences into her repertoire. Her sets posses a fun, "lets-not-forget-this-is-dance-music, " feeling and simultaneously keep you guessing about what might come next. Her collection spans house, tech house, deep house, techno, booty bass and pretty much anything that make you shake your ass.

She's currently a well known DJ/Producer in San Francisco. Her skills on the decks and in the studio have secured her highly desirable spot as an official member of the dirtybird crew. She has a residency at San Francisco's infamous Endup nightclub, which is notorious for its non-stop, never-ending parties.

Jessica continues to have new productions coming out on dirtybird where she has signed on as an exclusive original artist. Add to that, remixes on Scion Audio/Visual, Justin Long's Dotbleep Records, and brand new Denver-based label Full Flavor, and original tunes on Alland Byallo's Nightlight Music & the east coast imprint, Airdrop. She is currently Claude VonStroke's favorite support DJ and has already played at amazing high profile gigs like Fabric, Space Ibiza & Back to Basics. She was also chosen for URB Magazine's Next 100 of 2009 and is looking forward to Berlin, where she will be moving in the spring of 2010. Look out for her this spring in Europe - she WILL be making asses shake on the dancefloor and she's just as excited about it as the day she got her belt drives!

(Letter from Claude VonStroke)

"It is not that often that i get to hear someone play who i think is amazing. It is even more rare for me to hear a person that understands what the real "dirtybird" sound is all about. Jessica (J Phlip) is one of those rare gifted DJs who I love to listen to. I can fully attest to her skills on the decks as I have travelled on tour with her from the UK to Spain to Germany and beyond. I promise she can hold her own with anyone I have ever heard play on any stage. If you are thinking about booking someone fresh from dirtybird I really think this is the DJ who can deliver the goods as they were meant to be delivered. Straight from San Francisco with dirty basslines, bootylicious funk, and cute as hell - J. Phlip is the total package. She is moving to Europe for the summer, so this is a chance to hear someone really cool from the original San Francisco dirtybird crew who doesn't sound like everyone else."

- Claude VonStroke