Meet the artists behind Dirtybird Campout: Shiba San
Claude VonStroke realized his dreams of integrating his favorite childhood camping activities into a boutique festival centered around his Dirtybird label in October 2015 in hosting the debut Dirtybird Campout. Aided by organizer pros the Do Lab, he created a gathering that went far beyond the usual offerings and into sleepaway camp territory. Label members and guest DJs such as Justin Martin, Danny Daze, and J. Phlip played the role of camp counselors, guiding the energy of the festival forward in addition to leading immersive activities such as water balloon fights, archery, and tug-of-war.
The combination of nostalgic elements with quality music proved a winning one for Dirtybird Campout, leading to its return to Southern California’s picturesque Oak Canyon Park for round 2 from October 7-9. Ahead of the festival, we’ve teamed up with Dirtybird for an ongoing interview series spotlighting both the imprint’s own stars, as well as the myriad of world-class artists on the bill.
Tickets to Dirtybird Campout are available here.
Shiba San became a seemingly overnight sensation in 2014 when his single “Okay” captured international attention and subsequent interest in his hip-hop infused, “ghetto funk” style of house. As a valued part of the Dirtybird family and a two-time winner of the “Best Underground Dance Track” award at Miami’s Winter Music Conference, his releases consistently perch themselves at the top of underground music charts. The Parisian has also become a valued commodity on the performance circuit, busily touring across the globe while nabbing spots among reputable festival lineups including Lightning In A Bottle, EDC, and Spring Awakenings. Now, he prepares for his Dirtybird Campout debut, where he’ll be joining other label favorites to take campers on a wild listening experience through addictive, bass-fueled kicks.
How long have you been DJing for & how did you get your start?
More than 10 years ago. I saw DJ’s scratching and I found that very fun, so I tried. I fell in love.
What was your first label release? Would you still play it?
My first one is “Okay.” I can’t stop playing it; if i do, my fans will kill me.
What has been the biggest breakthrough of your career?
This track ‘Okay’ on Dirtybird opened the doors for me.
If you could be another artist for a day, who would you pick?
Dr Dre !!! I would like to listen to all his vinyls. But one day is not enough I guess.
What are you looking forward to most about Dirtybird campout?
I don’t know what to expect, everybody tells me it’s the best festival with a lot of fun.
If you could recommend three artists to catch from the lineup, who would you pick?
I can’t do that, I recommend them all!!!
What are three essential items you wouldn’t go camping without?
Sunblock, gum, earplugs
Do you have a favorite (or funny) camping memory?
My first one was at Shambhala last year. It was very nice except that my tent was too small for me and my suitcases!