Claude VonStroke, part of North America’s underground dance music community, makes a return with the release of his new EP, ‘I Was The Wolf’, and the launch of his “Life of Leisure” tour, with both recently kicking off at New York City’s Knockdown Center.
After selling his Dirtybird brand and stepping away from the spotlight for two years, VonStroke is back with a renewed sense of creative freedom. His latest work reflects this evolution.
The track offers a darker, cinematic approach to his style, balancing Berlin-influenced minimal grooves with a sly, quirky atmosphere. The A-side, ‘I Was The Wolf’, taps into raw, moody expression, while the B-side, ‘Move With The Pack’ aims to wrap listeners in jazzy, immersive textures.
VonStroke: “My little brother Alex used to call me garage boy because I would lock myself in the garage for 12-14 hours at a time and never come out while I was tinkering with samplers and drum machines. We didn't even have grounded electricity in the garage back then, so if you touched the metal sampler for too long with your bare hand, it would start to tingle. This is probably what happened to my brain as well.
“The A-side of my new record is called 'I Was the Wolf." I used a lot of my analogue gear for this track, especially the most unusual synth I own, called the Dreabox Murmux. Only 300 were made, and it is capable of a very quirky, creepy sound palette. (It's just a bit off but in the right way.) I've been using hardware equipment since I was 11, trying to splice cassette tapes to make overdubs, and that garage boy has returned! I'm nerding out in the studio, except I can now touch the synths without the electro-shock therapy.”
The release party in New York marks the beginning of a global tour, one that reflects his new ethos. He’s chosen venues with personal significance—from favourite clubs like CODA in Toronto and Space in Miami to major festivals like Lightning in a Bottle, Movement, and Osheaga. International stops are also planned, including nights at London’s KOKO and Berlin’s Panorama Bar.
VonStroke: “Life of Leisure is a state of mind. It has nothing to do with money or status. It means being free in your head, doing what you want, and saying no to everything else. There are villains everywhere—anxiety, fear, low self-worth, stress—but for the few hours we spend together on the dancefloor, we can vibe out and live this life care-free.”
© justaweemusicblog.com
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