Claude VonStroke and Shadow Child have teamed up for their new collaboration ‘Steel Thing’ out now via Dirtybird Records. 

What began as a way to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Shadow Child’s Dirtybird debut quickly evolved into a full-fledged collaboration with the labelhead himself. Inspired by Shadow Child’s ‘String Thing’, ‘Steel Thing’ acts as an off-kilter companion to the decade’s old house classic. A relentless groove that captivates with each twist and turn, ‘Steel Thing’ basks in the brazen left-of-center rhythms and industrial tones crafted by the pair of underground titans. Destined to be one of Dirtybird’s highlight releases this year, ‘Steel Thing’ honors the label’s long history of making and breaking house and techno talent.

Regarding the collaboration, Claude VonStroke said, “I’ve known Shadow Child for ages and we were going to re-issue his classic ‘String Thing’, but it quickly turned into a whole new idea. We called it ‘Steel Thing’ as an homage to the past, but this track sounds more like someone is hitting a metal pipe inside a psychedelic vortex.”

Shadow Child added, “Linking in the studio with the venerable Claude Vonstroke on this one has been wicked. It’s the perfect way to celebrate my beginnings which were at Dirtybird a decade ago, with a fresh track that could lift the roof off the Sistine Chapel. Viva le ‘Steel Thing’.”

In 2012, UK producer/DJ Shadow Child announced his new moniker with ‘String Thing’, a powerful production with groovy strings and a no-nonsense bassline that served as his first house record. The track was snapped up by Claude VonStroke and became the staple of influential DJs such as Eats Everything, Zinc, Jaymo & Andy George, Annie Mac and many more. With the release, Shadow Child became the label’s next breakout artist, following the likes of Julio Bashmore, Catz N Dogz, Eats Everything, Justin Martin, and more. Still one of the label’s most popular releases to this day, ‘String Thing’ is a prime example of Dirtybird’s years as one of dance music’s leading tastemakers. 

As the head of Dirtybird Records, Claude VonStroke has become an iconic curator and A&R known for spotting and developing a wide array of talent over the years. From debuting acts like Shadow Child and FISHER to growing artists like Nala, Claude VonStroke has established Dirtybird as a global authority of underground dance music. As the label nears its 20th anniversary, celebrating Dirtybird’s roots and future has become a theme for this year, with ‘Steel Thing’ commemorating a decade of sonic evolution. 

Catch Claude VonStroke on the final stops of the Dirtybird Players Tour and stream ‘Steel Thing’ out now.