Including its complete catalog.
Leading independent label, distributor, and publisher EMPIRE has just announced its acquisition of Claude VonStroke’s Dirtybird imprint. The purchase signals the company’s entrance into the dance music scene, following ventures into hip hop, R&B, Latin, country, and afrobeats.
Founded back in 2005 by Claude VonStroke, Dirtybird has been at the forefront of the modern U.S. house music scene for nearly two decades, earning numerous accolades in the process, including ‘Label of the Year’ twice at the International Dance Music Awards in Miami.
While the buyout means the Dirtybird catalog of music, including artists such as Claude VonStroke, Nikki Nair, Walker & Royce, as well as the label’s clothing, publishing, and web3 assets are now under EMPIRE’s management, Claude VonStroke will continue to own and run all of the Dirtybird live events and festival brands.
“Growing up in San Francisco and the Bay Area at large, dance music has always been a huge part of our music scene,” said Ghazi, CEO and Founder of EMPIRE. “EMPIRE at its core is a company that is for the culture. Dirtybird embodies the independent ethos and understands the cultural nuance of everything San Francisco and dance music.”
“I’m so excited to join another incredible independent Bay Area music company. I will continue to A&R the Dirtybird label and direct the creative for the music and clothing, while EMPIRE has the capacity and resources to grow the brand globally. This is a dream come true,” expressed the CEO and Founder of Dirtybird, Claude VonStroke.
