EMPIRE just announced its acquisition of iconic dance record label, Dirtybird. This acquisition marks EMPIRE’s entrance into the dance music scene. The leading independent label, distributor, and publisher adds to their work alongside the world’s top artists across Hip Hop, R&B, Latin, Country, and Afrobeats.
Barclay Crenshaw, better known as Claude VonStroke, founded Dirtybird in San Francisco in 2005. For nearly two decades, the label supplied the best in modern US house music. Dirtybird Campouts provided an oasis for house music lovers to camp and dance with their favorite artists. Not to mention, enjoy the outdoors as a music lover should. In addition, Dirtybird won “Label of the Decade” by Mixmag and Label of the Year twice at Miami’s International Dance Music Awards.
“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. [EMPIRE] has the capacity and resources to grow the brand globally. This is a dream come true.”
Barclay Crenshaw, CEO and Founder of Dirtybird
So, this polymerizes two of San Francisco’s most prominent and independent music companies. This will truly showcase a formidable catalog of music, tons of merch, publishing and web3 assets. What’s more, Claude will continue to own and run all of the Dirtybird live events and festival brands. Yes!
“Growing up in San Francisco and the Bay Area at large, dance music has always been a huge part of our music scene. 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.”
Ghazi, CEO and Founder of EMPIRE
EMPIRE and Dirtybird Records plan to formally announce the new partnership at Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), on October 20th at Space266. The event is open to the public. Who’s ready to see what’s in store?
