Claude VonStroke has spent more than two decades navigating shifts in electronic music culture while maintaining a clear sense of self as an artist. With the release of “Noche Clara” on Crosstown Rebels, he enters a new chapter that reflects a narrower focus on music itself rather than the infrastructure that once surrounded it. The release landed back on on December 5, 2025, which marked his long-awaited debut on Damian Lazarus’ label.
The two-track release connects long-standing relationships and creative intent. “Noche Clara” presents a late-night club record shaped through collaboration with Honeycomb, while the companion track “Bam Bam” extends the project into deeper territory. Together, the release reflects VonStroke’s current priorities and his decision to streamline his output around production and performance.
In this interview, VonStroke speaks candidly about visibility, momentum, and how the industry has changed. He addresses the realities of marketing, booking, and online presence while explaining how experience and perspective now guide his choices. His responses offer context for how artists can remain focused when attention shifts away from music alone.
Interview: Claude VonStroke
Do you think it’s harder now to cut through on music alone?
Yes, and in my case as an example I used to have a label, two festivals, 6 BBQs and 4 merch lines a year. Now I’ve sold all of that and am back to just being an artist. The marketing side is more challenging now because I have less ways to make noise. It’s a catch 22 because the more you have going on the easier it is to stay in people’s heads BUT the more you have going on the less music you end up making.
How much of your booking momentum comes from how people see you rather than what they hear?
I guess the best way to answer this is with the truth – that it doesnt matter to me anymore. I’m only playing shows based on the potential quality of the experience. I’m not trying to fill all my Friday and Saturday nights. If your party is amazing, I will play it. If it’s just a run of the mill gig I’m probably passing. I’m not really playing that game anymore and I realize that I’m very very lucky to be in this situation.
Have you ever had to consciously protect your process from becoming too image-driven?
No, not really as far as i can remember. I did feel at one point I was being sucked into the USA tech house boom with everyone else over here but I have been pivoting away from that sound and it’s not really been a big deal.
When does staying visible online feel valuable and when does it feel hollow?
If I could have an orange 1980s push button phone that just rang i would prefer it. That is my dream.
Have you ever felt like people responded more to your aesthetic than your actual sound?
Yes there was “The Dirtybird Sound” and you can say that I’m a major part of that. Some people still want to only hear that from me and that’s OK because even though I’m changing sonically, it’s still me. There is still the greasy funk underlying the whole thing. Claude is Claude whether its deep or moody or up front.
Have you seen good music get ignored because the artist was not engaging with promotion?
Absolutely 100% yes for sure. I was even feeling slightly cocky at one point last year and I decided I was going to do all of my own marketing and socials and everything myself. And guess what – It didnt work!! lol I’m very blessed because my wife is a marketing genius so now she’s back working on my music again. And I really need her.
What helps you stay grounded when algorithms favor surface-level engagement?
I’ve been around too long to really get upset about this. Nothing is fair. The world does not owe us anything and the rules change every day. Maybe in two years everyone will be back to liking good music over socials – there is no way to predict the future so just keep on making tunes and living life the best you can.
The post Claude VonStroke on Staying Grounded in a Changing Industry appeared first on Magnetic Magazine.