dirtybird released its first record in Janaury 2005 but the idea began in 2002 during the production of "Intellect," one of the most intensive studies on DJs and producers of house and techno music ever filmed. The Intellect dvd featured over 40 interviews with legendary producers from Juan Atkins, to Swayzak. Director Barclay Crenshaw created the concept of the label in order to supply tracks for the dvd soundtrack. In 2003, Barclay's friend Christian Martin purchased a massive portable sound system and began throwing outdoor parties in San Francisco called "dirtybird." The bird logo was derived from a sketch cartoon character Barclay had been drawing since he was 10 years old. In 2005, "dirtybird," the record label began releasing vinyl. At the same time, Barclay created the DJ alias "Claude VonStroke" as a joke but the name stuck forever after the debut record "Deep Throat" sold through more than 11,000 vinyl copies worldwide.