We proudly present Steve Darko's debut album, “Midnight Swim”, a balance of dark and light that weaves through fourteen dynamic and synth infused tracks. For the last few years Steve has made a huge impression on Dirtybird with his ingenuity and cutting edge sound design. His EPs, singles, and collaborations are some of the best material on the label, and this new album certainly upholds that same standard of incredible creative quality. 

Written largely during a time of global uncertainty and forced lockdowns, ‘Midnight Swim’ in itself was a way for Darko to find his own freedom and catharsis despite grim surrounding circumstances. The project is a manifestation of balance and an exercise in perseverance, and of reconciling these two driving forces. 

The album also speaks to the power of collaboration, something Darko has always embraced as an artist. He employs a multitude of guest on Midnight Swim including Claude VonStroke, VNSSA, Rachel Alix, Nala, Bøats and Phlemboyant. Nearly half of the LP contains guest writers, which work to push Darko further outside his comfort zone. Each collaborator played a unique role in bringing his vision to fruition, helping to shape the eclectic and wide reaching nature of the record.

“Midnight Swim” begins with a slow, arpeggiated Prophet synthesizer creepily growing and growing and then dropping into a tough Darko beat. The record moves from deep house to trippy minimal to tech house, with melodies and atmospheric excursions sprinkled throughout. Whether its ominous dark waters or an inviting evening bath, Steve Darko delivers a wet synthetic vision of reality on his debut full length.

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Steve Darko - Midnight Swim [DIRTYBIRD]

Midnight Swim

Oohs And Arps

Steve Darko - Oohs And Arps [DIRTYBIRD]

Euclidean Dreams

Steve Darko - Euclidean Dreams [DIRTYBIRD]

How Many Times

Steve Darko & Claude VonStroke - How Many Times [DIRTYBIRD]

Smooth Like Butter

Steve Darko - Smooth Like Butter [DIRTYBIRD]

Descending

Steve Darko - Descending [DIRTYBIRD]

You know Dirtybird for dropping basslines and creating smiles on the dance floor since January 2005.

The fun family vibe of the Dirtybird label can be traced back to a free event started in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. This new kind of house music went against the smooth vocal house that was popular at the time and derived its influences mostly from hip-hop, drum n bass, and American funk. The free outdoor BBQ party was very rough around the edges but eventually became legendary amongst the people of San Francisco. This event was also a very influential factor in the decision by Claude VonStroke to start the record label in 2005.

Today, Dirtybird has offices in San Francisco and Los Angeles and has expanded into events and tour production. As it grows, the brand continues to expand beyond music into merchandise, licensing and artist management. In 2015, Dirtybird launched the inaugural Dirtybird Campout festival, which has been dubbed “Summer Camp For Adults”, and Dirtybird has been recognized from their achievements by being awarded "Underground Label of the Year" at the International Dance Music Awards, “Label of the Decade” by Mixmag, “Best North American Label” by DJ Mag, and Billboard’s "Top 5 Independent Dance Labels".