Dirtybird Unveils First Volume Of 'Flock Tapes' Compilation Series

**Ardalan, Black V Neck, Mz Worthy, and more come together on Dirtybird’s Flock Tapes compilation, which features 18 tracks born from the Flight Week writing camp.**

Dirtybird has never been a label that’s afraid to do things differently. Last year, the beloved imprint gathered producers and songwriters for its first-ever Flight Week, a creative retreat built around collaboration. Now, a year later, those sessions have resulted in Flock Tapes Vol. 1, an 18-track compilation that captures the week’s energy and spotlights both longtime Dirtybird favorites and newer names in the community.

The compilation opens with AMPRS&ND‘s “Nobody Left,” a record that immediately feels familiar to those who have followed Dirtybird for years now. The bassline is fat and punchy, the hi-hats are crisp, and the off-center synth work gives it that quirky character the label has built its reputation on. There’s a catchy vocal and melody running throughout, but underneath it all is a groove that feels made for big festival crowds.

The soundscapes shift into a deeper groove on “Calm Down” from Life On Planets, Julian Sacheli, and Ian Beato. The track blends R&B-style vocals with organ chords and classic house strings, giving it a distinct yet organic feel. The percussion is what will keep pulling listeners back, though. Around the halfway mark, the drums take center stage and remind you just how tight the groove is from start to finish.

Another highlight arrives with “Smack A MF” from Wet Velvet, SHADED, and DJ E-Clyps. This one feels like classic Dirtybird. The concept is simple, but that’s exactly why it works. The vocal hook grabs your attention immediately, while a deep rolling sub bass keeps the momentum moving underneath. With a few catchy synth chords, you’ve got the type of track that feels destined to create a reaction whenever it gets dropped.

Elsewhere, Kevin Knapp and SHADED bring plenty of attitude on “Gorilla,” while Black V Neck, Ardalan, Life On Planets, and SHADED combine for the groove-heavy “Spiraling.” Additional contributions throughout the compilation from Mz Worthy, Khyenci, Marieme, n808, Mike Kerrigan, and Andra G. continue to reinforce the collaborative nature of the project, with nearly every track pairing artists who might not have crossed paths outside of Flight Week.

Flock Tapes Vol. 1 feels like a reflection of what Dirtybird has always done well: bringing people together and letting creativity take over. Rather than sounding like a collection of disconnected singles, the compilation feels connected by a shared sense of fun, experimentation, and dancefloor functionality, which could be a difficult balance to strike across 18 tracks. Dirtybird managed to pull it off, and well.

Give Flock Tapes Vol. 1 a listen on your preferred platform and stay tuned for more music from the Flight Week sessions by following the label’s social media channels.