Playlist of the Week: Barclay Crenshaw (Halloween Special)

Barclay Crenshaw

Oct 30, 2024

Electronic music trailblazer Barclay Crenshaw takes us on a hair-raising and bass-riddled ride with some of his most sinister selects in this special Halloween edition of Beatport's Playlist of the Week.

Hey everyone, Barclay Crenshaw here! My DJ style is everything from '90s hip-hop to funk to the hardest futuristic halftime bass music and DnB. This project is open format, relying heavily on experimental bass as the fundamental thread that ties everything together. A lot of what I play is an edit or an unreleased dub or rap/grime that isn’t distributed, but these are all available and quality tracks.

This playlist dives into the dark bass realm. From Shades to A Tribe Called Quest, each track is a piece of the larger puzzle that is my musical identity. Enjoy the dark and twisted ride through some of my favorites for Halloween. Some of the choices don't make any sense, but neither do half of the horror movies I watch.

Check out Barclay Crenshaw's 'Playlist of the Week' on Beatport

Ivy Lab - Spooky Dub [Twenty Twenty London Recordings]

Oldie but goodie. Look how far Ivy Lab has come since 2016. They are one of the most innovative artists out there right now. This is a great Halloween bass cut, it sounds like ghosts dancing over a grave.

Heist, Inja - Good Over Evil [Low Down Deep Recordings]

I don’t usually play DnB with vocals, but this one is exceptional. I love the hook and the dusty DJ Krust-style organic drum kit. Off with their heads!!

Barclay Crenshaw, Flowdan, Stush - Do My Ting [Easier Said]

This one captures the essence of blending familiar sounds with unexpected beats, a testament to my genre-bending aspirations.

Barclay Crenshaw - King of Monsters [Easier Said]

This one is supposed to be about Godzilla, but it could represent any gigantic monster who could smash cities with its feet. Ominous half-speed Halloween stomper. Beware.

Shades - Sub Noctum [1985 Music]

Who is darker than Shades? Picture a black and white Nosferatu about to sink its teeth into your neck while you are sleeping. Alix Perez and EPROM + the Gaslamp Killer = horror movie nightmares.

ZEKE BEATS - HUSTLE [Distrokid]

I collaborated earlier in the year with Zeke on “Angel Above,” but this one sounds more like the devil. It is even wilder and harder. Scary hard shit for Halloween.

Radiant - Riser Theme [Saturate! Records]

It's not that scary, but the track slaps like Frankenstein dancing to Texas trap. The simple arpeggio over the trap-influenced beat is a great combination from a very cool producer.

Barclay Crenshaw - Tiramisu (VIP) [BCCV]

My daughter Ella stopped by the studio. She is a great songwriter, and she thinks outside the box. We got this great punk/dub crossover vibe going with her vocal. This is more like the treat side of Halloween. It’s time for dessert!

dope - RECOVERY [Saturate! Records]

The drop on this makes me think of Dracula playing a big organ making bass music. Dope is one of the most underrated producers in the game right now, and German label Saturate! Records are killing it. Consistently pushing out sick releases time and time again.

Villager - Sósia [Method 808]

Is it UKG, is it dubstep, is it Brazilian? Who knows, but it's very cool vibes. Mixing a bunch of different things into a fresh track. It’s not as clubby as it is cool to listen to, but it's super great nonetheless.

A Tribe Called Quest - Buggin Out [Jive]

My fav group of all time just got into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. This was a great moment for everyone who loves Tribe. It’s not that creepy or scary, but Ron Carter’s bassline in this track is certainly iconic.

ONHELL - Lollo [Jadu Dala]

It's all in the name this Halloween. ONHELL has been delivering bangers this year. This is one of my favorites. More cowbell, please.