In the realm of underground dance music, few artists have made as big of an impact as Barclay Crenshaw. Known for his alias Claude VonStroke, Crenshaw has spent over two decades captivating audiences with his quirky rhythmic style. As the founder of Dirtybird Records, he has played a significant role in nurturing talented house music artists and throwing unforgettable parties like Dirtybird Campout and Dirtybird CampINN. However, Crenshaw has recently embarked on a new journey, stepping away from house music and delving into the world of bass.
Drawing inspiration from '90s hip-hop, futuristic funk, and low tones, Crenshaw has seamlessly woven together a diverse tapestry of sonic styles under his real name, Barclay Crenshaw. Breaking away from the limitations of his previous sound, he is exploring new musical territories and pushing the boundaries of his creativity.
His latest project, the highly-anticipated second studio album titled 'Open Channel,' showcases Crenshaw's versatility and range. Released on March 8th, the album features collaborations with renowned artists such as Flowdan, Stush, TeeZandos, Snowy, and Manga Saint Hilare. Comprising 10 tracks, 'Open Channel' takes listeners on a kaleidoscopic journey through wonky synths, powerful rap vocals, hard-hitting bass, and electric beats. Despite the divergence in sounds, the album remains a cohesive body of work, exemplifying Crenshaw's unbound creativity.
One standout track from the album is 'Stay Together,' released on January 9th. Created in collaboration with TeeZandos, also known as The Princess of Drill, the single exudes '90s vibes and delivers the infectious sounds that fans crave. With mellow tunes, crisp rap vocals, upbeat synths, and lighthearted bass, 'Stay Together' encapsulates Crenshaw's signature style that is driven by bass, breaks, and funk.
The journey towards 'Open Channel' began when Crenshaw sold Dirtybird Records to Empire Distribution in late 2022, signaling his decision to pivot away from house music. To kickstart his new musical venture, he embarked on a 10-day studio session in Shoreditch, London, which proved to be fruitful. One of the highlights of this new chapter was his collaboration with TeeZandos on 'Stay Together,' where their creative paths unexpectedly diverged during the studio session, resulting in a completely different track from their initial vision.
Creating 'Open Channel' was not without its challenges. Crenshaw had set himself an ambitious 80-day challenge, inspired by the novel 'Around the World In Eighty Days' by Jules Verne. During this period, he immersed himself in a rigorous creative and wellness journey, participating in fitness challenges, daily cold showers, and meditation. The time constraint forced him to approach music creation differently, leading to an abundance of good accidents and unexpected results.
The album's name, 'Open Channel,' draws inspiration from Crenshaw's childhood memories of trying to connect with aliens through his father's two-way CB radio during their road trips. As an adult, he worked on movie sets where there was a radio channel named 'open channel' for private conversations. Combining these experiences with his desire to create a sense of community, Crenshaw chose the album title as a representation of communication and connection.
In addition to his musical endeavors, Crenshaw aims to foster a strong community around his new project. Through his Discord server and a weekly newsletter, he encourages fans to engage with one another and build relationships akin to the vibes experienced at Dirtybird Camp Out. He values the kindness and camaraderie found on the dance floor and wants to recreate that spirit in his new venture.
With the release of 'Open Channel,' Barclay Crenshaw brings a fresh perspective and boundless creativity to the world of bass music. As he embarks on a tour to promote the album, he promises an eclectic and dynamic live experience, showcasing his willingness to experiment and push the boundaries of his artistry. If you're a fan of immersive and diverse electronic music, Crenshaw's journey as Barclay Crenshaw is undoubtedly one you won't want to miss.
