Race Against Time: Barclay Crenshaw On Reinvention, And New Challenges
“I became lazy at Dirtybird” Barclay Crenshaw says to me, as we discuss music with oceans between us; Crenshaw in his flat in Los Angeles and myself in an AirBNB in Hanoi. Crenshaw has been in the game for decades now with his career beginning back in 2005 when he launched his record label, Dirtybird under his previous alias, Claude VonStroke. During his time as VonStroke, Crenshaw cemented himself within the scene, working with the likes of Disclosure and Rhianna, garnering a backlog of house music including notable track ‘Jolean’ as part of his arsenal.
—
—
He describes himself as having a “knack” for house music but in later years, he noticed himself becoming too comfortable within his craft. “I let success guide me and never really had an opportunity to change.” In fear of restricting his creativity, he sold the label in 2022. He ditched the beanie and donned a sun cap, launching Barclay Crenshaw; with 2024 marking his most challenging project to date: Crenshaw attempts to create an album within 80 days.
“Deadlines make great art” mentions Crenshaw from his U-shaped production room. Designed in such a way to have easy access to all his studio equipment, Crenshaw can move from a synth the a drum machine at the swivel of a chair. I know this because I’ve been following along with his vlogs on Instagram. “Lots of fans have been checking in with my 80 day videos. It was a fun way for me to document my journey to create Open Channel”. With a rally of ravers for support and over a decade of producing experience behind him, 80 days seemed a plausible length of time to develop an album. “My previous album took me 10 months to finish, so this was a real challenge”.
It’s a moderate temperature in Los Angeles right now and light dapples over Crenshaw’s head, making a khaki, camouflaged muddle of colour. “I wasn’t able to talk myself out of releasing riskier tracks” mentions Crenshaw, after his recent descent into darker bass music. With heavy influences of grime and darker, more daring baselines, it was clear that Crenshaw began to make music that reflected his personal passions rather than coinciding with the sound of the Dirtybird label. Leaving the label meant that Crenshaw was back to being a full time artist. With his managerial days behind him, he had to run on his own steam, providing deadlines and setting goals became a new mantra for him. “I have to create my own internal pressures and goals and no one is yelling at me to do anything.” There’s less time to think in 80 days, and Crenshaw mentions releasing “riskier” songs because of it.
—
—
Hundreds of vinyl records act as a backdrop for Crenshaw’s video screen whilst I speak to him. His self-titled debut album ‘Barclay Crenshaw’ creeps into view in the right-hand corner. Launched in 2017 under his new alias, the project was an opportunity for the artist to explore his sound away from the reliable house beats of VonStroke. “The reason I chose to use my real birth name moving forward is because this is who I really am.” Returning to his roots, Crenshaw’s 80 day challenge seeks inspiration from his childhood, using the idea of his Dad’s old radio to title the album. Themes of the supernatural, the crackle of a radio, and the raw honesty of youth are all explored in his new work. Comparing the two albums, Crenshaw mentions that he “might have spent the exact same amount of hours on both albums” and he “didn’t waste any time on this new one” describing himself as “hyper-focused” and driven.
Previously getting lost in what was “cool” ‘Open Channel’ is more unfiltered and pure. “It’s more of my personality” states Crenshaw who is no stranger to a heavier beat. Heavy bass murmurs alongside hard UK rap, which seems unassuming for such a happy-go-lucky guy as Crenshaw. ‘Open Channel’ facilitates Crenshaw’s new, grittier style with the inclusion of up-and-coming rappers. “Most of the people I found over DM on Instagram believe it or not” with other artists being introduced to Crenshaw by the electronic rap god, Flowdan. “I have always been a big fan of rap music since I was 11 and I first heard it on Detroit radio. But most of these features were done in England, and the album has a big UK influence”.
‘Open Channel’ is set to be released on March 8th and flips the creative process to become formulaic and structured. With his Dirtybird safety net tossed out in the wind, the ritual of producing every day provides a stable platform to harness creativity. ‘Open Channel’ is a product of what comes from hard work and dedication. Barclay Crenshaw knew that he had to finish it and “that’s why the 80 days is so important” There’s no room for distraction when you’re on a tight deadline.
—
—
‘Open Channel’ will be released on March 8th.
Words: Isabel Armitage
—
