Dead Air: A Halloween Mixtape for the Weird

There comes a point in adulthood when you realize you can pay bills, raise children, hold down a job and appear reasonably normal in public, all while maintaining a perfectly respectable collection of strange interests that would probably concern your neighbors if they knew the full extent of them. 

Personally, I think that's called balance. 

Over the past several weeks, we've explored the history of Halloween, its traditions and spiritual roots, our fascination with the unexplained, and the spooky movies that become part of our family lore. We've wandered through history, folklore and a few rabbit holes that probably have their own rabbit holes. 

For the final installment of this spooky little series, I thought we'd do something different. Instead of another deep dive into the unknown, I'm handing you the headphones. 

Meet Dead Air: My Spooky Series Playlist for CDA Press. 

Consider it a musical tour through my particular corner of the Halloween universe, where genres are merely suggestions and the shuffle button are a potential public safety hazard. 

My musical tastes have never been especially interested in staying in their lane. One minute, we're embracing the dark, heavy sounds of Rob Zombie, Danzig or Marilyn Manson. Then we're wandering into punk, alternative rock and the kind of music that makes you want to dig out your old black T-shirts. Somewhere along the way, dark rap shows up, followed by a nostalgic pop song that has absolutely no business being there. 

And yet, somehow, it all belongs. 

Because Halloween has never been just one thing to me. It's history and superstition. It's ghost stories told after dark, creepy movies watched with people you love, and the strange little traditions that make a season feel like your own. It's the thrill of being a little scared when you know you're perfectly safe on your couch. It's the freedom to embrace the weird parts of yourself without feeling the need to explain them. It's also the freedom to put a song like Barbie Girl on a Halloween playlist. 

I have a soft spot for the things that make people a little unusual. The kids who loved spooky stories, collected strange things, dressed differently, asked too many questions or found comfort in the things other people didn't quite understand. Some of us grew up and traded our Halloween costumes for work clothes. Some of us became parents, homeowners and responsible adults. 

Some of us did all that and still went looking for ghosts on the internet at midnight. 

Growing up doesn't necessarily mean growing out of the things that made you feel like yourself. Sometimes it means finally having enough freedom to enjoy them without worrying so much about what anyone thinks. That's part of what I love about Halloween. For a little while, the strange is celebrated. The dark gets a little more interesting. The ordinary world makes room for monsters, witches, ghosts and things we can't quite explain. And the people who have always felt a little out of place get to feel like they're exactly where they belong. 

So, if you've followed along with this series, thank you for indulging my fascination with all things spooky, mysterious and just a little unsettling. Whether you're here for the history, the folklore, the paranormal, the movies or simply the excuse to celebrate Halloween for an unreasonable amount of time each year, I'm glad you came along. 

Now, scan the QR code and give Dead Air a listen. 

You might find an old favorite, discover something new, or question my judgment when the playlist takes a sharp left turn. All three are acceptable outcomes. And if you're one of those weird kids who never quite outgrew spooky season? You're in good company. 

Happy Halloween. Keep the porch light on, your mind open and the volume up. You never know what might be listening. 

— Kelli