Mayor Lovecraft’s Spooktacular Halloween Playlist: Leeman Kessler Shares Cosmic Horror Beats & TikTok Trends
Halloween is upon us, and the air is thick with the scent of pumpkin spice, falling leaves, and just a hint of eldritch dread. As the veil between worlds thins, it’s the perfect time to curate the ultimate soundtrack for your haunted festivities. Throughout October, HollywoodLife has been conjuring The Sound Of Halloween, a special series inviting various luminaries from music, film, television, and pop culture to share their essential tracks for the Halloween 2022 playlist. With horror enjoying unprecedented mainstream popularity, the possibilities for spine-chilling — or delightfully goofy — tunes are endless. Fear not, for experts are here to guide you to the perfect holiday vibe. In this installment, we delve into the mind of a truly unique figure: TikTok’s Mayor Lovecraft, better known as Leeman Kessler, the visionary creator and star of the popular Ask Lovecraft series, and, perhaps surprisingly, the literal mayor of Gambier, Ohio. Kessler brings his distinctive blend of cosmic horror and civic charm to help us craft a playlist that promises to be both eerie and endlessly entertaining.
Leeman Kessler’s online persona, Mayor Lovecraft, operates within a darkly beautiful realm—a shifting landscape of phtalo green, emerald, malachite, and bioluminescent slime, all thanks to the haunting cosmic horror imagined by H.P. Lovecraft and his pantheon of tentacled monstrosities. Yet, when Mayor Lovecraft speaks to HollywoodLife, he reveals that this year’s Halloween might take on a shade of green for a very different, and much more modern, reason. “I think we’re gonna see a lot of She-Hulks, particularly as the green filter on TikTok has convinced a lot of folks that not only is it easier being green, it’s sexier too,” he sagely predicts, identifying what he believes will be the most popular Halloween costume of the year. This keen observation underscores Kessler’s ability to bridge the gap between ancient, unknowable horrors and contemporary pop culture trends, making his insights as refreshing as they are unexpected.
@mayorlovecraft always has been
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Beyond pop culture predictions, Kessler also offers a dose of civic wisdom, reminding us that Halloween often falls close to important civic duties. “Given its proximity to a pretty important election, I hope most young folks go as fully registered voters regardless of what costume they choose,” he adds, a sentiment that resonates deeply with his dual role as an entertainer and a public servant. Such insightful commentary is characteristic of Kessler, who infuses his online performances with a unique blend of civic pride, disarming charm, and profound knowledge. As a dedicated scholar of H.P. Lovecraft’s extensive body of work, Kessler does not shy away from confronting the author’s deeply problematic past and ingrained prejudices. Instead, he courageously dissects Lovecraft’s flaws while simultaneously championing a new generation of modern authors – including women, people of color, and queer creators – who are actively evolving the cosmic horror genre Lovecraft pioneered, taking it into bold, inclusive, and terrifyingly new territories. This commitment to critical engagement and creative progression makes Kessler’s work not just entertaining, but also intellectually stimulating and culturally significant.
@mayorlovecraft Replying to @michaelthemusicteacher i have been summoned. #AskLovecraft
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If his engaging “Ask Lovecraft” series and insightful discussions aren’t enough to convince you to follow Mayor Lovecraft on TikTok or explore LeemanKessler.com, then perhaps his charming and unexpectedly persuasive “The Best Thing About Living In Ohio” series will. These videos might just have you seriously contemplating a move to the Buckeye State. So, as you finalize the intricate details of your Yig or Shoggoth costume for this year’s Halloween extravaganza, prepare to immerse yourself in the unsettlingly brilliant selections Leeman Kessler has curated for The Sound Of Halloween. His playlist promises to add the perfect blend of horror, humor, and intellectual depth to your autumnal celebrations. Get ready for some truly unique Halloween sounds.
Mayor Lovecraft’s Essential Halloween Playlist Picks
Mayor Lovecraft’s selections are anything but ordinary, reflecting his unique taste that blends humor, the macabre, and a touch of the unexpected. Prepare for a musical journey that perfectly captures the spirit of Halloween through his eyes.
King Luan, “No Vampires Remain in Romania”
Leeman Kessler’s pick, “No Vampires Remain in Romania” by King Luan, is a fantastic example of modern horror infused with a delightful comedic twist. It perfectly embodies the spirit of shows like What We Do In the Shadows, which flawlessly balances macabre humor with genuine laughs. Kessler discovered this gem through one of the show’s credit sequences, making it an obvious, yet brilliant, choice for irreverent horror that still carries an undeniable beat. This track is ideal for those who appreciate their Halloween scares with a hearty chuckle and a catchy rhythm, proving that even the undead can inspire a good bop.
“Weird” Al Yankovic, “Nature Trail to Hell in 3D”
Few songs can rival “Nature Trail to Hell in 3D” by the legendary “Weird” Al Yankovic for its sheer joyous bombast and its loving homage to the campy slasher films of the 1980s. This track is a masterclass in comedic horror, perfectly capturing the over-the-top absurdity that defined an era of horror cinema. Decades after its initial release, this song effortlessly worms its way into your brain, becoming an instant earworm with practically no complaints from anyone who hears its infectious melodies and hilarious lyrics. It’s a must-have for any Halloween playlist that aims to celebrate the lighter, more humorous side of horror, reminding us that sometimes, the best scares come with a side of laughter.
Jonathan Coulton, “Creepy Doll”
When you crave the unsettling atmosphere and masterful storytelling of a Twilight Zone or Tales From the Crypt episode, but need it condensed into a captivating three-minute musical experience, there are very few artists who can fulfill that need more adeptly than Jonathan Coulton. His song, “Creepy Doll,” is a perfect example of his narrative genius, weaving a mini-horror story that is both chilling and darkly whimsical. Coulton’s ability to craft intricate tales with a minimalist approach makes this track an indispensable addition to any Halloween playlist, offering a sophisticated yet accessible slice of auditory horror that will linger long after the final note.
HollywoodLife: What is your most prominent Halloween memory?
Leeman Kessler: I vividly remember persisting in trick-or-treating well into my high school years, much to the amusement (or confusion) of some neighbors. In my senior year, my best friend and I decided to go all out and dressed up as the “Two Wild and Crazy Guys” from Saturday Night Live. It was incredibly satisfying because it absolutely delighted the households who remembered the classic bit, while simultaneously confusing everyone else who had no idea what we were doing. That mix of nostalgia and bewildered expressions made it truly memorable.
What do you think will be the most popular Halloween costume this year? What SHOULD be, in your mind?
Leeman Kessler: As I mentioned earlier, I’m quite confident we’re going to be inundated with She-Hulks. The pervasive green filter on TikTok has truly convinced a lot of people that not only is it inherently easier to adopt a green persona, but it’s also undeniably sexier. However, given the significant proximity of Halloween to a rather important election, my sincere hope is that most young folks will choose to go as fully registered voters, regardless of whatever elaborate or simple costume they ultimately decide to wear. That’s a costume that truly makes a difference.
Do you have any particular October/Halloween traditions?
Leeman Kessler: Absolutely! My family and I are avid trick-or-treaters – it’s a non-negotiable part of our Halloween experience. Beyond that, we are incredibly fortunate to have a large circle of friends who are exceptionally talented at crafting and costuming. This means that the Halloween parties we attend throughout the season are consistently an impressive sight, brimming with creative inventiveness and truly spectacular outfits. It’s a wonderful time of year for community and artistic expression.
If given a budget and free rein to do whatever, what horror movie would you star in? You can remake any film of the past, or you could create your own.
Leeman Kessler: Oh, without a shadow of a doubt, it would have to be Muppets Army of Darkness. No question whatsoever. The sheer chaotic potential, the blend of slapstick humor with demonic forces, and the opportunity to interact with the Muppet cast in a horror-comedy setting would be an absolute dream. Imagine Ash Williams’s iconic lines delivered by Kermit, or the Deadites taking on Miss Piggy – it’s a cinematic masterpiece waiting to happen.
What’s on tap for October for you — and the rest of the year?
Leeman Kessler: This October, I’m genuinely stepping outside my usual comfort zone by launching my very own college radio show. It’s an incredibly exciting venture, but I won’t lie, it’s also quite terrifying at the same time. The mix of excitement and fear feels perfectly in keeping with the Halloween season. (Editor’s note: the show is available online at 1pm ET on Mondays). For the remainder of the year, I’ll be focusing on building this new platform, continuing to create content for Mayor Lovecraft, and, of course, fulfilling my duties as mayor of Gambier, Ohio.
Bonus question: What’s the best thing about Halloween in Ohio?
Leeman Kessler: The best thing about Halloween in Ohio is undeniably the perfect combination of crisp weather and the stunning natural beauty of the changing leaves. The air typically has that wonderful, refreshing bite to it, and the trees are always just at the right level of vibrant autumn colors, creating an idyllic backdrop. It naturally immerses you in that quintessential Halloween spirit, making every outdoor activity, from trick-or-treating to hayrides, feel magical.
Also, assuming the 21st century didn’t drive him mad, what would H.P. Lovecraft’s favorite musical artist in 2022?
Leeman Kessler: This is a fascinating question! Assuming the sheer spectacle and rapid technological advancements of the 21st century hadn’t completely shattered his already fragile psyche, I strongly suspect that H.P. Lovecraft would be really quite taken with Harry Styles. Lovecraft, despite his reclusiveness, was known to appreciate intricate narratives and, more importantly, he harbored a distinct fondness for messy drama. Harry Styles, with his boundary-pushing fashion, fervent fandom, and often enigmatic public persona, generates precisely the kind of intriguing, complex, and sometimes dramatic narratives that I believe would have captivated Lovecraft’s analytical, if slightly disturbed, mind. He would find endless material for contemplation in the modern pop icon.