Creating good art should never be hindered by financial constraints: Classic interview…
Throughout the ’90s, The Crystal Method emerged as pioneers of the big beat genre and solidified their place among the most cherished electronic music acts of that decade. The musical journey of the duo, initially comprised of Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland, began with a chance encounter while working at the same grocery store. Their breakout platinum album, Vegas in 1996, featured distinct beat-heavy tracks like Keep Hope Alive and Busy Child that resonated with audiences and critics alike, setting the stage for subsequent successful collaborations and industry recognition, including a Grammy nomination for their 2009 release, Divided by Night.
Ken Jordan, in a vintage interview from 2009 with Computer Music magazine, expressed enthusiasm about the possibilities offered by the newly introduced iPhone for music production. This conversation captured a transitional phase for The Crystal Method as they navigated the shift from hardware to software in their creative process. While Ken eventually retired from music in 2017, leaving Scott as the sole member of The Crystal Method, their dedication to innovation and musical excellence remains a core aspect of their artistic identity.
The Crystal Method’s blend of tenacity and musical prowess has propelled them into both underground electronic music circles and mainstream entertainment platforms. Their discography, spanning four albums over a fifteen-year span, has not only achieved Billboard chart success but has also infiltrated a diverse array of media, from films to advertisements to video games. Ken Jordan commended Divided By Night as their finest offering yet, emphasizing the collaborative and experimental approach that defined the album’s creation at their state-of-the-art Crystalwerks studio.
Ken reflected on the band’s early studio endeavors in The Bomb Shelter, a modest recording space that laid the foundation for their audacious sound. Transitioning from a rudimentary setup with a Mac and a few synthesizers, Ken’s evolution from college radio DJ to music producer was a pivotal moment that eventually led him to join forces with Scott. The duo’s musical synergy and relentless pursuit of sonic innovation garnered them international acclaim, resulting in their music becoming synonymous with various TV shows, commercials, and even cinematic soundtracks.
Emphasizing the organic growth of their music through licensing agreements and tailored compositions for specific projects, Ken highlighted the strategic decisions that enabled The Crystal Method to expand their reach across diverse media platforms. Their willingness to explore unconventional opportunities and collaborate with a wide array of artists has cemented their reputation as trailblazers in the electronic music landscape. As they continue to captivate audiences with their signature sound, The Crystal Method’s enduring legacy serves as a testament to the boundless possibilities of artistic expression when fused with passion and creativity.