The Crystal Method has been making music for 15 years, and the buzz still hasn’t worn off. The dance and electronic duo composed of Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland will DJ a show tonight at 8 p.m. at the Varsity Theatre. This is the group’s second time in Baton Rouge. The group released their first album in 1997, and they have put out three albums since. The group has another album slated for release at the end of the summer. Jordan attributes the reason for so much time between album releases to the length of time it takes for them to perfect a track. “It takes us a long time [to finish],” Jordan said. “I don’t know if it’s because we’re slow or because we’re real perfectionists.” The group uses a variety of synthesizers and computers to create their signature sound. “We kind of approach songs in all different ways,” Jordan said. “Some start with beats, some start with chord progressions, some start with a vocal hook.” Being one of the few American proponents of the electronic music genre had its benefits as far as getting The Crystal Method’s name out in the 1990s, Jordan said. “I know it helped us in some regards, being one of the only ones out there,” Jordan said. “It was Moby and us, pretty much.” But Jordan said that being one of the few members of the American electronic scene had its drawbacks as well. “All during the heyday of electronic music, we wished that there were a lot more American artists doing this music so there would be more of an American scene doing this, rather than just a couple of odd Americans doing what people outside of the states do,” Jordan said. Because electronic music is not always played on mainstream radio, Jordan said they use alternative methods to get their music to the ears of possible fans. “You just have to get your music out there any way you can,” Jordan said. “We have our music in movies, movie trailers, TV shows and video games. We never wanted to rely on just one outlet.” Jordan said he enjoys live performances because it gives him a chance to see the reaction audiences have to the music. “When you’re working in the studios, you’re relying on your own instincts and your own ears for reactions,” Jordan said. “When you’re playing a concert or DJing you can see the reaction immediately.” Jordan said those who attend the concert should expect a “rocking, high-energy show.” Chris Lundgren, marketing director and talent buyer for the Varsity, said the band was booked because of its talent and popularity. “They are pioneers in their genre of music,” Lundgren said. “[They are] incredibly successful and popular and have previously sold out the Varsity Theatre.” Fans of The Crystal Method agree that the band’s unique sound is part of what has kept them so popular throughout the years. “The Crystal Method is a very relaxing group,” said Zach Achord, theater design and technology sophomore. “Their music is raw and original. It is a sound that you can make your own and enjoy.” Achord plans on attending the show and has had his tickets for about three weeks. Laurel McGehee, theatre freshman, said she likes the way the group mixes their music to create a different sound. “They’ve got an interesting way of matching their lyrics to their beats and using a lot of different musical influence to create one sound,” McGehee said. Tickets for the show are $20 and are available at The Chimes box office and www.varsitytheatre.com.
—-Contact Sarah Aycock at [email protected]