Resonating Through Time | The Source Weekly - Bend

Resonating Through Time

Scott Kirkland of The Crystal Method discusses the 20th anniversary of the debut album, "Vegas"

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ertain albums stand the test of time. Everyone has that album they play on repeat for years and years—and for The Crystal Method, the debut album "Vegas" has had that staying power. This year, The Crystal Method, known best for electronic rock music, celebrates the 20 year anniversary of "Vegas."

"It's pretty remarkable. It seems like just yesterday we were celebrating the 10-year anniversary of 'Vegas,'" says Scott Kirkland, founding member of The Crystal Method. "I'm always surprised at the reach and the effect that that record has had on so many people."

Kirkland says "Vegas" was many listeners' first introduction to electronic music. He personally first took an interest in electronic-influenced music after listening to Depeche Mode on a Walkman. Before that, he was into heavy metal.

"I always try to hang out with people afterwards. I don't try to go back to my dressing room and finish off the tequila." — Scott Kirkland

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"The discovery of a band, or an album that leads you into a whole other world is a big thing and that's always been something that people have been very kind to say and bring up how it meant a lot to them."

Earlier this year, Kirkland's musical partner in crime, the second half of The Crystal Method, Ken Jordan, retired. Though Jordan plans to return for a couple shows in Russia, Kirkland mostly tours alone under The Crystal Method moniker. According to Kirkland, he's been playing some more obscure stuff from their catalogue, but likes to take concertgoers on a journey.

"I

 love it when I drop something that someone knows and they crowd goes, 'Yeah!' I'll be playing things that are fresh and current, but definitely woven together with a lot of classics and familiar tracks that people will find appealing."

Before, with Jordan, the two would alternate who played what. Kirkland wouldn't necessarily know what his bandmate would spin—but he'd feed off of the energy, playing something on the fly to match the groove. Now, without the mystery of what Jordan will play next, Kirkland plays off the crowd.

"I have been really enjoying myself. I'm even been tour managing on my own," Kirkland says. "I fly into a city, walk around town, have lunch, do some social media things and then I go out and do the set. The sets have been well received. I always try to hang out with people afterwards. I don't try to go back to my dressing room and finish off the tequila. I usually just jump off the stage and hang out with people and take pictures. I was a fan of bands and music all my life to me it's always important to get an opportunity if you have one, to talk to the people who are responsible for you doing the thing you're doing."

From playing sets as The Crystal Method and working on his next album to composing a score for the new "Hired Gun" documentary on Netflix, Kirkland has been busy. Plans are in the works to do something creative for the 21st anniversary of "Vegas" as well.

Of fans' love of that original album, Kirkland says: "I'm always surprised at people's appreciation, but I have my favorite albums and you get locked in and love those records for the rest of your life."

The Crystal Method

Fri., Sept. 15. 9pm.

Domino Room

51 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend.

$20/adv, $30/door.