The Crystal Method is one of the world’s most recognized and popular electronic music groups. They even had an album that was certified platinum, but even despite how well-known they are and all of their accomplishments, not many people know that they are working hard to be “green”.  Kim Johnson, the Director of Sales and Marketing here at Drifter, is forecasting and planning an eco-friendly line to launch in the near future.  Trying to gain some support for this project, he brought in his friend, Ken Jordan, along with his fiancée, Janine Johnson, Founder of Green Wave (a non-profit organization), to chat a little about whom they are and some of the projects and plans that they are diving into.

Kim: How did you guys start out DJ-ing?
Ken: I was working as the College Radio Program Director for a station broadcasted by UNLV. Scott apprenticed for me as a DJ at the station, he’s a little younger than me you know (laughing), and after I moved to LA to do some work, Scott took over my DJ’ing gig. Scott later followed me out to LA and we then officially formed The Crystal Method in 1993.

Kim: How did you come up with the group name, there’s always talk of that?
Ken: After we moved to Los Angeles, we put together a studio, trying to work more as a production team, doing more remixes and working with artists. One day, we were working with this rapper… and after commenting on our mode of transportation, he said, “Oh, you guys taking The Crystal Method?” He was referring to our friend, Crystal, who was at the time picking us up and dropping us off. We just thought the words sounded really cool together and so it began.

Kim: What are some of The Crystal Method’s musical influences?
Ken: Scott was born to some very young parents, and he grew up listening to their music: classic rock, disco, and such. After he had grown a little older, he began listening to heavy metal bands, like Metallica, Judas Priest and Motley Crüe. Like him, I pretty much grew up listening to classic rock and ’80s electronic, plus I really liked Depeche Mode and of course New Order… and of course, we both really looked up to Alan Parsons Project; after all, he was the original electronic act.

Kim: What inspirations are you using for your upcoming album?
Ken: On our next album we’re going to start funneling some of our frustrations with the world’s problems into some of our song lyrics. We’re very aware and concerned about what is going on around the world and are very passionate the world’s well-being, environmentally speaking.

Kim: What projects (environmentally) are you interested in being a part of?
Ken: On TV, on the Animal Planet channel, there is a show called Whale Wars. The captain of the Sea Shepherd, on the show, is having an event soon, so I am interested in taking part in it.

Kim: What made you become “green” and how long have you been supporting the movement?
Ken: I started getting into the green movement about two and a half  years ago when Janine asked us to become involved with her company,  Green Wave.

Kim: So what’s the deal with Green Wave?
Ken & Janine: Green Wave is basically a an eco-awareness non-profit  organization. Our goal is to teach and inspire a legion of eco-ambassadors worldwide while creating green-restorative developments  and education initiatives. We are about leading by example; living a life to achieve a sustainable future.

Kim: What are you guys doing to be “green” now?
Ken & Janine: Right now we’re in the process of greening our house. In the beginning of the year, we installed 76 solar panels. We also use all eco-friendly cleaning products and actually try to make most of our own. We have hybrid vehicles parked in our driveway (and we just sold the old hot-rod), we host green events such as Earthdance, Green
Heart Eco-Yoga Day, and The Green Girls Holiday Spectacular, and we are also trying to switch to all eco-friendly service providers.

Kim: Is there a way Drifter can help support the movement?
Janine: Yes, just bringing the topic up supports the movement, thank  you. We can definitely talk about ways to collaborate.  I am actually really impressed with the Drifter team and the facilities you have. The designs and fabrics are great and we’re happy to support you guys  for launching an eco-friendly capsule line.
Ken: But maybe you guys should lose the Styrofoam cups (laughing). Just kidding.

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