Crystal Method, Pretty Lights Branch Out for 'Re:Generation' -- Video Premieres

Posted on Oct 17th 2011 3:03PM by Dan Reilly
Comments

Brian Nevins

For the new documentary 'Re:Generation,' electronic stalwarts Crystal Method and world-renowned DJ Pretty Lights were given the challenge of creating songs with musicians in unfamiliar genres: R&B and country, respectively.

As you can see in the below videos, which are exclusively premiering here, both acts found themselves a bit out of their element. Crystal Method had to contend with the forceful personality of Martha and the Vandellas singer Martha Reeves, who proved to be quite particular when it came to the lyrics she would and would not sing.

Luckily for all involved, Reeves and Crystal Method masterminds Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland were able to overcome their differences. "We didn't want to copy the Motown sound or anything," Jordan tells Spinner about working on the track with Reeves in Detroit. "We wanted it to sound like a Crystal Method track but also add some elements of R&B and soul, which we kind of do anyway, and give her a track that she can sing over well. There are some elements of Motown in the track, but it definitely sounds like a Crystal Method track. She loved it. She thought it was really funky and could sing well over it."

Watch the Crystal Method's 'Re:Generation' Teaser

Pretty Lights, aka Derek Smith, also found some resistance from the country artists he collaborated with in Nashville. "I've found that with everyone I'm sort of showing them a new process, something that they've never done before," Smith, who also worked with Leann Rimes for this project, says in the teaser trailer. When he tried to explain his vision to Dr. Ralph Stanley, the legendary bluegrass singer and banjo player -- you can hear him sing 'O Death' on the T Bone Burnett-produced 'O Brother Where Art Thou?' soundtrack -- had a terse response: "I'd rather just do it my way."

Brian Nevins

Due out in 2012, 'Re:Generation' was directed by Amir Bar-Lev ('The Tillman Story') and also features Mark Ronson, Eyrkah Badu, Mos Def, Skrillex, members of the Doors, DJ Premier, Nas and Trombone Shorty, among others. Spinner RPM will continue to bring you more exclusive premieres and interviews with the stars, and check out Hyundai's YouTube channel for more videos from the film.

Watch Pretty Lights' 'Re:Generation' Teaser

Follow @Spinner on Twitter | Like Us on Facebook | Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Download Pretty Lights Songs | Buy Pretty Lights Albums