Crystal Method - Drive: Nike + Original Run

Hit up the new Sport Music section of Apple iTunes Music Store this Wednesday for the unveiling of TCM's newest, download only record. Titled Drive Nike + Original Run, the album features all new music composed by The Crystal Method to guide athletes through a 45-minute run, from warm-up through cool down. Drive, created exclusively for Nike and iTunes, will have the distinction of being the band's first workout inspired album. Click here and here for more info on the Nike + project, and check out the full Drive tracklisting.

Nike and THE CRYSTAL METHOD today announce the release of Drive: Nike + Original Run via the new Sport Music section of Apple iTunes Music Store. Drive is an original soundtrack composed by THE CRYSTAL METHOD to guide athletes through a 45-minute run, from warm-up through cool down.

The new album from THE CRYSTAL METHOD will join downloadable coaching mixes from champion marathoner Alberto Salazar on the Sport Music section of iTunes Music Store. Sport Music has been designed as a virtual training partner and destination for athletes. More coaching mixes will be added to the Sport Music section of iTunes Music Store over time.

The unique set-up of the track "Drive" is that it follows the progression of a 45-minute work out. The tempo of the track begins at a slower pace to take the athlete through a gradual warm up, increases pace over the course of the run, and then gradually decreases tempo as part of the cool down.

Crystal Method's Scott Kirkland said: "It's a challenge because usually when we create music, we're focused on what we like and what our fans will like. We're not accustomed to thinking about a particular activity that has to go with the music. For this project, we thought about the movement and the energy that goes into exercising and running and the sort of goal-oriented activity that goes along with working out. When I've worked out...it's always about goals: 'I'm doing the uphill now, I've got four minutes until I get to the goal.' So we created songs that have a lot of dynamic motion to them, songs that go places."

Consumers can buy the unconventional 45-minute sport soundtrack on Apple iTunes Music Store for $9.99.

"When we asked runners for examples of artists who create music that carries them through their run, TCM was consistently mentioned," said Stefan Olander, Nike's Global Director of Digital Media and Content. "We were interested in working with someone who could create a continuous track with great rhythm that gives runners energy and motivation over, and "Drive" really delivered."

The first product developed through the collaboration between Nike and Apple is the Nike+iPod Sport Kit. The first product developed though this partnership is the Nike+iPod Sport Kit, a wireless system that allows Nike+ footwear to talk with your iPod nano to connect you to the ultimate personal running and workout experience.

With the Nike+ Air Zoom Moire connected to the iPod nano through the Nike+iPod Sport Kit, information on time, distance, calories burned and pace is stored on iPod and displayed on the screen; real-time audible feedback also is provided through headphones. The kit includes an in-shoe sensor and a receiver that attaches to the iPod nano.

After a workout, simply connect the iPod nano to a Mac or PC and with the help of iTunes automatically sync and store workout data in a customized workout log on nikeplus.com. Nikeplus.com helps maximize the experience. You can log workout data, view and evaluate personal training goals, and review distance, time, pace and calories burned all through a colorful, dynamic and easy to use interface.

Nike, Inc. based near Beaverton, Oregon is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly owned Nike subsidiaries include Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Bauer NIKE Hockey Inc., a leading designer and distributor of hockey equipment; Cole Haan, which designs, markets, and distributes fine dress and casual shoes and accessories; Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories and Exeter Brands Group LLC, which designs and markets athletic footwear and apparel for the value retail channel.

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning desktop and notebook computers, OS X operating system, and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital music revolution with its iPod portable music players and iTunes online music store.

THE CRYSTAL METHOD received a Grammy nomination in the "Best Electronic/Dance Album" category for their third artist album Legion Of Boom (V2 Records, 2004). Other releases from the pair include artist albums Vegas (Outpost Recordings, 1997) and Tweekend (Interscope, 2001), the duo's mix album series Community Service and Community Service II (ULTRA Records, 2002 and 2005), and their first soundtrack album for the film London (Tiny e Records, 2006.) Collectively, they've sold well over a million-and-a-half records and have become two of the most recognizable faces in American dance music.