This is Todd at A Different Drum, and it is time to let you know about the latest arrivals in the online store.   Yes, there are actually a couple new CD’s that came in this week.  Amazing, isn’t it?

NEW ARRIVALS:

And One “Shouts of Joy” (MCD) $12 — This is one of the best songs I’ve heard from And One in a while.  It’s fun and catchy, yet still with the sinister, dark sound you expect from the band.   The singles features three versions of the title track, plus three other songs.  You can order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/SPV260333CD-5/And-One-Shouts-of-Joy

Chrom “Synthetic Movement” $20 — This is a new European import, and the band plays punchy, dark futurepop / synthpop aimed at the industrial dance clubs.   You can listen to a lengthy preview of the album and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/OUT531/Chrom-Synthetic-Movement

I also managed to list another synthpop box on EBay for those of you who want to beef-up your collection for a low price.  This box actually includes a couple of De/Vision rarities, so you may want to check it out.   See my latest EBay listing here :
http://www.ebay.com/itm/180874463787

IN OTHER NEWS:

The band SOMEGIRL, who you discovered through A Different Drum, has just released a new, digital download EP!  You can check it out and download the new songs from these links:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/traces-to-nowhere/id514766611

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/somegirl

Also, COLOR THEORY  is running a Spotify playlist contest wherein the grand prize winner will have his/her name spoken by Hazard in the recording of his latest song.

This is Todd at A Different Drum.  Though there are a few new releases on the way to the store in the coming days, it seems like it has been a while since I sent out an update.  So, here is a little note to let you know that things are still moving along.  I hope you’re having a wonderful spring so far.  If you’re looking for some new tunes to explore, or some CD’s to add to your collection, I’ve put together some more box lots.

I just listed 3 boxes of 25 CD’s each on EBay.  Actually, if you count the multiple disc sets, there are more CD’s than 25 in each box.  The selection varies in each of the listings. Each box includes a few singles, as well as albums and compilations, and a couple imports in each.  The majority of the CD’s are new, and a couple used ones are tossed in as well.  Anyway, you can read the contents of each box and place a bid if you see something you’d like.  Honestly, even if there are several CD’s in the box that you already have, you might find it worth the bidding price to get the two or three that you don’t have

Here are links to each of the 3 boxes…and I’ll probably list more on Monday if you want to look at my seller profile during the week.

Box lot 1 is here:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/180871708079

Box lot 2 is here:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/180871718658

Box lot 3 is here:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/180871728751

Sorry I don’t have more to talk about on this update, but I look forward to writing to you soon with news of new arrivals in the store.

For the VIP subscribers…the Wave In Head “Remixed” CD’s are being shipped now.  I got a few into the mail yesterday and plan to get most of the rest shipped on Monday and Tuesday, so watch for those in your mail boxes.   I hope you are enjoying the Dekad CD’s that were recently shipped to subscribers.

If you’re not a VIP subscriber and would like to be, just email me at todd@adifferentdrum.com and let me know.   The subscribers are automatically charged each month for a unique, limited edition CD release featuring music that would otherwise not be available in physical format.   I currently have about 5 open slots for new subscribers.

As a side-note…there are a couple of past “VIP” limited edition CD’s in each of the above boxes, just for kicks, since I had a couple extras left

Thanks!
-Todd

This is Todd at A Different Drum.   I wish you all a happy Easter weekend!

Tax season is upon us in the USA, with income taxes due on April 15th.  That means it is time for what has become an annual ritual– the Tax Sale!  I’ve activated the discounts that will show up during “checkout” when you place any order on www.adifferentdrum.com

You can see the details of the discount here:

http://www.adifferentdrum.com/sale.php

That’s 15% off everything excluding the new releases…or 30% off if the titles are from A Different Drum’s old label catalog.   This sale will continue until the 15th.

I also have 10 copies of a limited edition album release from the band Alien Skin.   George of the band tells me that he doesn’t have more available of this edition.  Rather than listing it on A Different Drum’s website, I’m just going to offer it to the first 10 people who email me at todd@adifferentdrum.com to let me know that you’d like one of the CD’s.  The price is $16 plus the usual shipping.  I’ll then send you an invoice for the payment.   They will go first-come, first-serve.  Once I’m out, I’ll have to reply to any further emails that the CD is no longer available from A Different Drum’s store.

I wish you all a very happy weekend!  Thanks for your support!
-Todd

Hello friends of A Different Drum!  This is Todd, coming to you with three new, underground synthpop releases for your enjoyment!  As I mentioned in a past update, I’m focusing more these days on finding the cool releases that might otherwise be difficult to find if you’re one of the few, synthpop-crazed world citizens

NEW ARRIVALS:

Flux “Motivational Chants” $16 — Coming from the great country of Finland, this new release from Flux features pulsing electronic grooves and great female lead vocals.  You can listen to one of the songs from the album and order the CD right here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/EFS-IA-044/Flux-Motivational-Chants

Various Artists “Discover” $16 — Imported from the Conzoom label in Germany, this new compilation features a great selection of extended versions and remixes from the synthpop scene which are hard to find elsewhere.  There is a great selection of bands such as Neuropa, Vision Talk, Carved Souls, Parralox, Cinemascape, etc.  See the complete track list and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/CRCDDC01/Various-Artists-Discover

3 Cold Men “A Cold Decade” (limited 2CD) $20 — Coming from the beautiful land of Brazil, 3 Cold Men has been producing synthpop tunes for several years, and this new album is presented in a 2CD limited edition.   You can hear a brief preview and order the limited edition here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/789823738604-1/3-Cold-Men-A-Cold-Decade-Limited-Edition

Then, as a little update for the VIP subscribers who also receive this update…
Once again the shipping of the two latest releases is slower than hoped, but they are at the factory and soon in my hands so I can send them to yours.  You will most likely receive the Dekad “Strange Situations - The Singles” CD first, and then the Wave In Head “Remixes” CD later with the next release which is soon to be announced (actually, I have a couple more debut albums lined up so you can discover some fun new synthpop acts).   I hope you’re continuing to enjoy the exclusive CD releases that are put out only for the VIP subscribers.   If you’re not a subscriber, feel free to email me at todd@adifferentdrum.com and I can let you know if there is an opening for you to subscribe.

Thanks for your support, and have a wonderful evening!
-Todd

Hello friends of A Different Drum!  Once again, too much time has gone by without any word from me about what has arrived in A Different Drum’s store. Sorry about the wait.  Life can get busy.  Well, here is what has most recently arrived for the fans of fun, synthpop music…

NEW ARRIVALS:

The Frozen Autumn “Chirality” $15 — This is the latest offering from a band that has graced the synthpop underground for several years and several albums, playing a lush, atmospheric synthpop sound that blends in elements of darkwave or new wave along the lines of early, synthy Clan of Xymox.  You can order the new CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/MET787/The-Frozen-Autumn-Chirality

Mind.in.a.Box “Revelations” $15 — These guys are quickly becoming the premier “futurepop” band, taking their danceable, electronic sounds to new, creative heights with each passing album, combing melodic elements with hard-hitting, edgy sounds with ease.  You can listen to a preview and order the new CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/MET780/Mind-in-a-Box-Revelations

Waiting for Words “Follow the Signs” $14 — We’ve had some previous releases from this underground synthpop act before, and now the latest has arrived.  It blends synthpop and some old new wave influences for a creative, unique sound.   You can listen to samples on the band’s website here: http://www.waitingforwords.com/en/disco.html But I’d of course be happy to ship you the CD if you’d like to order it here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/WFWCD09/Waiting-for-Words-Follow-the-Signs

And One “Back Home” (CDEP) $12 — It’s time again!  And One is back with new tunes on this EP, featuring three versions of the title track, plus three bonus tracks.  It’s the usual, punchy, fun And One sound and should get you dancing, even against your will.   You can listen to a track and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/SPV36353/And-One-Back-Home

Apoptygma Berzerk “Ashes to Ashes” (Limited Edition Vinyl) $24 — Back in 1991 Apoptygma Berzerk released an EP called “Ashes to Ashes” which sold out and was a rarity for lucky collectors.  Now it is re-released in a limited edition vinyl with only 500 copies worldwide.  It is a white vinyl 12-inch with a scratch-n-sniff label.   Once again, collectors can go crazy picking up a piece of Apoptygma Berzerk history.  Order the limited edition vinyl here (I only have a few):
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/BR091/Apoptygma-Berzerk-Ashes-to-Ashes

Well, that’s all for now.  Hopefully some more new music will arrive soon, and hopefully I’ll be quicker to write my update.  Keep in mind that I do tweet when I receive new releases if you want to know about it faster.  You can follow my on Twitter here :
https://twitter.com/#!/adifferentdrum

For example, I tweeted when the new Mind.in.a.Box and The Frozen Autumn CD’s arrived a week ago, but just didn’t have time to write my update until now.

Thanks for your support and friendship!
-Todd

Hello, this is Todd at A Different Drum.  I’ve been a bit silent lately, but there hasn’t been much new coming into the store lately.  I guess it is the quiet weeks of winter…

I did get one new release here for the fans of the American synthpop underground:

Halovox “Everybody Lies” $12 — You can order the latest album by Halovox by going here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/88450167124-8/Halovox-Everybody-Lies

For your discount / bargain shopping, check out the clearance CD list in the usual location here :

http://www.adifferentdrum.com/catalog/discount/

I add new titles there from time to time. so check it out.

In the meantime, all VIP subscribers should be enjoying their latest package of new music by now, with the Celluloide singles collection and the debut album by Zero-EQ.

Thanks for your support, and I hope to have some new goodies for you soon!
-Todd

Hello, this is Todd at A Different Drum.  During the last few days, some of you told me that you were experiencing intermittent email problems when trying to reach me concerning orders or any other communications.  Then today, my email completely stopped.

I found the problem tonight and it is now fixed.  If you tried to place an order, but couldn’t during the last couple of days, or if you placed an order at all and haven’t heard from me, feel free to email me now at todd@adifferentdrum.com to confirm.  Send any emails again so I can hear from you and make sure I’m not missing anything.  Sorry about the inconvenience.

Concerning communications, the old phone number for A Different Drum is no longer valid.  Both the 1-888-88-SYNTH and the (435)563-0409 phone numbers will no longer reach the business.   This was done intentionally (unlike the accidental email problem).  During the last couple of years, I have used the phone less and less, and my customers have rarely used the phone either, since the internet is obviously preferred as a communications device these days.  So, I figured it was pointless to pay an extra $100 per month on something I wasn’t using.  It was with sadness that I cancelled that toll-free number which I’ve used for many years, dating way back to when I ran the physical store (yes…brick and mortar).  But, that’s over $1200 per year that I don’t have right now, so it’s time to move on…..or shall I say, time to move completely online

If you need to communicate with me, please use the email address todd@adifferentdrum.com or you can message me on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/todd.durrant

I’m happy to keep shipping your CD’s orders as usual.   I’m just trying to get the lines of communication worked out.

Thanks,
Todd

Welcome to a new year!   This is Todd at A Different Drum.   Though I don’t have any new releases to tell you about right now, I wanted to send out the first update of the new year with a couple fun things that might interest you.

First of all, if you enjoy Facebook discussions, I just started one today on my wall, wondering about “the next wave” or “the next generation” of synthpop artists.   Feel free to comment.  Keep in mind that I don’t claim to know everything in records to this music scene (or anything else, for that matter) but I enjoy sharing my experiences and opinions.  I like reading other opinions as well.   Feel free to go to my Facebook page and join in:
http://www.facebook.com/todd.durrant

Also, if you’re in a bargain shopping mood, I just listed 5 different bulk lots of CD’s on EBay.  These each include bunches of promos, mainstream alternative, etc. CD’s as well as a nice selection of synthpop.   They are not necessarily aimed at synthpop or electro fans, but are merely bulk lots of CD’s for those who like to explores a lot of music in a lot of styles.  If you are interested, then feel free to bid.  Heck, you may find a half-dozen CD’s that you love, and you can sell the rest back to your local used CD store or give them away, or whatever, and it may still be worth it for you :-)   Anyway, you can see those bulk lots here (copy links and paste them into your browser):

http://www.ebay.com/itm/180798345216

http://www.ebay.com/itm/180798417252

http://www.ebay.com/itm/180798510412

http://www.ebay.com/itm/180798525254

http://www.ebay.com/itm/180798531843

OK, I’ll leave you with that for this week.   Hopefully some new CD’s will roll in soon, in which case I’ll let you know.   Thanks for your support!

-Todd

Happy New Year!  And welcome to the last update from A Different Drum for 2011!

I know you’ve all been very busy with the holidays, as have I.  I’m going to use this update to mention a pile of recent releases that have come into A Different Drum’s store.  I decided to sweep through a bunch of cool synthpop releases that came out recently but were slow to get here for different reasons.  Hopefully this will help wrap up the synthpop year for you.

I don’t have time right now to walk through each release, since I have to go to my other job in a few minute (yep, working on New Year’s Eve).  But I did put video clips with most of these new releases so you can listen to them and decide what you like.  You’ll recognize several of the artists, like Endanger, Foretaste, IAMX, or Rational Youth.  Here are the titles newly added to A Different Drum’s store for you to order:

Liquid Divine ‘Sojourner EP” (CDEP) $14 — Several remixes and bonus tracks– the title track features vocals from singer of Seabound.  Order Here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/FACT3170/Liquid-Divine-Sojourner-EP

Mr Jones Machine “Monokrom” $20 — Synthpop band from Sweden, singing in Swedish on their third album.  Order Here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/PROCD030/Mr-Jones-Machine-Monokrom

Laudanum “Beyond the Doctrine” $20 — Third album from this European synthpop act.  Order Here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/FORM005/Laudanum-Beyond-the-Doctrine

Endanger “Die Show Mus Weitergehen” (MCD) $12 — Latest single with remixes and bonus tracks from German band, Endanger.  Order Here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/FACT3169/Endanger-Die-Show-Muss-Weitergehen

Felix Marc “The Muse” (MCD) $11 — The new, limited edition CD single from cool synthpop vocalist Felix Marc.  Order Here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/FACT3184/Felix-Marc-The-Muse

IAMX “Volatile Times” $26 — The latest album from European super-star.  Order Here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/53800097-2/IAMX-Volatile-Times

Electrovot “Turning Point” $20 — Very cool new release from Germany with energetic sound.  Order Here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/RMT018/Electrovot-Turning-Point

Rational Youth “Coboloid Race / I Want to See the Light” (MCD) $10 — Another re-release / re-visitation of an old classic with new versions and bonus tracks.  Order Here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/YUL2CDEP/Rational-Youth-Coboloid-Race-I-Want-to-See-the-Light

Machine Made Pleasure “Reform” $12 — New album from US synthpop band.  First 10 orders will receive their previous album in their package for free!  Order Here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/SEC-029/Machine-Made-Pleasure-Reform

Foretaste “Love On Demand” (limited edition) $22 — New album from French synthpop band.  Limited edition includes bonus live CD!  Order Here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/BDMCD16/Foretaste-Love-On-Demand-Limited-Edition

Wireframes “Keep Your Eyes On the Stars” $18 — New release imported from Russia featuring danceable, trance-flavored tunes.  Order Here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/SA003/Wireframes-Keep-Your-Eyes-On-the-Stars

There you go…some new stuff to explore to kick off your new year.  Thanks again!   Remember, you can always look here to see the latest arrivals in the store:

http://www.adifferentdrum.com/catalog/new/

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
-Todd

Hello friends of A Different Drum!  The year is coming quickly to an end, and I’m not sure if I’ll have another update before December is over, though I’ll try.

There haven’t been many new releases that have come in this month, but I’ll mention two here…and I’ll take this opportunity to say Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!  I thank you once again for your support, and helping A Different Drum to make it through yet another year.  THANKS!

NEW ARRIVALS:

Space March “Monumental” (limited edition with Post Cards) $18 — This is the limited edition of the new album by the synthpop / new wave act Space March.  It is the strongest release to date, and the band send a collection of custom designed, beautiful post cards that go with each song as part of a limited edition.  You can order the limited edition while supplies last here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/SPACE007/Space-March-Monumental-Limited-Edition-with-Postcards

Welle:Erdball “Der Kalte Krieg” (CD+DVD) $26 — This is the newest release from the quirky German band that mixes electronic pop with a semi-punk mentality, and it comes with a bonus, live DVD.  The DVD is likely in PAL format since it is a German import (I haven’t tested it).  You can order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/SPV309262CD/Welle-Erdball-Der-Kalte-Krieg-with-PAL-live-DVD

Thanks for a fun year.  It has been a challenging one in some ways, but it has also been rewarding to see my labor of love, A Different Drum, stay alive in it’s own little way, and I hope as the years go on, it can remain a fun little piece of our lives.  Maybe a small piece, but a fun one

-Todd