NOTE: If you are in the Salt Lake City area, come see me at the SLC downtown Radisson Hotel during the CONduit Convention this weekend (May 22nd and 23rd) in the vendors’ room. You don’t think you need a convention pass to go into the vending room. I’ll be there selling music as well as my book, TRIGGER.
Here is the update from May 20th, 2009:
Hello friends of A Different Drum! It is time for another update. This week I only have one new arrival to talk about (new album by Akanoid). But there are a few news items and discussions I’d like to share and solicit feedback in this update, so please read on.
First of all, you should have seen the update from last week about both Intuition offering demos to those who join their mailing list. See their Myspace blog on how to join here:
http://www.myspace.com/intuition2
And also about Rename’s groundbreaking new album project, “Real Songs for Real People”, where YOU can have a chance to become either a Song Sponsor and claim one of the tracks as your own, written about yourself or about somebody you know. Or, you can become a Fan Follower and essentially pre-order the autographed album along with all production demos, lyric previews, and updates along the way so you get a bunch of exclusives. You can register for either through Rename’s website and use the Paypal link at the bottom:
http://www.rename-music.com
As of this moment, half of the 15 tracks are claimed by Song Sponsors, so if having your story on a Rename album is an exciting idea for you, then it would be a good idea to claim a spot.
NEW ARRIVAL:
Akanoid “Civil Demon” $20 — This is the latest offering from a top-notch German band that stands out in the independent pop scene by combining elements of dance, synthpop, and alternative rock. I would say that a lot of their stuff sounds like current music from IRIS with really good vocals and a generally all-around appeal to anybody who loves a polished pop act with an edge. They’ve had several releases in the past, most of which go out-of-print rather quickly do to their large underground following. Check out the audio samples and order your CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=BMO9C240
TODD’S RANDOM THOUGHTS
I’ve mentioned before that I have a personal blog where I share my random thoughts on different subjects, usually based on my struggle to make a living in the music business, etc. A couple of days ago I wrote an article talking about conventions. I used my observations as a vendor at anime conventions to throw a new light on synthpop conventions, mostly to consider why we haven’t seen a very successful, ongoing convention in our scene, and whether or not we could even pull one off. I would LOVE to get your feedback and thoughts on what you think would make a quality, REAL convention experience in our scene. You can read my thoughts here :
http://toddiovision.wordpress.com
Right under the article title there is a “comments” link that you can click to leave your thoughts. I’ll reply to comments as well, within the forum. I plan to follow up on this article to flesh-out a dream convention that would be both affordable to organize, and worthwhile for attendees in EVERY aspect (not just a festival show or concert).
While you are visiting my blog, feel free to look over my past articles, which may be of interest to you:
“Traditional Music Promotion = Cash in the Toilet” — just my experience with the traditional concepts of advertising music through magazines, DJ’s, etc.
“I Love My Job” — an article about why I still work with A Different Drum even though it is become more and more of a challenge, as well as having an adverse effect on my pocketbook.
“The No-Budget Video Revolution” — a few thoughts about no-budget videos and the history of video promotion for the synthpop underground. Plus, my recent videos made with my son.
“Six Months in the Market” — a boring discussion about my first six months playing with very small amounts in the stock market.
“Completely Deaf” — yet another venting about the complete lack of understanding that much of the public has about the damage of file sharing, even when it’s explained directly and honestly. What does it say about our culture?
“Rename’s Real Songs for Real People” — the new album project and how it involves the fans in the music creation process from the very conception.
“Writing My Book TRIGGER” — I talk about how I decided to write a book, my love for the long process and the excitement of seeing it through to publication.
BUY MY BOOK!
OK, speaking of my book, if you are a fan of science fiction that combines elements of space opera, military sci-fi, speculative fiction, time paradoxes, etc. then maybe you’ll enjoy it! Heck, I hope that the book is even enjoyable to those who just like a good story, even if science fiction isn’t your thing (keeping in mind that I am not a scientist, so I can’t call it “hard sci-fi”).
You can buy a book directly from me if you’d like a dedication written in it:
http://www.todd-durrant.com
Or, if you want to buy it from Amazon.com then it will help raise my rank there.
http://www.amazon.com/Trigger-Todd-Durrant/dp/1432711520
Yes, this is the first novel I’ve published, so I’m new at it. I’m no Arthur C. Clarke or Robert A. Heinlein, but I’m still proud of having accomplished it 
That’s all for this week, unless I get a surprise package in the next couple of days. Thanks for your support and friendship!
-Todd
PS. Follow me on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/adifferentdrum
