Hello, this is Todd at A Different Drum.  I want to thank you again for participating in the big sale the last couple of weeks.  I was actually able to pay a couple of big bills, which was a relief.   It makes me feel like things are under control again, at least until next month

Several new releases came into the store this week, including the next big single from Depeche Mode, so let’s jump right into it!

Oh, you can set the mood by watching the video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzMkaSi6JTQ

NEW ARRIVALS:

Depeche Mode “Peace” (MCD part 1) $8 — The two-track single features these two versions of the cool song:  Peace (Single Version), Peace (SixToes Remix).    You can see the track list and order it here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/CDBong41/Depeche-Mode-Peace-Part-1

Depeche Mode “Peace (remixes)” (MCD part 2) $11 — There are six different remixes here including come nice dance versions.  You can see the track list and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/LCDBONG41/Depeche-Mode-Peace-Part-2

Depeche Mode “Peace” (limited edition 7-inch vinyl) $11 — The limited edition 7-inch vinyl is numbered on the back and features these two tracks:  Peace (Single Version), Come Back (Jonsi Remix).   You can order it here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/Bong41/Depeche-Mode-Peace-Limited-7-inch-Vinyl

Depeche Mode “Wrong” (12-inch vinyl) $11 — The 12-inch vinyl of “Wrong” followed a bit behind the CD’s and 7-inch and does include a track not on the CD’s.    You can see that track list and order it here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/12BONG40/Depeche-Mode-Wrong-12-inch-vinyl

Frozen Plasma “Monument” $15 — This is a band that rose from the ashes of NamNamBulu and “Monument” is their second full-length.  It features their signature sound with punchy beats and sharp synth melodies with vocalist Felix Marc (also released a great solo album and is part of Diorama).   It is a quality band that blends synthpop and futurepop together for a strong, powerful feel.   You can listen to audio samples and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/FACT3116/Frozen-Plasma-Momentum

A Spell Inside “Loginside” $20 — This is a band that has been around for quite a few years, playing edgy, danceable synthpop.   If you haven’t picked up their “Essential” CD that shows some of that history, it is well worth checking out.  This new album takes their trademark sound and polishes it up even more.    You can listen to audio samples and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/SCAN075/A-Spell-Inside-Loginside

Seize “Constant Fight” (Limited 2CD Box) $28 — This is the limited box edition of the new album by Seize, an act that combines modern electro with some old-school retro flavors (almost funky disco on their single “Who’s Your Teacher?”).   The female vocalist is smooth and seductive with fun, catchy songs that carry something of an attitude.   You can watch one of their video’s here to see what I mean:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJwrpg4xP14
You can listen to samples and see the track list for the two-disc edition and order it here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/AM2097DCD/Seize-Constant-Fight-Limited-Edition-2CD

Seize “Constant Fight” $20 — If you’re not interested in the box edition with all of the extra remixes, you can pick up the regular album here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/AM1097CD/Seize-Constant-Fight

Various Artists “Re-Covered / A Tribute to Depeche Mode” (2CD) $20 — Something would simply seem out of place in the world if every new Depeche Mode album released didn’t come accompanied with another European tribute to the epic band.   So, here it is!  This latest 2CD of cover tracks includes new interpretations by bands like Technoir, Nebula-H, Komor Kommando, Plastic Noise Experience, Seize, Ayria, Implant, etc.  So, you will see a bit of a harder-edged line-up here.  You can see the entire track list and order here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/+AM1127DCD/Various-Artists-Re-Covered-A-Tribute-to-Depeche-Mode

Various Artists “Auto Reverse” $16 — This collection of modern electro pop is released by the Bordom Product label in France who are known for their cool synth acts Celluloide, Foretaste, and Dekad.  Aside from trakcs by those bands, you’ll also find songs by Komputer, The Three Cold Men, Joy Electric, and others.  Discover some cook, quirky synthop music by ordering this CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/BDMCD12/Various-Artists-Auto-Reverse

The new NEUROACTIVE  CD album “Antidote” should arrive in about a week!  You can pre-order it here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/ADDCD1270/Neuroactive-Antidote

Also, I’d like to remind you that you can check back to year songs from the newest arrivals in the store by going to the radio player here :

http://www.adifferentdrum.com/Player/

Thanks for your support!
-Todd

Here is the product update from June 20th, 2009:

NEW ARRIVALS:

IAMX “Kingdom of Welcome Addiction” $15 — IAMX has a background coming from the band The Sneaker Pimps, and has already worked into this, his third full-length album.  Quickly rising to fame in both the synthpop and alternative rock markets, this guy has such pizzazz that you can’t help but fall in love with the shear power of the sound and style.    You can watch a video of one of the new songs here ot see a bit of that flashy style and the catchy style.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfRapmWQANY
You can order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=MET597

Cyber Space “Future On Mars” $20 — This space synth act now presents their third full-length album, packed once again with bouncy synthesizer beats, catchy instrumental melodies, and that old-school synthesizer dance sound that is firmly planted in 80’s roots while focusing thematically on a futuristic vibe.   You can listen to audio samples and order the new CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=AE12005

PRE-ORDER:

You can now pre-order this upcoming release so it will be shipped to you the moment it arrives from the factory:

NEUROACTIVE “Antidote” $12 — Behold, the sixth studio album from one of synthpop / electro’s modern heros.   As with the “N-Gin” album, it is loaded with a variety of guest vocalists while keeping the signature, punchy Neuroactive sound.  Pre-order the album here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=ADDCD1270

Thanks again for your support through these times that have been truly harsh on the music industry.  I hope to stick around for years to come, at least in one degree or another.   If you’d like to read an interview and had with Side-Line Magazine about what I currently see in the market and what is to come for A Different Drum, you can read here :
http://www.side-line.com/interviews_comments.php?id=43115_0_16_0_C

Side-Line Magazine has played a huge role in the underground music scene for many years, both in the old printed format and online.  I was happy that they took the time to interview me .

Have a great weekend!
-Todd

Financial Desperation Sale!

How is that for a subject header?  Yep, there are bills coming due, and my bank account is completely empty.  So, in an act of financial desperation, I’m running  a couple of specials in the next few days.

First of all, let’s get you in the mood by showing you a video.  In this video , you will see me being very silly, but it is actually symbolic of the music business right now.  This is what it feels like some days when you’re trying to make a living selling music:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hte7lIGAIPQ

If that’s not enough stress for one day, you should try reading my blog .  Ouch!

SO….

Any order placed on the homepage until the 20th of July will have a 20% discount taken off during “checkout”.    The discount excludes the newest releases on the page, which all have the “new” icon next to them.   You’ll see that discount in the shopping cart as you are checking out.

ALSO…

I’ve put 8 box lots on EBAY, all of which include 30 different CD’s…all from A Different Drum’s label catalog, and all new (still in shrinkwrap) with a low starting bid of only $29.99!

They have a retail value around $300, so you can get a lot of new music fast, for a very low price!  Some of them end in 3 days, others in 5 or 7, so bid on which ever you’d like and help me pay the bills while you cash in on some great tunes!   You can CLICK HERE to see those boxes (you can ignore the sunglasses that are for sell there…something my son is doing):
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/adiffe_W0QQ_nkwZQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZ

TRIGGER — To those who have ordered my recently published science fiction novel, “Trigger”, thanks so much for going out of your way to support that effort!  I loved writing the book and hope to publish more in the future.  But as usual, those hopes often depend on the response to the first try.   So, if you’re a reader and like a good story with a lot of twists and turns, please give it a try!   At least I feel like it is pretty good.   You can CLICK HERE to see it on Amazon.com   Or, if you’d like an autographed copy, you can order directly from me here :

http://www.todd-durrant.com

PRE-ORDER:

Neuroactive “Antidote” $12 — Neuroactive has been one of the highlight bands on A Different Drum’s label for many years, always presenting punchy, crisp electronic music that ranges from melancholy moods to danceable club hits. ANTIDOTE is another masterpiece, recorded over the course of years, pulling together several great vocalists from the scene to color each track in it’s own unique way. Find out why Neuroactive has been so well esteemed in the electronic underground, and take the ANTIDOTE!  (Synthpop Addict Club members need not pre-order.)    Pre-order your CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=ADDCD1270

That’s all for this week.  Thanks for your support, especially during the hard times.
Sincerely,
Todd

Hello friends of A Different Drum and fans of cool, electronic pop music!   It’s time for another weekly update.   Let’s jump right into this week’s new releases!

NEW ARRIVALS:

Various Artists “Electropop 2″ $18 — This is the second in the limited edition series out of Germany that features a lot of exclusive and rare remixes of cool tracks by some of the shining stars of the underground.  You’ll find fun stuff by bands like Emmon, Marlow, Rubikon, Rupesh Cartel, Alaska Highway, and more.   Check out the entire track list and order you limited edition here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=CRCD002

Also, if you didn’t pick up the first volume in this series, which is near selling out, I’ve still got a few in stock and have dropped the price to clear the last few copies out of the store:

Various Artists “Electropop 1″ $14
See the track list and order here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=ERCD001

Endless Shame “Pure” (MCD) $4 — A Different Drum is proud to introduce yet another great Swedish band that you won’t want to miss!  The PURE single offers a song that is purely energetic, purely catchy, and a pure electronic pop pleasure with instant club appeal. Endless Shame jumps to the top of the synthpop underground and makes a run at electronic music fans everywhere with a release that offers everything you’d want from a classic maxi-single including a handful of mixes that includes an old-fashioned extended version, a chill-out version, plus a club mix of yet another album track.    (Synthpop Addict Club members need not order.)
Hear track samples, watch a live TV performance, and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=ADDCD1296

Saudade “Like You” (MCD) $4 — I once again visit some songs originally written in the late 80’s and releases them for the modern synthpop underground under the name, Sauade. With an approach that is raw and sincere, I happily presents these quirky, memorable songs for those who wish to listen and share the experience.  (Synthpop Addict Club members need not order.)
Listen to track samples, watch the fun, no-budget videos featuring C-3PO and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=ADDCD1301

And, because I’ve been asked a couple of times, I’ll quickly mention that both the “Like You” and “Bad Dreams” maxi-singles from my Saudade project are NOT part of a future album.   The songs from those two releases (including bonus tracks) are exclusive to these CD maxi-singles and won’t be on any regular album.

VNV Nation “Reformation 01″ (US edition 2CD+DVD) $26 — We now have the US edition of the VNV Nation new double-disc + DVD release.  It is less pricey than the import that I had in stock before.  Pick it up now to get the rare remixes and all the live tracks.
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=ARC-1

I Satellite “Bubbleboy” (limited edition 12-inch vinyl) $11 — For those of you who like to collect cool vinyl, particularly for modern synthpop, which is a rare thing, I now have the 12-inch vinyl of “Bubbleboy” by I Satellite in stock, featuring several remixes, and pressed on BLUE vinyl.  It’s cool.   See the tracks and order yours here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=WRLC001

THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL DEAL:

Thanks to those who took advantage of the last special-offer (three CD”s for one low price) from the last email update.   I’ll do another special for this week.   If you are interested in this special package deal, just send me an email at todd@adifferentdrum.com and let me know.  I’ll send you an invoice which you can click to complete payment.    Here’s the deal this week:

Cool, down-tempo tunes for chilling out, or simply enjoying with the lights off:
ALIEN SKIN “Don’t Open Till Doomsday”
COLOR THEORY “Something Beautiful”
VARIOUS ARTISTS “Synthpop for a Darkened Room 3″
Total price = $10  (shipping added)

CLEARANCE T-SHIRT:

We have a few of the dark red w/ black DISREFLECT t-shirts left after the new release promotion.  There are only about 8 of the original 30 still here, and I’m putting them on clearance for $5 each on the homepage.   To see sizes and grab yours, jump to the t-shirt page here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/catalog.php?tshirts

That is all for this week’s update.  Short and sweet
Once again, I invite you to “befriend” me on Facebook, or look up A Different Drum and join the fan club.  I’m happy to keep in touch with people there.     You can also follow A Different Drum on Twitter :
http://www.twitter.com/adifferentdrum

Not everything I say there is exciting, but it is kind of fun to read what people are doing and keep in touch.  This internet thing is becoming very social!

Thanks,
Todd

Back in January of this year, I wrote an outline in a weekly email update to the customers of A Different Drum about some of the things that I thought were good goals for the year.   First of all, I was happy to still be in business in the beginning of 2009 since so many music labels have been dying a slow death.   Well, A Different Drum is certainly sputtering and struggling, but is still here despite the challenges.  One of the biggest tortures so far this year is that I simply have not been able to release CD’s as quickly as the bands are finishing them.  It is hard to tell the artists over and over again,  “well, I hope to put this out next month,” and then the next month, “not yet, but hopefully next month.”   The fact is, credit no longer exists.  There are old debts and old bills to pay, but less revenue to make those payments, and that also means more waiting when it comes to new releases.

Yet A Different Drum is still here.   I’m too darn stubborn to give it up and say, “I fought the good fight, and now I surrender.”

In today’s blog, I’m going to look at some of the goals outlined in that January email and see how things have changed or how the business is progressing toward (or away from) those goals.

RESURRECTING THE CD MAXI-SINGLE

This is a goal I mentioned almost out of selfish reasons, since the maxi-single was always my first love, above albums, back in the days of my youth.  I always loved the 12-inch singles with the extended versions, bonus tracks, etc.  I probably owned twenty 12-inch maxi-singles for every album in my record collection.  When A Different Drum was young, I thought it was fun to put out a couple of CD singles for every album.   But, due to the drop in sales, and the fact that DJ’s were not using those singles in the clubs as we’d hoped, I had decided to give up on them.  That decision only lasted a couple of years.  Though it might have saved some money during those years, I felt like the label had a void where the singles used to be.   It has become obvious that the only people buying CD’s at all these days are collectors, and collectors like singles too, generally speaking.   So, making a few inexpensive, simple CD maxi-singles that have some extra remixes and bonus tracks seems to make sense.   They don’t make money, but they do build a sense of collectivity and help boost a band’s reputation in the market.  So, I figure if I can at least make back enough to pay the cost of making small runs of singles, I’d try it again.

How is that panning out?  We’ll ADD has put out some singles.  In fact, I just got another pair in stock this week.  Are people ordering them?  Well, not as much as albums.  In fact, it is probably a  stretch to say that they’ve broken even.  Yet, they aren’t just sitting here, and I’ve also been tossing singles in as bonus free-bee’s with shipments to people who order regularly.   It has become a kind of extra reward to paying customers.   Buy a couple of cool albums, you might score a cool single too!

I have committed to put out about four more singles in 2009.   I’ll reevaluate at that point.  My advice, if you enjoy the singles, is to buy them to support the cause.   They retail on A Different Drum’s site for $3 or $4, and close to that on Amazon.com.   I’ve also been listing special 2-for-1-price deals where you can get a pair of singles for only $5.

MORE T-SHIRTS AND FUN MERCHANDISE

So far in 2009 I’ve brought in two new t-shirts for A Different Drum– a new “synthpop addict” shirt and a new long-sleeve black logo shirt.  Those have been received well, and I’ve had to print up a few more of the addict shirt to fill demand.    The last couple of debut album releases (Disreflect and Midnight Resistance) have come with a limited edition t-shirt (only 30 made).   I still have some of those shirts left, so those were received with mixed enthusiasm.  But apparently there is a little market for t-shirts that have to do with A Different Drum or synthpop in general, so I will make a couple more of those designs as the year progresses.   In the realm of “fun merchandise”, I’m still not sure what else people would find appealing, but I’m always open to ideas.

COLLECTIBLE VINYL AND USB DRIVES

Well, here is one place where I’ve backed off.   Last year we released the “Sanctuary” maxi-single with a 12-inch and CD.   Though it has sold, those sales have not matched the previous “Suffer” CD maxi-single.  I think the higher price and vinyl (even though it comes with a CD) scared a few people away.   Then this year we’ve released the limited edition Rename “The Hack” 7-inch vinyl.   They are numbered and autographed, but it has not sold well.   Yes, it is collectible, but it is not something that people in this market seem to want to collect.   So, due to the large expense of making vinyl, I’m backing off.  I can’t afford it.

I had thought that a USB flash drive with lossless digital music files including rarities, etc. would be a nice way to make something cool for those who like the digital format.     I may still do something like that on a small scale this year, but I don’t think it’s a good general format anymore, since most digital customers seem content to buy their downloads as MP3’s in the major digital stores.

REAL FAN GALLERY WEBSITE

I had planned and even purchased the domain, RealFanGallery.com in hopes of creating a place where the serious fans of synthpop could gather.   It would be a place to celebrate those who still buy music, rather than stealing it, and who want to interact with one another and with the artists.   It could be a place where labels or bands could offer bonus extras to those real fans who really support the scene.   After a couple of beta versions of the site, it started to look like it would be a big challenge to keep it up and to make it do all the things I wanted it to do.  The expense started to go up, and I didn’t feel like the appeal was going up.   So, I ditched that website plan, but may explore other ways to set up a social network community using existing services.   Frankly, there are a lot of places where healthy communities of synthpop and electro pop fans gather.   TheSixtyOne.com has a thriving community called “Electro Freaks”, and there is a lot of interaction going on within Facebook and Myspace.   So, though I think the idea of having social networks where true fans can stay connected, I think those needs are being filled if people are simply notified of the opportunities out there.

PLACES TO GET TOGETHER

I also mentioned in my goals article that it would be nice to find ways to get together (physically, more than just online) to celebrate our shared love for the music.   I’ve talked extensively in my blog about the challenges of putting together a successful convention or festival event.   So, I won’t repeat myself.   It is still difficult and still prohibitively expensive.   Still, I look for any opportunity to “get together” with other fans and friends.  I enjoyed driving to Minneapolis a couple of months ago for the Information Society, Faith Assembly, Moulin Noir show and met some friends there.  I hope other opportunities will arise, even on a small scale, where we can get together and feel the comradeship that is so satisfying in today’s world.

OTHER NEW IDEAS

I’m always racking my brain for other good ideas that make our music scene more interesting, more engaging, and more rewarding, not to mention more profitable so that A Different Drum can stay alive.    The new “Real Songs for Real People” project by RENAME is one of those new ideas that I am excited about.   Since I play a small role directly with Marcus of Rename now, I am proud of the sense of adventure and creativity that Marcus has employed to put together something unique for the fans.   I think it is very cool that people can essentially help to fund an album by taking a direct part and becoming a “character” in the songs– essentially buying their own, personal theme song on a synthpop album.  If any of you find that an interesting idea, I hope that you would support it.  If not through a song sponsorship, then as a “follower” where you pre-purchase the album and all the working demos for an entire year.   You can see more information on Rename’s homepage on how to sign up.

I hope that other cool ideas get a chance to shine, showing that this scene is alive and well, despite the challanges.  I hope that the people who back up their love of the music with a small purchase now and then (either physical or digital) can be rewarded ten times over, knowing that they are contributing– they are the life blood of the scene.

Thanks for your support of A Different Drum.   This business is a big part of my life, and it means a lot to me.

-Todd