num_pages: 198
description: A Different Drum is proud to present this unique collaborative project featuring original short stories and accompanying theme songs. As a fan of both electronic pop music and science fiction, we felt that the two pop art forms would be natural partners.  Synthpop is a genre which has often been viewed as "futuristic" because its musical foundation is based in the creative use of technology. The synthpop composer uses the latest computer hardware, software, samplers, and other electronic musical devices to build a unique instrumental background, while adding the traditional pop elements of melody, verses, a chorus, etc. This combination helps to create a song which seems futuristic, while remaining rooted in the familiar pop tradition. Similarly, science fiction is a literary genre which builds upon the familiar styles and structures of popular fiction, but stretches the subject matter into the realms of science, imagination, and futuristic speculation. In that way, science fiction and synthpop seem to have a lot of common ground, which is probably why you can often find science fiction themes embedded within synthpop songs.  As we considered the best way to create the "Listen to the Future" project, it was decided that it would be interesting to first invite aspiring authors to contribute short stories. Then those stories would be presented to the participating synthpop bands. The story would inspire the song or instrumentation that would then become the accompanying partner for the story. Our vision was similar to that of a movie soundtrack or music video, where the music could contribute to the mood and vision of the story. The combination of song and story would even be an interesting (and hopefully pleasant) surprise to the authors, as they are presented with an outside musical interpretation of their literary idea.  All in all, the stories stand on their own as a wonderful collection, and we're very much appreciate the efforts and talents of the contributing authors. The music that has been created to accompany the stories also shows a wide range of different styles, varied approaches, and creative talent. We hope that together, the authors and musicians can enjoy greater exposure and appreciation through this project, and that doors can be opened for them in the future. We also hope that you, the reader and listener, will enjoy this collection, experiencing something new and interesting.
title: Listen to the Future
titlecomplete: Listen to the Future
ratings_count: 1
publisher: A Different Drum