iZotope and Mute Records have collaborated to bring a Depeche Mode music application, iDrum: Depeche Mode Sounds of the Universe, to the iPhone and iPod touch. iZotope’s popular, interactive iDrum apps let iPhone and iPod touch users create music by tapping the touch screen and rearranging simple shapes and color combinations. The Depeche Mode edition of iDrum includes content from the band’s critically-acclaimed new album, Sounds of the Universe.
Depeche Mode experimented with iDrum for the iPhone/iPod touch in the studio while making Sounds of the Universe, and are now offering their own edition of iDrum on the App Store. Fans can take control of rhythmic patterns, drum hits, effects and instrument sounds from the album to create instant remixes or new original music on their handsets. The album’s producer, Ben Hillier, also produced the content for this iDrum Edition, which includes key rhythmic elements, effects and instrument samples from Sounds of the Universe.
“Since the original iDrum app was released, it’s the music application I’ve been using most on my iPod touch,” said Daniel Miller, chairman and founder of Mute Records. “When the idea came up for Depeche Mode to do their own version of iDrum I thought it was very exciting and I’m glad it’s come to fruition. The app includes really great sounds, and it gives fans and electronic musicians the opportunity to enjoy the album in a completely new way.”
iDrum: Depeche Mode Sounds of the Universe is available for $4.99 on the Apple App Store and includes ten customizable kits with sounds from songs on the album. Additionally, iDrum: Depeche Mode Sounds of the Universe allows users to manipulate album sounds to create music by:
• Tapping the touch screen to play and record musical patterns
• Taking control of the rhythm of every drum sound and sample
• Remixing rhythmic patterns from the album or starting from scratch to make new musical creations
• Bringing sounds in and out of the mix to change the music
• Customizing patterns to create unique new beats
“Depeche Mode’s innovative music is a perfect fit for iDrum. We’re excited to give fans a fun, unique way to creatively interact with Sounds of the Universe—whether they have musical experience or not,” said Nick Dika, content manager at iZotope.
Aside from its entertainment value, iDrum also serves as a new promotional platform and revenue stream for the label and artist. As record labels look to find ways to appeal to the ever-evolving digital consumer, musical entertainment apps are becoming a popular new way to promote releases and even make up for sliding CD sales. iZotope CEO Mark Ethier explains:
“As the music world shifts from an album-centric model, we’re noticing a renewed focus on finding new ways to connect fans and artists, such as social networking and mobile applications. iDrum Editions are a great way for labels and artists to be a part of the booming App Store market and benefit from a new kind of promotional vehicle that helps bring fans one step closer to the inner workings of their favorite bands.”