Chiptune, also known as chip music or 8-bit music, is a style of music made using programmable sound generators (PSG) or synthesizers found in vintage arcade machines, computers, and video game consoles. This unique genre combines electronic and progressive rock elements with a strong influence from video game music, creating a distinctive and nostalgic soundscape.
Chiptune music originated from video game soundtracks, but it has now become a flexible genre that combines different musical styles. Artists in the chiptune scene use old gaming consoles like the Nintendo Game Boy and Commodore 64 to create music that captures the essence of the 8-bit era and allows for creative expression.
Chiptune artist cTrix demonstrates how they use the Game Boy to create chiptune music. (Source: hradcanska via Flicker)
Among the prominent chiptune artists who use the Game Boy to create music is Chris Mylrea, who produces electric chiptune tracks under his moniker cTrix. Mylrea’s fascination with chip music began at a young age when he started tinkering with his dad’s Commodore 64.
For chiptune artists like cTrix, the Game Boy serves as both an instrument and a canvas for their creativity. Modified Game Boys are equipped with music composition software, with the most popular one being “Little Sound Dj”, which enables artists to harness the Game Boy’s sound chips and create complex musical patterns using four channels. These channels offer two melodic notes, one bass note, and a noise channel, providing a unique and distinct sonic palette for the artists to work with.
By rhythmically striking the buttons of the Game Boy, chiptune artists like cTrix can craft intricate musical sequences and arpeggios. They carefully choose and cycle between essential bits to produce a wide range of chords and melodies. The limitations of the Game Boy’s sound chip become the source of its charm, as artists creatively manipulate these restrictions to generate rich, polyphonic music.
Japanese chiptune artist Toriena shows off the Game Boy she uses in her live performances (Source: Jeriaska via Flickr)
The chip music scene as a whole has grown significantly over the years. Chiptune festivals now attract thousands of enthusiasts, showcasing the global reach and appeal of the genre. Artists like Mylrea have toured various countries, presenting their unique musical gadgets and drum equipment to captivated audiences worldwide.
As the chiptune movement grows and gains recognition, it shows how much people still love 8-bit sounds and how creative artists can be with old video game technology. Chiptune artists prove that even with old consoles, there are endless possibilities for making music.