8bit – Page 4 – A Square Meal

A Square Meal: ‘Insert Disk 02’ by Game Genie Sokolov

Originally Posted on the ChipWIN Blog on February 12th, 2019
Edited by Adam Seats.

Since the beginning, humanity has had some epic arguments about just the most important, finest and serious topics: why are we here? Good or evil? Should the pizza be topped with pineapple? And of course: does Sega really do what NintenDoesn’t? Well, I won’t intend nor dare to give an answer to any of the previously mentioned questions (especially to the last one); but if you are up for some quality FM Chiptune, today’s article is going to completely blow your mind.

From all the options we have to listen and appreciate chiptune nowadays, it’s always nice to find some first-rate music made specifically to be played on a Sega Genesis. That’s why when I knew that there was a Montreal artist who makes it, I got myself ready for an incredible experience. Of course I’m talking about Game Genie Sokolov. Maybe you remember GG Sokolov’s tremendous work from ‘Chiptunes = WIN Vol. 5’, ‘Deskpop & ChipWIN’ or ‘FM: Possible 2‘; but this time we’ll talk about this new and super awe-inspiring album: ‘Insert Disk 02’ released through the French Canadian netlabel Lisbon Lux Records. So let’s take a look over it… Sega style!

A Square Meal: ‘High Flyer’ by Karl Brueggeman

Originally Posted on the ChipWIN Blog on March 14th, 2019.
Edited by Aydan Scott.

About a year ago, the way I see, listen, and even make chiptune changed completely thanks to a brilliant album filled with funky rhythms and bright harmonies in a way I’d never imagined possible. So, when I discovered the songs were made using a huge range of techniques involving FM Synthesis and decided to delve into it, a whole new world of possibilities opened up to me. I discovered new sounds and styles; nearly infinite possibilities to express oneself through a limited sound chip.

A few months later, and with a musical phrase stuck in my head after clicking a link posted by President Hoodie, I realized the contrasting and flexible nature of FM chipmusic. All the credit for this epiphany of mine goes to a single person, whose fresh way of making music really stuck with me: Karl Brueggemann. Today, I want to talk about the album that made me realize just how cool FM Synthesis could be. So let’s take a look at ‘High Flyer’ by Karl Brueggemann, released through Super Marcato Bros.

A Square Meal: ‘光のチップチューンVS闇のチップチューン対決コンピレーション’ by novtos

Originally Posted in the ChipWIN Blog.
Edited by Wayne Manselle.

Last month a vast group of chip musicians from the land of the rising sun united their forces to make an astonishing compilation featuring a theme that never gets old: Light vs. Dark. This delicious compilation is divided into two albums, each one containing the best warriors to defend their side. Which one could win? Well, with this line-up; the listener for sure. Before you pick up a camp, let’s take a look at ‘光のチップチューンVS闇のチップチューン対決コンピレーション’ (Hikari no chippchuun vs. Yami no Chippchuun – Taiketsu Conpireeshon), released through Novtos.

A Square Meal: ‘City Ep’ by Ca5

Originally posted on the ChipWIN Blog on June 13th, 2019.
Edited by Erin Hood.

I’ve always had a fascination with how sounds are interpreted by other people; is it too rough, too high or too intense? Why do people like it? That’s because, in the end, and as almost everything else, music is communication. Sometimes, even without noticing it, I have ended up with my nose between sounds I didn’t fully comprehend at the first listen. Of course, the wrong context could ruin your enjoyment of some music, but there are some albums that seem to remain unchanged regardless of where you listen. That is the case with Ca5’s music. The urban landscapes with shades of drum and bass stand by its own and go straight to the point; whether you are at a rave, in the waiting room of your dentist, or enjoying the afternoon coffee. So let’s take a look over ‘City EP’ by Ca5 released through Esctrax.

A Square Meal: The SOUNDSHOCK Series

Originally Posted on the ChipWIN Blog on November 12th, 2019.
Edited by Wayne Manselle.

Beyond all the glamour and pageantry of the blips & blops, a misunderstood way of making chip music has grown and bloomed away from the spotlight of the scene – yes I’m talking about FM Synthesis. Of course, this is not a complaint, as we say in Spanish: “para gustos los colores”. The point is that, most of the time, a lot of cool things happen under the surface, things that are worth talking about and, from time to time, seem to be buried in the huge mass of crunchy sounds. The album series I’m covering today is not that. I can even say that it’s well known by everyone nowadays, precisely because the intention was –and still is– to direct your attention to the music and techniques used by those incredible musicians. Today I want to go back to one of the greatest compilation series centered on the FM side of the Micro Music, Demoscene, and Chiptune. Apt for newcomers and veterans, it will make you move and ignite the fires of love and interest in this particular approach to chip musicin your soul – hoping the inferno grows so big that it encourages you to search for new music or even make your own. So let’s take a look over the ‘SOUNDSHOCK’ Series by Ubiktune.