8bitpeoples is an art collective centering around a love for, and a continued exploration of, the aesthetic of low-bit computing and gaming. Eschewing retro-fetishism in favor of forward-facing creative pursuits, where the adoption of forgotten technology is a deliberate aesthetic choice -- 8bitpeoples serves as a multimedia art collective, netlabel, "real" label, event curator / organizer, party-thrower, shit-kicker, and global subcultural hub, working to advance the efforts of musicians, sound artists, visual artists, and technology artists operating in these disciplines.
The first time I listened to "Left" I was 6,000 feet above sea level being driven in a car navigating the winding roads of the Himalayas. The last time I listened to "Left" was a few minutes ago while watching some writers at the 5Pointz graffiti spot in Queens. Both times I was mentally transported to a place between those two extremes – the majestic and the everyday. Can something be both timeless and fresh? It can when the bass is the base and each snare truly ensnares.
Once again, minusbaby has shown us the proto-urban; an audio space where an imaginary city is built in the mind's eye from the rawest materials and yet still seems to be polished and eternal. Please, enjoy, as I do, the reductive/constructive paradox which is minusbaby's perpetual rhythm machine and sip and nibble from one of the most inconspicuously nuanced suppers ever to disguise itself as a snack. Simplicity was never so deceptive.
Official live-performance double-CD compilation, capturing the high-impact energy the Blip Festival 2008's live chipmusic performances. Produced by 2 Player Productions & featuring one track from each of the 2008 festival's 32 musical performers, including Sidabitball, Low-Gain, IAYD, Syphus, Role Model, Mr. Spastic, Starscream, Cow'p, Nullsleep, Lissajou, glomag, Stu, USK, and more. Professionally recorded, mixed, and mastered, and packaged in beautiful gatefold CD packaging designed by minusbaby. The phenomenon of live chipmusic has never before been so pristinely captured.
"Milestones should be marked by monuments, and this is the second time 8bitpeoples have done so: with the 2xCD 8BP50 after the first Blip Festival, and now with this; 8BP100 — so you can see just how far it’s all come. Now take this artifact in your hands, press play on your system, inspect the pretty parcel it came in until you’ve unlocked its every secret, then turn up the volume, close your eyes, and picture yourself there."
- Nathaniel Adams, from the 8BP100 liner notes
In the not so distant future awaits the election of the first third party candidate to the White House- they will hail from the Space Party, a political coalition founded by astrophysicists, former democrats and ex-NASA employees. In their 8bitpeoples debut EP, Future, and It Doesn't Work, Starscream tell a tale of victory, science, and potentially catastrophic foreign policy.
IAYD makes his 8bitpeoples debut with Supergalactic, an invitation to get punched in the face by light-speed melodies and sound barrier-breaching beats. Embark on a journey through the cosmos with six, powerful masterworks crafted from the dregs of shattered asteroids and the rusted husks of space vessels. Pushing forward and brimming with profound sonic vivacity, Supergalactic leaves you with a greater understanding of the Universe.
AKID EP by starPause is causing a ruckus. Four floor killers stacked with stinging slaps, bone-shaking bass, saucy diva snippets and tricked out retrigger commandos. Brain on the verge, move as you must! Only Piggy Tracker makes it possible. Art by Videogramo tew wey sekam. Mastering by Jesse Graffam rocks any sound system.
Claps and Leads marks Mr. Spastic's triumphant return to the 8bitpeoples catalogue; five deft exercises in virtuoso programming, balancing intricate technical skill with a warmly organic sound, all delivered in his signature bold-yet-delicate tech-soul style. Jazz, deep funk, disco, R&B, and full-on techno inflections collide and merge into an astonishing stylistic cocktail, all topped off with a shimmering pro-grade production sensibility. Dazzling artwork by Ui completes the package, sealing the deal on a certain future classic.
