Do you remember the 1980s or 1990s? Were you even born then? Well, if you were, then you likely fondly remember things like the Nintendo Entertainment System or Game Boy and those other fabulous though rudimentary video game machines from the end of the 20th century. Well, did you know they were the inspiration for an entire genre of music?
Videos by American Songwriter
Yes, the genre known as “chiptune” is one that was born from those 8-bit gaming systems. The artists in the musical movement take the beeps and boops from the games and arrange them in ways to create excellent songs. Here below, we wanted to dive into three examples. A trio of chiptune tracks that will help you understand what is happening with the sound.
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“Video Games” by Leeni from Headphones for Your Heart EP (2012)
In 2011, Lana Del Rey released her hit single, “Video Games.” The track, which was certified two-times Platinum, went on to help shape her career. But a year after the original release, the accomplished Seattle artist known as Leeni created a chiptune version of the song, which is nothing short of chef’s kiss. A song titled “Video Games” made with video game music? Perfect! Kudos to Leeni, who is also known by her moniker Prom Queen.
“Spectra” by Chipzel from Spectra (2013)
The Northern Ireland artist Chipzel has released a ton of work on Bandcamp, including the energetic album Spectra, which opens with this title track. The song feels as if you’re in an actual video game but the plot of the game is to defeat bad guys in a dance club. Part challenge, part dance competition, the song transports you to a digital world where jumping on top of your enemy’s head is the most important thing in the world.
“The New School Oldschoolers” by ULTRASYD (Single, 2016)
French artist Ultrasyd released this song in 2016 and it’s a lively track rich with layers of 8-bit sounds. At some point you feel like Mario, Luigi, Toad, and the Princess are running by your eyes and you have to either catch them or follow them to the new hot EDM dance club. This song is an example of tech and taste coming together to form one triumphant track that gets your heart racing as much as it gets you feeling nostalgic for those Friday nights with a Pepsi, pizza, and NES.
Photo courtesy LEENI
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