This week's theme: Chiptune Live

Act 6:

John had been following the people he had met earlier. As he drove he wondered what they talked about. Even though their van was only meters in front of him, he imagined their conversations to be light years ahead of anything he could comprehend. As the sun finally gave up, and allowed the moon to be in control, he pulled into a busy parking lot. Beyond the rows of parked cars, he saw a marquee above a seemingly abandoned building. The marquee's sign displayed a simple slogan: “Live Music”

He slowly opened his car door, took a deep breath, and began his approach. He didn't even consider whether or not he had locked his door. On some deep and distant level, he knew that his once important belongings would be safe.

As John entered the building, his eyelids peeled back at an uncontrollable rate. With his mouth agape, he attempted to understand what each of his senses were telling him. It was almost too much. The bright lights, the pounding beats, and the people he had met earlier dancing to an undeniably unique sound. On stage John saw a individual crouched over a small and mysterious device: an object he had once associated with his childhood. He felt his heart beating in unison with the music, and knew that he had found a new home.

Track Listing:

Fighter X, Live at NW Folklife

Bitshifter. Live at Blipfest '08

Nullsleep, Live at Blipfest '08

Sabrepulse. Live at NW Folklife

A special thanks goes to the kind contributors of this episode: Crunchy Co., Zen Albatross, Brendan at MAGFest, and B. Leo.

An interview with Fighter X:

STFUAJPGM: What tools do you use during a live performance?

Fighter X: Lately, I've been using two original Game Boys with Little Sound DJ carts. I have both of them running through my Korg Zero4 DJ mixer. You could say I was a hyperactive DJ on stage, but with handheld consoles instead of two turntables. Sometimes I'll throw an extra Game Boy in the mix, which can make my set easier (but waste away my precious Duracells). I don't have to switch carts between Game Boys at all when I have a 3 Game Boy setup - since I use 3 LSDJ carts live, at every show. I wish I could use my nifty push-button Speak & Spell during my live sets.....but the main output is busted...

STFUAJPGM: How does your music change in a live environment?

Fighter X: If you were to listen to oh, let's say my upcoming full-length album this September, and then come to a Fighter X show and hear those exact same tracks, I think people could definitely tell a difference. I enjoy playing my songs differently than the way they were recorded. I can put many different audio effects on my live music whether it be my DJ mixer, or my Kaoss Pad if I decide to bring it to a show. In Little Sound DJ, there are many different ways to modify a live track. It's all so easy and fun.

STFUAJPGM: What is the motivation behind the Lo-Tek Resistance series?

Fighter X: Lo-Tek Resistance is meant to spread awareness of the small, unique, local chiptune scene here in Seattle. Chiptune music is known by NO ONE, and I think putting on monthly busking events here in Seattle really helps the scene. I've been preparing the LTR for the upcoming Penny Arcade Expo in Seattle! It's by far the best Lo-Tek event of the year. September 4th outside of PAX! BE THERE!

An interview with No Carrier:

STFUAJPGM: Can you describe what you do in a sentence or two?

No Carrier: I write software for classic consoles and computers to provide visuals at live music events. Some people call it VJ'ing, but there aren't any video clips involved with my work - its all coming from the hardware in real time.

STFUAJPGM: What tools do you use during a live performance?

No Carrier: I use a couple of NES systems and C64's, as well as a video mixer. All of the software is my own.

STFUAJPGM: What inspired you to start manipulating hardware?

No Carrier: I really like chip music - and I love the hardware aspect of real performance, meaning hearing Game Boy or NES music live on classic consoles. I like to think of it as completing the experience, and using hardware to make visuals to complement the music.

STFUAJPGM: Is your work inspired more by music or games?

No Carrier: Music, for sure. As a longtime DJ, music is what drives me to create new software. I love creating custom software to match the style of specific artists or genres.

STFUAJPGM: How does a live music environment affect your work?

No Carrier: Live music drives my choices as a live visualist. Most of my software is written for live use - meaning that the speed, colors, or patterns can change with the press of a button. I use that to match the music and give a unified feel for the event attendee. Its always a good feeling when people ask me if the visuals are synced to the music. I work hard to manually beatmatch everything and keep it tight.

STFUAJPGM: Does having an audience affect your work? How?

No Carrier: One big aspect of doing live visuals is that I'm usually facing the stage, with the audience. It is a lot different than being on stage, because you get the vibe of the crowd. I'm usually behind my table, running my software and dancing as well. It sounds funny, but its true. There is something cool about performing at crowd level. You're much more in tune with people, and not as separated as being on stage.

A live chiptune performance. Music: Random, Visuals: No Carrier, Video: Saskrotch