| 8 Bit Weapon | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Ventura County, California, USA |
| Genres | Electronic, chiptune, synthpop, bitpop |
| Instruments | Computers |
| Years active | 1999–present |
| Website | www.8bitweapon.com |
| Members | |
| Seth Sternberger (AKA Naughtyboy) Michelle Sternberger (AKA ComputeHer) |
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| Past members | |
| Melbot Stacey Taylor (AKA Stacey Superstix) |
|
8 Bit Weapon is a chiptune music band created by Seth Sternberger. The instrument set of 8 Bit Weapon consists primarily of old 8-bit and 16-bit computers (with 8 bit audio output) such as the Commodore VIC-20, Commodore 64, Commodore 128, Commodore Amiga 500, and the Apple II, as well as game consoles such as the Nintendo Entertainment System, Game Boy, Atari 2600, and an Intellivision synthesizer.
8 Bit Weapon started around 1999 by remixing Commodore 64 SID tunes like Crazy Comets, M.U.L.E., and some Nintendo N.E.S. game music such as Super Mario Bros 2, and Metroid. Both the SID remixes can be heard on the album titled "Confidential 1.0" and the Nintendo remixes on the official 8 Bit Weapon website. Later on, 8 Bit weapon began writing original music using the C64, Nintendo Game Boy, and N.E.S., as well as other 8 bit consoles and computers.
8 Bit Weapon has become well known recently after favorable coverage in the Los Angeles Times, A live performance on G4's Attack of the Show,[1] and performances at E3 2004, 2005, and 2006. The project with Nokia is the soundtrack for Reset Generation (previously known under the code name "Project White Rock"), a game by RedLynx for N-Gage 2.0 and PCs.[2]
Xbox’s exclusive Halo 2 E3 2004 preview event had its own soundtrack written and produced by 8 Bit Weapon. The score was 15 minutes long and was played continuously in the gaming area of the party.
8 Bit Weapon has also remixed music for Erasure,[3] Information Society,[4] and Kraftwerk.[5]
In July 2007, 8 Bit Weapon was hired to perform at Commodore's 25th anniversary party for the Commodore 64 computer.
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February 9, 2010 8 Bit Weapon released the Apple II Digital Music Synthesizer (or D.M.S.). Together Michael J. Mahon and 8 Bit Weapon created the 1st wavetable synthesizer for the Apple //e, IIc, IIc+ and IIGS computers. The software is designed for live performance and it does not require a monitor to work. It supports up to 8 voices, which can be selected from the 10 on disk, and played (monophonically) from the Apple II keyboard. It can be used to “record” a performance for later playback as well.[6]
In April 2009, Sony Creative Software released "8 Bit Weapon: A Chiptune Odyssey" loop and sample Library. The library contains music loops and samples made by the band of the following computers and video game consoles: Apple II, Commodore 64, NES, Game Boy, and the Atari 2600.[7]
Seth - Founded band around 2000 and is the primary song writer. He plays Commodore 64, Commodore 128, Game Boys, and lead vocals (via vocoder) at live events.
Michelle - Joined the band in October 2006 and writes music for the band as well. She also has her own solo releases under the name ComputeHer. She plays Apple IIe drums, acoustic drums, c64/128 drums, and synths at live events.
MelBot (2006-2008) - Played keyboards at live events. Is now pursuing her solo career.[8]
Stacey "Superstix" Taylor (2003-2005) - She played live acoustic drums at live events and on the recordings Official Bootleg, The Limited Edition EP, and all versions of Vaporware Soundtracks. She is also credited for Game Boy programming and as co-writer of various songs on Vaporware Soundtracks.