Waterloo Region may be known for its innovation with high-tech gadgets, but a number of local developers are showing how obsolete computers and video game systems can be used to make fresh new music.
Before Hollywood sound engineering and music swept the gaming world, the beeps and boops of the 8-bit sound were all designers had to simulate explosions and other sound effects in iconic games like Tetris, Super Mario Brothers and Contra.
Now, chip musicians are able to take those sounds and reproduce just about any genre of music that exists on the planet.
Chip musicians like Rob Adlers say the 8-bit sound is making a strong comeback in 21st century beats.
"You had your professional gear and then you had these gaming toys. Now they're sort of melding together, and they're becoming a legitimate tool."
Software developer Paul Pridham has developed an iPhone app, allowing younger generations to catch on to the retro sound, by converting math equations into music.
"Even though it's low-fi or low-tech, it really does kind of have a high-tech vibe to it because we're in such a technological world."
That excitement with the old is what keeps Rob Adlers making new music.
"People listen to that and say ‘hey, that sounds kind of neat. What are you using for that?' An old Commodore 64!"
The instrument has become so popular, many people involved are doing shows all over the world.
