8 Bit Weapon is an American chiptune music band formed in

Ventura County, California Ventura County () is a county in the southern part of the U.S. state of California. As of the 2020 census, the population was 843,843. The largest city is Oxnard, and the county seat is the city of Ventura. Ventura County comprises the Oxn ...

, by Seth and Michelle Sternberger. It was originally created by Seth Sternberger around 1998. Its instruments consists primarily of old

8-bit In computer architecture, 8-bit integers or other data units are those that are 8 bits wide (1 octet). Also, 8-bit central processing unit (CPU) and arithmetic logic unit (ALU) architectures are those that are based on registers or data buses ...

and

16-bit 16-bit microcomputers are microcomputers that use 16-bit microprocessors. A 16-bit register can store 216 different values. The range of integer values that can be stored in 16 bits depends on the integer representation used. With the two ...

computer A computer is a machine that can be programmed to carry out sequences of arithmetic or logical operations ( computation) automatically. Modern digital electronic computers can perform generic sets of operations known as programs. These prog ...

s (with 8 bit audio output) such as the

VIC-20 The VIC-20 (known as the VC-20 in Germany and the VIC-1001 in Japan) is an 8-bit home computer that was sold by Commodore Business Machines. The VIC-20 was announced in 1980, roughly three years after Commodore's first personal computer, the ...

Commodore 64 The Commodore 64, also known as the C64, is an 8-bit home computer introduced in January 1982 by Commodore International (first shown at the Consumer Electronics Show, January 7–10, 1982, in Las Vegas). It has been listed in the Guinness W ...

Commodore 128 The Commodore 128, also known as the C128, C-128, C= 128,The "C=" represents the graphical part of the logo. is the last 8-bit home computer that was commercially released by Commodore Business Machines (CBM). Introduced in January 1985 at the ...

Amiga 500 The Amiga 500, also known as the A500, is the first low-end version of the Amiga home computer. It contains the same Motorola 68000 as the Amiga 1000, as well as the same graphics and sound coprocessors, but is in a smaller case similar to th ...

, and the

Apple II The Apple II (stylized as ) is an 8-bit home computer and one of the world's first highly successful mass-produced microcomputer products. It was designed primarily by Steve Wozniak; Jerry Manock developed the design of Apple II's foam-m ...

, as well as

game consoles A video game console is an electronic device that outputs a video signal or image to display a video game that can be played with a game controller. These may be home consoles, which are generally placed in a permanent location connected to a ...

such as the

Nintendo Entertainment System The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is an 8-bit third-generation home video game console produced by Nintendo. It was first released in Japan in 1983 as the commonly known as the The NES, a redesigned version, was released in America ...

Game Boy The is an 8-bit fourth generation handheld game console developed and manufactured by Nintendo. It was first released in Japan on April 21, 1989, in North America later the same year, and in Europe in late 1990. It was designed by the same t ...

Atari 2600 The Atari 2600, initially branded as the Atari Video Computer System (Atari VCS) from its release until November 1982, is a home video game console developed and produced by Atari, Inc. Released in September 1977, it popularized microprocesso ...

, and an

Intellivision The Intellivision is a home video game console released by Mattel Electronics in 1979. The name is a portmanteau of "intelligent television". Development began in 1977, the same year as the launch of its main competitor, the Atari 2600. In 198 ...

synthesizer. The band started around 1998 by remixing Commodore 64 SID tunes like Crazy Comets,

M.U.L.E. ''M.U.L.E.'' is a 1983 multiplayer video game written for the Atari 8-bit family of home computers by Ozark Softscape. Designer Danielle Bunten Berry (credited as Dan Bunten) took advantage of the four joystick ports of the Atari 400 and 800 to ...

, and some

Nintendo is a Japanese multinational video game company headquartered in Kyoto, Japan. It develops video games and video game consoles. Nintendo was founded in 1889 as by craftsman Fusajiro Yamauchi and originally produced handmade playing cards ...

N.E.S. game music such as Super Mario Bros. 2, and

Metroid is an action-adventure game franchise created by Nintendo. The player controls the bounty hunter Samus Aran, who protects the galaxy from Space Pirates and other malevolent forces and their attempts to harness the power of the parasitic ...

. Both the SID remixes can be heard on the album titled "Confidential 1.0" and the Nintendo remixes on the band's official website. Later on, they began writing original music using the Commodore 64,

Game Boy, and N.E.S., as well as other 8 bit consoles and computers. The band has become well known recently after favorable coverage in the ''

Los Angeles Times The ''Los Angeles Times'' (abbreviated as ''LA Times'') is a daily newspaper that started publishing in Los Angeles in 1881. Based in the LA-adjacent suburb of El Segundo since 2018, it is the sixth-largest newspaper by circulation in the ...

'', A live performance on G4's Attack of the Show, and performances at E3 2004, 2005, and 2006. The project with

Nokia Nokia Corporation (natively Nokia Oyj, referred to as Nokia) is a Finnish multinational telecommunications, information technology, and consumer electronics corporation, established in 1865. Nokia's main headquarters are in Espoo, Finland, i ...

is the soundtrack for Reset Generation (previously known under the

code name A code name, call sign or cryptonym is a code word or name used, sometimes clandestinely, to refer to another name, word, project, or person. Code names are often used for military purposes, or in espionage. They may also be used in industrial ...

"Project White Rock"), a game by

RedLynx Ubisoft is a French video game publisher headquartered in Montreuil, founded in March 1986 by the Guillemot brothers. Since its establishment, Ubisoft has become one of the largest video game publishers, and it has the largest in-house developme ...

for

N-Gage 2.0 The N-Gage service (also referred to as N-Gage 2.0) was a mobile gaming platform from Nokia that was available for several Nokia smartphones running on S60 (Symbian). N-Gage provided numerous games with 3D graphics into an application featuri ...

and

PCs A personal computer (PC) is a multi-purpose microcomputer whose size, capabilities, and price make it feasible for individual use. Personal computers are intended to be operated directly by an end user, rather than by a computer expert or techn ...

Xbox Xbox is a video gaming brand created and owned by Microsoft. The brand consists of five video game consoles, as well as applications (games), streaming services, an online service by the name of Xbox network, and the development arm by the ...

’s exclusive

Halo 2 ''Halo 2'' is a 2004 first-person shooter game developed by Bungie and published by Microsoft Game Studios for the Xbox console. ''Halo 2'' is the second installment in the ''Halo'' franchise and the sequel to 2001's critically acclaimed '' ...

E3 2004 preview event had its own 15-minute soundtrack written and produced by 8 Bit Weapon, which was played continuously in the gaming area of the party. The band has also remixed music for

Erasure Erasure () is an English synth-pop duo formed in London in 1985, consisting of lead vocalist and songwriter Andy Bell with songwriter, producer and keyboardist Vince Clarke, previously known as co-founder of the band Depeche Mode and a membe ...

Information Society An information society is a society where the usage, creation, distribution, manipulation and integration of information is a significant activity. Its main drivers are information and communication technologies, which have resulted in rapid inf ...

, and

Kraftwerk Kraftwerk (, "power station") is a German band formed in Düsseldorf in 1970 by Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider. Widely considered innovators and pioneers of electronic music, Kraftwerk were among the first successful acts to popularize t ...

. In July 2007, they were hired to perform at

Commodore Commodore may refer to: Ranks * Commodore (rank), a naval rank ** Commodore (Royal Navy), in the United Kingdom ** Commodore (United States) ** Commodore (Canada) ** Commodore (Finland) ** Commodore (Germany) or ''Kommodore'' * Air commodore ...

's 25th anniversary party for the Commodore 64 computer. On March 16, 2012, the

Smithsonian American Art Museum The Smithsonian American Art Museum (commonly known as SAAM, and formerly the National Museum of American Art) is a museum in Washington, D.C., part of the Smithsonian Institution. Together with its branch museum, the Renwick Gallery, SAAM holds ...

's "The Art of Video Games" exhibit opened featuring a chipmusic soundtrack at the entrance by artists 8 Bit Weapon &

ComputeHer ComputeHer is a band created by Michelle Sternberger in 2005, making music using 8-bit computers and video game console sound chips. She is also a member of the chiptune band 8 Bit Weapon. ComputeHer's most notable work is her contribution to th ...

. 8 Bit Weapon also created a track called "The Art of Video Games Anthem" for the exhibit as well. In July 2017, they released "Class Apples", the world's first 100% Apple II based music album, featuring dance-oriented versions of classical music by Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart, recorded directly from the Apple II motherboard, including the drum sounds.

Apple II Digital Music Synthesizer

On 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 IIe, 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.

Sony Loop Library

In April 2009,

Sony Creative Software Sony Creative Software is an American software company that develops various media software suites. Sony Creative Software was created in a 2003 deal with Madison-based media company Sonic Foundry in which it acquired its desktop product line, ...

released "8 Bit Weapon: A

Chiptune Chiptune, also known as chip music or 8-bit music, is a style of synthesized electronic music made using the programmable sound generator (PSG) sound chips or synthesizers in vintage arcade machines, computers and video game consoles. The ...

Odyssey" loop and sample Library. The library contains music loops and samples made by the band of the following computers and video game consoles:

, Commodore 64, NES, Game Boy, and the Atari 2600.

Band members

Seth Sternberger: Founded the band around 1998–1999 and is the primary songwriter. He plays Commodore 64/128, Apple IIc, Game Boys, and lead vocals (via vocoder) at live events. Michelle Sternberger: Joined the band in October 2006 and writes music for the band as well. She also has her own solo releases under the name

. She plays Commodore 64/128, Apple IIe drums, acoustic drums, and synths at live events.

ComputeHer

As mentioned above, Michelle has a solo band called

. Created by Michelle Sternberger in 2005, she makes music using

computers and video game console sound chips. Besides her work with 8 Bit Weaspon, ComputeHer's most notable work is her contribution to the

in Washington D.C. Her music was included in an exhibition called "The Art of Video Games", where she provided the soundtrack to a video of featured

video games Video games, also known as computer games, are electronic games that involves interaction with a user interface or input device such as a joystick, controller, keyboard, or motion sensing device to generate visual feedback. This feedbac ...

at the entrance of the gallery. This exhibition traveled to multiple cities following its presentation in Washington, D.C., in March 2012. ComputeHer has performed at many events. She was mentioned in ''

The Wall Street Journal ''The Wall Street Journal'' is an American business-focused, international daily newspaper based in New York City, with international editions also available in Chinese and Japanese. The ''Journal'', along with its Asian editions, is published ...

'' for her performance at the opening of the International Video Game Hall of Fame in Ottuma, Iowa, in 2010. She performed at the

Sanrio is a Japanese entertainment company. It designs, licenses, and produces products focusing on the '' kawaii'' ("cute") segment of Japanese popular culture. Their products include stationery, school supplies, gifts, and accessories which are so ...

50th Anniversary I Love Nerds party. ComputeHer performed at the Smithsonian American Art Museum for the Art of Video Games exhibition opening event in March 2012. Michelle's past projects include music projects for

Mark Mothersbaugh Mark Allen Mothersbaugh (; born May 18, 1950) is an American composer, singer, and multi-instrumentalist. He came to prominence in the late 1970s as co-founder, lead singer and keyboardist of the new wave band Devo, whose " Whip It" was a top 20 ...

Devo Devo (, originally ) is an American Rock music, rock band from Akron, Ohio, formed in 1973. Their classic line-up consisted of two sets of brothers, the Mothersbaughs (Mark Mothersbaugh, Mark and Bob Mothersbaugh, Bob) and the Casales (Gerald ...

Foundation 9 Entertainment Foundation 9 Entertainment, Inc. was an American video game company based in Irvine, California. The company was formed in March 2005 through the merger of video game developers Backbone Entertainment and The Collective. History Foundation ...

, and '' King of Kong: Fistful of Quarters'' DVD. Michelle's songs are featured in a video game soundtrack for DeRail Games, Panick Attack, on Xbox Live Marketplace.

Former members

MelBot (2006–2008): Played keyboards at live events. She is now pursuing her solo career. 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''.

Discography

* ''Confidential 1.0'' (2003) * ''

Microsoft Microsoft Corporation is an American multinational technology corporation producing computer software, consumer electronics, personal computers, and related services headquartered at the Microsoft Redmond campus located in Redmond, Washi ...

Celebrity Pre-Release Party Soundtrack'' (2004) * ''Official Bootleg: Live from Robotopia'' (2004) * ''The EP (Limited Edition)'' (2005) * ''Vaporware Soundtracks: (Limited Edition)'' (2005) * ''"Breathe - Vacuum Mix" for

'' (2005) * ''"Don't Say You Love Me - 8 Bit Weapon Remix" for

'' (2005) * ''Vaporware Soundtracks 2.0: (Standard Edition)'' (2006) * ''High Score Movie Soundtrack: "Gameboy Rocker" '' (2006) * ''"I Like the Way You Werk It - 8 Bit Weapon Remix" for

Information Society (band) Information Society (also known as InSoc) is an American band from Minneapolis–St. Paul, Minnesota, initially active from 1982 to 1997, primarily consisting of Kurt Harland Larson, Paul Robb, and James Cassidy; the latter two reconvened the ...

'' (2007) * ''"Space Lab" off "8 Bit Operators", by

(

Astralwerks Astralwerks is an American record label primarily focused on electronic music owned by Universal Music Group. Its material is distributed via Capitol Music Group in the United States. The label was founded in 1993 and, in its early years, featur ...

)'' (2007) * ''"MeanTime EP: An Adventure Through Time!" Limited Edition'' (2007) * ''"Shark Attack - 8 Bit Weapon Remix" for

Freezepop Freezepop is an American electronic band from Boston, Massachusetts, United States, formed in 1999 by Liz Enthusiasm, Sean T. Drinkwater, and The Duke of Pannekoeken (an alias for Kasson Crooker). Since December 2009, the current lineup inclu ...

'' (2007) * ''Confidential 2.0'' (2008) * '' Reset Generation Soundtrack'' (2008) * ''Electric High EP (Limited Edition)'' (2009) * ''

Tron ''Tron'' (stylized as ''TRON'') is a 1982 American science fiction action- adventure film written and directed by Steven Lisberger from a story by Lisberger and Bonnie MacBird. The film stars Jeff Bridges as Kevin Flynn, a computer programmer ...

Tribute EP'' (2010) * ''Silo 64 Soundtrack'' (2010) * ''Bits with Byte'' (2012) * ''Chiptopia: The Best of 8 Bit weapon & ComputeHer'' (2013) * ''Disassembly Language: Ambient Music for Deprogramming Vol. 1'' (2016) * ''DLC the OST EP'' (2017) * ''Class Apples'' (2017)

ComputeHer Discography

* ''Data Bass'' (2007) * ''A Very 8-Bit Christmas Album'' (2008) * ''WANNA HLD YR HANDHELD'' (2009) * ''It's a Chiptune Holiday'' (2009) * ''Modemoiselle'' (2010) * ''Chiptopia: The Best of 8 Bit weapon & ComputeHer'' (2013) * ''BLIPTASTIC!'' (2016)

References

External links

*
ComputeHer's Site
*
ChatterBox Video Game Radio interviews 8 Bit Weapon

ComputeHer on Facebook
* {{Authority control Electronic music groups from California Chiptune musicians Musical groups established in 1999 1999 establishments in California