06.04.09
Lo-Tek Compilation
The Lo-Tek Resistance Compilation is a selected mix of ten tracks from chiptune artists who reside in the great Pacific Northwest, the busking grounds for CrunchyCo's Lo-Tek Resistance renegades Fighter X, Circles, and McFiredrill. Also featured on the comp, more local talent from Spamtron, Oven Rake, Deepearth.void, Plain Flavored, Lunar Synthetic, Seanbad, and Infradead. Download the comp here, then look out for these guys on the streets!
And in other news...
Sabrepulse t-shirts are here! Just in time for his new event dates too! Exclusive to CrunchyCo.com, these sexy beasts just arrived at HQ in a big box ready to be shipped out and wrapped around your Sabrepulse-loving torso!
After you order your Sabrepulse tee and pop on the new tunes from the Lo-Tek comp, make sure to check out the new ZSpat too! Series 2 just started with a new four-panel format! Remember that if you make independent comics like ZSpat (or not like ZSpat), submit your work to our new FM Transfer project. The deadline isn't until 2010, but don't delay!
That's all for now crunchy kids! Enjoy the new updates!
-Webmaster Gabe
05.30.09
A Weekend with Sabrepulse
Friday May 22: The madness began at Lo-Tek Resistance, the regular series of chiptune street shows progressed by Fighter X, Circles, and McFiredrill. Setting up their gear in the Seattle Center during Folklife, the Lo-Tek crew performed alongside special guests Sabrepulse and Kkrusty (Chicago). Pleasing fans and confusing unsuspecting onlookers, the show was a streetside blast for those involved. Despite a few technical difficulties (and a few annoying bongo players), Lo-Tek #6 was a sight to have seen. A feature episode covering the event will be posted next week; until then, enjoy these photos.
Saturday May 23: After ravaging the streets the day before, we took to the main stage at the Vera Project for the NW Folklife 8-Bit Showcase presented by CrunchyCo.com! The all-star lineup kicked off with KGHB, followed by Fighter X and special guest Trash80 (Los Angeles). Headlining the show, Sabrepulse finished off the night and blew the audience away with an amazing hour long set. With all artists playing for a packed house, the show was a great success to say the least. Below you can download the live audio from the show, and also check out these photos by James Brulotte.
KGHB live @ NW Folklife (33.7 MB) Fighter X live @ NW Folklife (35.5 MB) Trash80 live @ NW Folklife (31.1 MB) Sabrepulse live @ NW Folklife (64.6 MB) Sabrepulse live @ NW Folklife:
Click here for more videos of Sabrepulse at Folklife
Sunday May 24th: Next, we travelled down south to Olympia, home of McFiredrill, for an intimate basement show featuring a solid line-up complete with visuals and a fog machine. The night began with KGHB, Kkrusty, Oven Rake, and McFiredrill, followed by a dual set by Fighter X and Spamtron, and concluding with Sabrepulse. Check out footage below.
Fighter X / Spamtron dual set in Olympia:
Click here for more videos of from Dr. Dads
Thanks to everyone who made last weekend so epic! If anyone has any additional photos, videos, or related coverage please let me know.
-Webmaster Gabe
PS: Sabrepulse t-shirts are coming soon!
05.10.09
FM Transfer Vol. 1
Tawnie Wetzsteon, creator of ZSpat has put together the first of the anthology of comics and artwork entitled FM Transfer. The zine, featuring a wide array of creative artists from all over the place, offers 32 pages of black and white content with a full color saddle-stitched cover.
This first issue is available in the shop for only five bucks! CrunchyCo will be teaming up with Tawnie to produce the second volume in the not-so-distant future. If you make comics and would like to be a part of this anthology, check out the FM Transfer project page for details on submitting your work.
-Webmaster Gabe
04.26.09
Two New Videos Up! Lo-Tek 1 and NMR 3
The first episode of Lo-Tek Resistance is finally here! It's been almost a year since Fighter X first took to the streets of Seattle armed with a car battery and a Game Boy to crank out his renegade chiptunes to fans and unsuspecting pedestrians alike. See how it all began!
Nick Moffitt is back with Episode 3 of the Nick Moffitt Report. This time, Moffitt gets up close and personal with one of the world's top inventors. What is "Coat on a Rope?" Could it really be the next big scientific breakthrough of the century? Nick Moffitt is on the case.
-Webmaster Gabe
04.07.09
Lo-Tek Resistance - Official Trailer
Long ago, our very own Fighter X began a new movement that took chiptunes to the streets, live and out of control. Armed with a car battery, a mixer, and his good old Nintendo Game Boy, his first outside performance on Capitol Hill in Seattle would become the first of many. Later joined by Circles, McFiredrill, and various guests, the street-side chiptunists came to be known as Lo-Tek Resistance. Together, they take control of the curbside and pump out chiptune madness into the ears of unexpecting pedestrians.
With their next performance coming up soon outside Sakura-Con, we've been getting quite excited here, and are now happy to announce the very near future release of official Lo-Tek video episodes! These episodes will only be available here at CrunchyCo, and will chronicle this fantastic street spectacle from the very beginning with exclusive footage, interviews, and of course a great chiptune soundtrack. Watch the trailer now, and stay tuned for the rest.
-Webmaster Gabe
03.10.09
Little Fighter X EP - Available Now!
click to enlarge We are pleased to announce that some of Fighter X's hit tracks from back in the day are now available in one official release! With classics re-vamped and a few new surprises as well, this six-track downloadable EP is a complete package of thrills for any Fighter X fan. Little Fighter X sure packs a big punch, and it's all free right here from CrunchyCo!
-Webmaster Gabe
03.08.09
KGHB: Post-Sound Off! Updates
photo by James BrulotteOn February 28th, CrunchyCo's very own Kids Get Hit by Buses took part in the annual EMP Sound Off! competition along with three other bands from the around the Northwest. KGHB did not advance to the final round but succeeded in winning over the crowd, making an impact and taking home the audience response prize! Longtime fans and newcomers agree the performance was spectacular, and KGHB was thrilled to have put on such a fresh and entertaining show for everyone that night.
Select photos from the performance can be seen on KGHB's MySpace profile, and a few live videos have sprung up on YouTube, including the net-slang-tastic "r0flc0pt3r", a new track off the upcoming Blue Screen of Death EP. If you live in the Pacific Northwest, make sure to check the local section of Comcast OnDemand to see more interviews and videos from the show (20 minutes of exclusive footage!). Also check out the Seattle SubSonic and KEXP blogs for some interesting reads, as well as a short video journalism segment by Seattle IAm. During the weeks ahead, watch out for more live videos and coverage cropping up on YouTube and around the web.
In other news, Fighter X will be releasing his new EP entitled "Little Fighter X" in a mere two days! On March 10 the EP will be available to download for free right here on CrunchyCo. The six-track release will feature some of Fighter X's older chipbreak hits that had never been officially released before as well as some bonus surprises, so watch out for it.
Reprints of KGHB's original "Chip Tee" are available now for sale online and at events. Visit the shop page and get yours now before they run out!
-Webmaster Gabe
02.18.09
Holy Crap it's a New Year
Been a bit slow around here lately, but that doesn't mean we haven't been busy! CrunchyCo HQ is currently preparing to move our operation into the heart of Seattle, WA!
Being closer to where the action is will produce great results in the months to come. Continuing growth in Music and expanding more into the areas of Comics and Film is one goal this year. The boys from the Nick Moffitt Report are starting the ball rolling by kicking off Season 2 with their first Episode! Watch out for more episodes as they are made, and also look forward to official CrunchyCo episodes of Lo-Tek Resistance, a chronicle of our fantastic street-performing chiptunists and their renegade musical shenanigans.
KGHB returns to the stage at the EMP Sound Off! on Feb 28th. Get your tickets! Photo by Anna Ryon
If you are a Washington local, make sure to get your tickets to the EMP Sound Off! semi-finals round #3 on February 28th featuring Kids Get Hit by Buses! This major event will be bringing KGHB's unique blend of vocal-heavy chiptune/electronica to a wider audience than ever before, and the support of all their fans is crucial. They will be playing several new songs off the upcoming Blue Screen of Death EP, complete with new gear and other surprises! Make sure to order tickets early because they could sell out! Check the Sound Off! page for details and ticket information. Tell your friends!
In other music news, Fighter X will soon be releasing a new downloadable EP entilted "Little Fighter X", which will contain polished versions of some of his older and well-loved tracks such as "The Afterlife" and "Maybe MX Remix". More info here.
Oh, and by the way, CrunchyCo has a MySpace now incase you didn't know. Check it out and add us!
-Webmaster Gabe
12.28.08
CrunchyCo Presents... SPAMTRON - Never Say Die!
Make sure to visit the Spamtron profile to listen to previews of the tracks (and nab some free ones too!), then head on over to the shop page to order your copy today! With Spamtron's beautiful compositions, fast-paced tracks and high technical ability, this album is a must have for any electronic/chiptune fan.
-Webmaster Gabe
12.23.08
Kids Get Hit by Buses to perform in EMP Sound Off! 2009
Every year, the EMP chooses twelve bands out of about one-hundred entries to participate in the Sound Off!, a battle of the bands for Washington residents under 21. This year, our very own Kids Get Hit by Buses has been selected as one of the acts to perform live in the semi-finals this February. Winners of the semi-final rounds go on to the finals in March and have a chance to win great prizes such as a slot at Bumbershoot 2009!
In any case, this is a highly publicized event, and KGHB's anticipation for it will be pushing them to work hard during the next few months to re-master tracks, perfect their stage antics, and finally release the long-delayed Blue Screen of Death EP in time for the show. KGHB's semi-final date is February 28, so mark your calendars. Your support will be more important than anything at this event.
The EMP has released the official line-up on their Sound Off! page. There you can find more information and check out the other selected bands. More updates to be announced as the date approaches.
-Webmaster Gabe
12.11.08
USK: Dot Matrix Melodiator for Sale Now
In other news, upcoming Crunchy Records artist Spamtron will be releasing his first album, "Never Say Die!" on December 28. The long-awaited release will only be available on CrunchyCo.com so stick around!
After checking out USK's CD and dreaming about Spamtron's, swing by the events page and see what went down last night at Pinkapalooza, where the CrunchyCo staff gave away hard copies of the Crunchy Records Comp and rocked out with a room full of guests to live music by Fighter X and Leeni. Thanks to the Pink Godzilla staff for a wonderful night!
-Webmaster Gabe
12.05.08
Crunchy Records Compilation 2008!
-Webmaster Gabe
12.02.08
Leeni - Labyrinth Available Now!
-Webmaster Gabe
11.21.08
Circles - Rapture EP Available Now!
Up next, keep your eye out for Leeni's Labyrinth, as well as the Crunchy Records Compilation 2008, both of which are due out in December. Also on the horizon: the explosive full-length release of Spamtron! Only on CrunchyCo so stay tuned folks.
-Webmaster Gabe
11.10.08
CrunchyCo Here and There: Quickies!
New Web Alliance: CrunchyCo / NonElectronics Here's to new friends! CrunchyCo.com has officially buddied up with NonElectronics.com (previously nonfinite.org), a site specializing in all things Game Boy. Created by the man who rigs up the hardware for our own Fighter X, the newly revamped nonfinite is well equipped to accomodate all your lo-bit needs housing LSDJ carts, custom DMGs, pro sound modification, LED backlights, and an impressive array of parts & accessories. To kick off the celebration, NonElectronics is offering a 10% discount on all merch from now through the 25th! All you have to do to get the discount is use the coupon code CRUNCHYCOUPON during checkout. NonElectronics is no doubt a valuable resource for all you chiptuners out there, and CrunchyCo is happy to give our support. Check them out at NonElectronics.com now!
CrunchyCo Artists Featured in DIRT MagazineDIRT Magazine is a free youth-oriented publication featuring articles on up-and-coming art and music in the Seattle area. The very first issue is available now and features articles on Fighter X, and Kids Get Hit by Buses (with plugs to CrunchyCo too). You'll also find some great illustrations by Kinoko and an article on her artwork as well. Make sure to grab a copy (they're free!) from one of the many Seattle locations listed on the DIRT Magazine myspace page.
Leeni to Release New EP in DecemberLeeni will be releasing her anticipated new EP, "Labyrinth" on December 2, just in time for Blipfest 2008 and Pink Godzilla's Pinkapalooza event. If you're used to the usual light-hearted Leeni, you'll find that Labyrinth plays to a much darker tune. Look forward to it! For those of you lucky enough to attend Blipfest in New York this year, or for you Seattle locals attending Pinkapalooza (featuring Fighter X this year), make sure to keep an eye out for Labyrinth while you're there.
Crunchy Records Compilation 2008 UnderwayThis month, several artists have started work on their tracks for the second Crunchy Records Compilation CD. This time, the disc will feature not only your favorite Crunchy Records artists, but a slew of guest artists as well who were generous enough to contribute this year. Guest artists include such talent as Goto80, CCIVORY, Disasterpeace, She, Maru, and many more. Check out the Crunchy Records Compilation page for more details, a list of involved artists, and updates as the project develops towards its release early December.
CrunchyCo Artists Enter EMP Sound Off! Every year, the EMP hosts Sound Off!, a competition for musicians 21 and under. This year, our own Kids Get Hit by Buses and Circles have both made their submissions and are hoping for the best. Out all the entries, only 12 are chosen to perform live in the semi-finals at the EMP's Skychurch in February. For years the Sound Off! competition has brought out some great Pacific Northwest bands such as Natalie Portman's Shaved Head, Schoolyard Heroes, Idiot Pilot, and more. Perhaps one of our artists can be added to the list. Wish them luck!
-Webmaster Gabe
10.10.08
Wiklund - Wing Beats EP Available Now!
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In other news, Fighter X and upcoming CrunchyCo artist Spamtron recently took part in 8bitcollective's "48 Hour Challenge," where chiptune artists are challenged by one another to create a themed song in less than two days. Challenged by Kyotosapien, Fighter X whipped out his track and passed the challenge on to Spamtron. Follow the action and hear both the tracks on the 8bitcollective 48 Hour Challenge thread. Also make sure to check out 8bc's Micro Sound Dee-Jay podcast #8, which features cameos by Fighter X and Wiklund.
Lastly, for all you locals, make sure to be in Seattle's U-District on October 24th for Lo-Tek Resistance #4! Join Fighter X, Circles, McFiredrill, and special guest Duke Midnight as they wreak low-bit havoc in the open city air. As always, we will be filming the event for our upcoming Lo-Tek episodes. Look forward to those appearing in our Films section sometime during the weeks ahead.
-Webmaster Gabe
09.13.08
New Comic Project Underway
Previously just a speculative idea, the CrunchyCo comic book project "Reject Heroes" is now actively in the works. Reject Heroes is a series of short stories featuring individuals who struggle with seemingly useless powers in their quests to uphold justice. Part comedy, part drama, Reject Heroes is sure to be an exciting read. Three stories have been planned so far, the first of which is due out in December. Until the first story is posted, enjoy some preview sketches on the Reject Heroes project page.Also, make sure to check out the new What a Treat, and yet another new art gallery from the super-talented Kinoko.
-Webmaster Gabe
P.S. - The Archive section is now online, though still under construction.
08.30.08
Lo-Tek Resistance Outside PAX
> Kotaku.com - A Taste of PAX Bit Boxing
> Destructoid.com - The Illegal Sidewalk Concert
> Youtube.com - Sidewalk Music @ PAX 08
> Photobucket.com - 17 Pictures from Shadowthief0
> 8bitcollective.com - Discussion
> Discuss this more on our Forum!
Don't forget to check out our new comics: What a Treat 29 and Zpat #5 and #6!
- Webslave Aaron
08.26.08
Headphones on Your Heart
Talented animator and designer James Frazen from Olympia, WA just finished a music video for Leeni's "Headphones on Your Heart." The video follows a broken-hearted girl whose pain is relieved by a new pixel friend. Check it out and post your thoughts in the forums.
Speaking of videos, CrunchyCo will be soon be working on posting up more live performance videos of your favorite Music artists (we just have to sort through our piles of tapes first!). We've also got some actual video projects in the works. Season 2 of the Nick Moffitt Report is actively being produced. There are also plans for a short film entitled "Watch Your Back," and rumor has it that we may also be putting together a series of episodes featuring our own Fighter X, Circles, and McFiredrill and their adventures performing street shows.
-Webmaster Gabe
08.23.08
Grassfest 2008!
-Webmaster Gabe
EDIT: I will be posting Grassfest stories, photos, and videos during this week.
08.16.08
TEETHANDCOMICS!
-Webmaster Gabe
08.09.08
Music for the Locals
For the next couple weeks, we'll be preparing for Grassfest, as well as continuing work on various projects. Expect to see more of The Subtle Pleasures of the Insightful Comb, as well as other web comics, and possibly more preview clips of KGHB's Blue Screen of Death EP, which is due out in October. Also expect to see our Comic-Con coverage finally wrap up, finishing with our plans for CrunchyCo exhibition in 2009. That's it for now! Great new things await!
-Webmaster Gabe
PS - Aaron Campion's birthday is AUG 10!! He is now 21 years of age! Scary.
08.02.08
The Week Ahead (and much about Comics)
Every day this week, I'll be posting more coverage from our adventures at the San Diego Comic-Con. So far, I've posted up the first of eight journal entries. Expect one of those each day accompanied by photos and video. I must say that coming back from such an event has got us all excited about future comic projects! We plan on being exhibitors next year to showcase our upcoming Pig Man and Best Cashier Ever comics so expect to see some progress on those two projects in the not-too-distant future. As for the present, we've got some new web comics for you including the regular weekly What a Treat, as well as the series finale of Marks! Check them out in the Comics section. This week's Zspat is a bit delayed, but expect it soon along with a new page of The Subtle Pleasures of the Insightful Comb. Make sure to discuss these comics and our Comic-Con coverage in the forums.
As a side note, I'd like everyone to give our Contests page some love this month. I've extended a few of the contests to allow more entries. There's also a new caption contest. The winner of the first one was our own Nickolas Walthew, who won the blue ribbon by default! I'd like to see someone show him up with some better captions this time around. :P
-Webmaster Gabe
08.01.08
We're Back!
-Webmaster Gabe
07.20.08
CrunchyCo Staff to be Away at Comic-Con
-Webmaster Gabe
07.20.08
Firebrand Boy's popNaive Available Now!
07.16.08
Crunchy Comics Presents... ZSpat!
CrunchyCo is proud to be the host of a brand new web comic by Tawnie Wetzsteon from Edmonds, WA. "ZSpat" follows the misadventures of a science experiement named Z, who has the brain of a brilliant musician. As his manager Spat attempts to set him up with gigs for a little extra cash, he finds himself tied up in dodging the police, battling assassins, and even evading zombie monkeys! Follow Z on his rocking adventure every week here on CrunchyCo.com.
Check out the first one page episode here!
In other news, CrunchyCo is now accepting digital submissions for Comics, Films, Games, and Images (All categories except music, which still must be mailed). We've opened up digital submissions in select categories to speed up the expansion process of those areas. So all you comic creators, film makers, game designers, and various artists... let's see what you've got! Submit now!
-Webmaster Gabe
Lo-Tek Resistance Compilation
