The best combination of video games, underground rap, and pure nostalgia is coming to Strange Matter this Thursday in the form of Anamanaguchi, Kitty Pryde, and Chipocrite.
The best combination of video games, underground rap, and pure nostalgia is coming to Strange Matter this Thursday in the form of Anamanaguchi, Kitty Pryde, and Chipocrite.
From Brooklyn, NY Anamanaguchi is a band that specializes in 8-bit music created through an Nintendo Entertainment System and Game Boy. Wikipedia defines 8-bit or chiptune music “is synthesized electronic music produced by the sound chips of vintage computers, video game consoles and arcade machines.” In the past, Anamanaguchi created the theme song to The Nerdist podcast and music for the Scott Pilgrim vs. The World video game. According to a press release, Anamanaguchi spent three years working on “their most versatile and ambitious record yet, Endless Fantasy,” which was released May 14th through their own label, dream.hax. “Endless Fantasy is an insane 77 minutes and 22 tracks long and is full of wildly different styles, with each song serving as a link to it’s own distinct fantasy world,” according to a press release. They’ve created multiple music videos for tracks from the album, including “Meow,” an energetic view of summer fun in arcades and go-kart tracks, and “Endless Fantasy,” which is a must watch for the glory of witnessing a slice of pizza floating over the Earth. Endless Fantasy is available through Amazon.
Performing with Anamanaguchi is Tumblr/YouTube sensation Kitty Pryde. From Daytona Beach, Florida, 19 year old rapper Kitty Pryde [now just Kitty] released the music video “Okay Cupid” in spring of 2012, which quickly went viral with over 1 million views on YouTube, and gained Kitty a mention in the New York Times. Following “Okay Cupid” was the YouTube hit “Orion’s Belt,” featuring unique rap persona Riff Raff. Contrary to the white girl rapper stereotype, Kitty has released three albums featuring sharp lyrics that stay true to her persona. On the chorus of Haha I’m Sorry’s “Smiledog.jpg”, she responds to those who say she’s “ruining hip hop” by saying “‘Damn right!’ and take a lick off a ring-pop and smile.” Since, RVAmag’s last Kitty Pryde freakout, Kitty has gone on to tour the US with Danny Brown–which led to a bit of controversy. Her latest album, D.A.I.S.Y. Rage, is available on bandcamp, and you can check out a new song, “Barbie Jeep,” on Soundcloud.
Just added to the bill was Philadelphia-based 8-bit artist, Chipocrite aka Paul Weinstein. According to chipocrite.com, Weinstein uses “original Nintendo Game Boys, often accompanied by bass, guitar and/or other lo-fi sequencers, to create complex audio masterpieces.” His music has been featured in video games and nationwide advertisements for businesses such as Gamestop, and recent performance stages include the Vans Warped Tour and MAGFest. Chipocrite’s debut original album Hit and Run received the “Best Album-Chiptune” award by Square Enix Music Online’s annual game music awards in 2011. The latest album, 8-bit Lebowski: 100% Electronic features six 8-bit covers of songs from The Big Lebowski and is available through bandcamp.
The Anamanaguchi, Kitty Pryde, and Chipocrite show will take place at 8pm, Thursday, July 25 at Strange Matter, located at 929 W Grace St. Admission is $10 in advance. Get your tickets by going to anamanaguchi.eventbrite.com, and do it now, because this show is close to selling out. Tickets will be $12 on the day of the concert. This event is 18+ only. For more info, click here.
