# Retro Computer Music Astralwerks Launches 8 bit Compilation CD By Hernando Gomez Salinas | Published 2007-04-18 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/astralwerks-launched-an-8-bit-compilation-to-tribute-kraftwerk References: [amazon](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/customer-reviews/B000MCIC74/qid=1168411572/ref=cm_cr_dp_2_1/002-3870674-2558417?ie=UTF8&customer%3B-reviews_sort_by=-SubmissionDate&n=5174&qid=1168411572&tag=trenhunt0f-20) Astralwerks has released a multi-artist compilation, featuring interpretations of classic [Kraftwerk](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kraftwerk-collection) songs played primarily on [lo-bit handheld gaming devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modretro), [vintage video game consoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thec64-mini) and obsolete 8 bit home computers. This low end technology revered for the rich and distinctive sound produced by the lo-bit microchips. This video game-influenced branch of electronic music, sometimes referred to as 'chiptune', 'bitpop' or just '8-bit', has developed a flourishing international live scene, and is one of the first new genres of music to use the internet to its fullest advantage, with the advent of home-brewed synth cartridges and hacker influenced musical tools. As one of the New York chip artists Glomag said in a 2004 Art Forum interview, "We've made Kraftwerk's phrase 'I'm the operator with my Pocket Calculator' more apt than ever”. Conceived and compiled by long-time electronic artist and 8-bit composer Jeremy Kolosine(a.k.a. Receptors), the 8-BIT OPERATORS collection features some of the top 8-bit artists from North America, South America and Europe, a selection of the best musical innovators, and several of the inventors themselves. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.6/10 - Popularity: 28% | Activity: 12% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Multimedia](https://www.trendhunter.com/multimedia) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Chiptune Music:** The creation and performance of music using lo-bit handheld gaming devices and vintage video game consoles offer opportunities to explore the potential of retro technology in contemporary music creation. - **Hacker-influenced Musical Tools:** There is an opportunity to develop new tools that combine music production and hacker culture, as the advent of home-brewed synth cartridges and hacker influenced musical tools has established a flourishing scene for 8-bit music creation. - **Nostalgic Technology:** There is an opportunity to market lo-bit home computers and other outdated technology to a niche audience who appreciate the unique aesthetic and sound produced by these devices. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Music Production:** The music production industry could explore the use of outdated, low-end technology to create a unique sound and engage a new audience. - **Gaming:** The gaming industry can capitalize on the growing popularity of retro gaming devices by offering new game releases that utilize this outdated technology. - **Electronics:** The electronics industry could develop new products that blend retro aesthetics and modern capabilities to appeal to nostalgia-seekers and tech enthusiasts alike. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Artful Skateboard Deck Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kraftwerk-collection.md) - [Retro Arcade Circuit Boards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atari-1.md) - [Nostalgic Retro Music Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diy-mixtape-kit.md) - [Retro Nostalgic Computing Revivals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/c64-1.md) - [80s Computer-Inspired Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/8bitdo-c64-edition-retro-keyboard.md) - [Playfully Retro CD Players](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/k8-cd-player.md) - [Vintage-Inspired Technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vintageinspired-technology-tech-brand-kickbacks-discman-is-nostalgic.md) - [Retro Software DIY Handhelds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retro-windows-98.md) - [Quirky Strummable Synths](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electronic-synth.md)