8static is a Philadelphia-based chiptune and electronic arts event series celebrating the fusion of retro gaming and modern electronic music and art. We showcase performances by artists who push the limits of sound chips, use technology in an interesting way, or comment on video game culture and art.
Beyond live events, 8static fosters a community for artists and fans who explore chip music, pixel art, performance arts, hacking hardware or sofware, creative visual coding, and creative culture in general.
From October 2008 through May 2025, 8static has hosted 93 events across Studio 34, PhilaMOCA, North Star Bar, Vox Populi, the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia, and Icebox Project Space.
Selected coverage of 8static, 2009–2016.
Night 1 review by Justin Harlan. The original site is gone; an excerpt is preserved on 8staticfestival.com.
Official Philadelphia Geek Awards nominee page, via the Wayback Machine.
Feature with Joey Mariano and Paul Weinstein on the third annual 8static Fest.
Schedule and writeup for 8static Fest 2014.
Photo coverage of 8static Festival 2014, Day 2, by Marjorie Becker.
Preview of 8static Fest 2014. Original site is defunct; link goes to the Wayback Machine.
8static Festival wins the Philadelphia Geek Award for Event of the Year.
8static Festival nominated for Event of the Year.
Coverage of the 8static Festival Kickstarter — $11k raised.
Q&A with Joey on 8static's 4th anniversary and its 30-musician show.
Coverage of an August 2011 show; mentions Joey Mariano's FM synthesis workshop.
Early feature on 8static and the Philly chiptune scene at Studio 34.
Audio/video of Animal Style + Cheap Dinosaurs at Vintage Computer Festival East 6.0 — the earliest documented 8static appearance on record.