Chiptune

Chiptune music is a genre defined by its distinctive, nostalgia-tinged sound, characterized by the use of vintage video game consoles and computers as instruments. Emerging in the 1980s, chiptune evolved from the early days of video game music composition, where programmers and musicians repurposed the limited audio capabilities of systems like the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Commodore 64 to create vibrant, catchy soundtracks. The genre's golden era spanned the late 1990s to the early 2000s, with artists incorporating elements of electronic dance music (EDM), rock, and pop into their chiptune productions. Chiptune's cultural significance lies in its ability to evoke a sense of retro futurism and nostalgic wonder, while its DIY ethos and emphasis on creative constraint have inspired a devoted community of musicians and fans. With its unique blend of bleeping melodies, pulsing rhythms, and lo-fi charm, chiptune has carved out a distinct niche within the broader landscape of electronic music.

Down by the River (from "Baldur's Gate III")

Luke Pickman

Single - Released April 9, 2025