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.
Feature with Joey Mariano and Paul Weinstein on the third annual 8static Fest.
Photo coverage of 8static Festival 2014, Day 2, by Marjorie Becker.
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.
Interview with co-organizer Chipocrite — 'I wouldn't be anywhere in chip music without 8static.'
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.
Night 1 review by Justin Harlan; excerpt preserved on 8staticfestival.com.
8static Festival's Philadelphia Geek Awards nominee page — Event of the Year.
Preview of 8static Fest 2014.