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If you hear a cacophony of chirps, beeps, buzzes and screetches this weekend, don’t worry; it’s not space invaders.
But it might be Space Invaders.
The late-1970s video game is just one variety of digital-age inspiration that fuels the Blip Festival, a gathering of “chipmusic” gods that started Thursday and reverberates through Sunday at The Bell House in Gowanus.
Forty pioneers of the genre will perform, including the Graffiti Monsters, an “8-bit punk” band, fronted by Williamsburg resident Mark DeNardo (left).
DeNardo composes backing beats with a Playstation Portable and performs with two drummers and one quick-thumbed accompanist who plays bass on a Gameboy.
He cautions newcomers: chipmusic isn’t about reliving your Nintendo-filled childhood.
“The Gameboy is just another instrument,” he said. “It’s all about making good music.”
And it’s so much cheaper when the musicians smash their instruments at the end of the show!
Blip Festival 2008 at The Bell House [149 Seventh St. between Second and Third avenues, (718) 643-6510], through Dec. 7. Tickets, $15. Visit blipfestival.org for info.— Zeke Faux
©2008 Community Newspaper Group
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