convert to 8 bit blends guitar, bass and drums with computer generated synthesizers and electronically enhanced vocals to create organically enhanced independent electronic music.

15 MP3 Songs
ELECTRONIC: Experimental, ELECTRONIC: Industrial



Details:
Philadelphia's convert to 8 bit is an evolving collective of musicians determined to bring their diverse electronic music to the masses. With a sound that incorporates elements of industrial, electronica, idm, trip hop, and drum and bass, convert to 8 bit employs modern software to blur the line between live instrumentation and computer aided sound generation.

Originally conceived as a solo project, convert to 8 bit was founded by multi-instrumentalist and former lead vocalist S.L.Ferreiro. As Ferreiro's vision for the band evolved, he recruited David Wm. Breitmaier (drums/vocals), Teresa Centrone (sampling,digital manipulation,synths), Samantha Ferreiro (guitars/synth/ vocals), and Alison Polsky (synths/ vocals). The band began performing in January of 2004, playing as many as three venues a month throughout the year. In October of 2004 they released their debut album, the generation of sleep, on boundbyrecordings, the independent label founded by Ferreiro.

convert to 8 bit performed in support of the generation of sleep throughout the end of 2004 and into 2005, and after a short vacation in March of 2005, they began to work on new material. At this time they had the opportunity to work with Martin Atkins, ringleader and lead drummer of the industrial supergroup Pigface, and former drummer for the bands Nine Inch Nails, Ministry, Killing Joke, and Public Image Limited, among others. Atkins recorded drums for a new convert to 8 bit song, if the situation were reversed, in his studio in Chicago. convert to 8 bit chose if the situation were reversed as the title track for their next release.

While working on the new release, major changes were made to convert to 8 bit. "While watching the evolution of computer based music, I noticed that musicians are moving away from true live performances. Too many people are pushing play on their laptops and turning a few knobs and calling it a concert." notes S.L.Ferreiro. "This made me focus on using the computer as an instrument, and not just as a playback device." Using cutting edge software, the band found a way to perform their music 100 live. Although it is a technically daunting task, all loops are now triggered by band members, and all vocals and instruments are performed and manipulated in real time. This new methodology brought about the second change in convert to 8 bit, a further expansion of the lineup. Two more members were recruited, Steve Donnelly (bass guitar), and Sean Sarles (lead vocals/synths).

"I didn't enjoy being the frontman to begin with," says S.L.Ferreiro. "I did it out of necessity, and now that Sarles has taken over, I can focus on the compositions, as well the production and instrumentation of the live performances."

convert to 8 bit is currently in the studio recording CLEAneR, the follow up to the generation of sleep.