The best music software seems to be made by musicans, and none prove that better than gwEm and his awesome maxYMiser. Combining ease of use, in-depth power, good use of hardware, and various versions for users off all manners of Atari hardware, this app has lead to some great releases, both in code and in music. Here’s looking forward to more of the chip world discovering one of the most powerful and lowest barrier of entry chip platforms, all thanks to gwEm.
Category: TCTD 2008 Awards
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Best Live Visuals: The C-Men
Unfortunately for us, VJs dedicated to chipmusic are few. This makes any decision a very hard one, since the dedication of every chipmusic-focused VJ is always of high level, for those in these awards and those not mentioned here.
With a consistent output of quality graphics that conform to desirable “laws” of both pixel and graphic design beauty, performed flawlessly in a live environment (paying attention to all details of the show), a track record of more than 10 years in the game (yes, dedicated to chipmusic VJing, for all those who think this started in 2006) and a hardware setup still unique, plus his huge influence in the 8-bit scene as a whole (a key player in the euro scene’s development), The C-Men takes the prize deservedly and hopefully will deliver a load more visual content for us to enjoy in any of the global locations where he performs.
The C-Men
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Best Demo: Doctor by Trilobit
Deciding on this category was harsh. Not wanting to go with what would be an “obvious choice” (Edge of Disgrace), the decision was made upon something a bit more fresh.
Atari 2600 demos are not very numerous and this one is done with sheer grace and powerful coding marvel. Couple it to nice beats coming out of the limited A2600 TIA (a feat on its own to compose music for this thing) and funny texts (how can we forget Dr. Phil?), and you got yourself a mighty winner.
Credits:
ilmarque – code+msx
visy – code+gfx
viznut – 3D code
B00daW – musicTrilobit homepage
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Best Hardware: Powerpak
Another group of strong contenders, but what gave Powerpak the edge was it basically becoming the only game in town for easy playback of NSF files and demo roms on true hardware. A hard working community, lead by Loopy, added and continues to add features that make this a tremendous tool for all kinds of NES development.
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Best Label: II
Sheer volume and consistancy of quality carried II music over a sea of worthy contenders. With numerous nominees for best release and some of the best artists around on its roster, this is a label that promotes the kind of all killer no filler aspects of quality that will carry chip music forward for years to come.