“8-Bit Operators - An 8-Bit Tribute to Kraftwerk” is a new collection of Kraftwerk covers created primarily on old computer equipment and gaming consoles. It was conceived/compiled by Jeremy Kolosine, who under the name Receptors contributed a rendition of “Trans-Europe Express” to the disc. In an email interview, Kolosine explained a bit about the release:

1) Kraftwerk are definitely a fitting subject for a release like this, but what specifically led to their music being chosen as the theme?

well the 1st thing that comes to my mind when i saw a gameboy show was Kraftwerk’s Computer World tour from 1981, where 4 of them played various handheld devices during pocket Calculator. plus it came up in print from a Glomag quote, and an 8-Bit Weapon April Fool’s joke that backfired..

2) What would you say the balance is between tracks specifically created for this release, versus Kraftwerk covers that artists had already done?

only one track was previously recorded before i asked, Role Model’s version of “Showroom Dummies”

3) Did any of the tracks particularly surprise you in terms of what was done with the Kraftwerk material, or the types of sounds that an artist got out of their low-bit instruments?

yes, i can think of an example this happening in every song.

4) Has there been any feedback on the project from Kraftwerk on the project?

because it was to be on Kraftwerk’s U.S. home label, we ran the finished tracks by them.

5) Besides covering Kraftwerk and the use of old gaming systems and/or 8-bit computers, was there any criteria that went into the selection of artists for the collection?

i wanted as many of the new wave of 21st century chipmusic/bitpop scene originators/inventors to take part.

6) Why do you think that this type of equipment wasn’t originally taken as seriously in terms of musical creation?

i believe it’s because at the time, the marketing approaches used for synths were still assuming that users wanted realistic emulation of traditional instruments, which may be true, but in that respect, lo-bit technology doesn’t excell so it may have failed because of that (talking synthesis and not sampling technology of course).

“8-Bit Operators - An 8-Bit Tribute to Kraftwerk” also features Bacalao, Glomag, Covox, Role Model, Nullsleep, David E. Sugar, Oliver Wittchow, 8-Bit Weapon, FirestARTer, Neotericz, Herbert Weixelbaum, Bubblyfish, Bit Shifter, GwEm And Counter Reset. It will be released by Astralwerks on February 6, 2007. There’s also a 12″ single/download release (out now) featuring a multi-artist mega-mix of “Pocket Calculator” and an exclusive version of “The Robots.”

• Click here to order the CD from AMAZON
• Click here to visit the 8-Bit Operators myspace page

Skinny Puppy have completed work on a new CD, “Mythmaker.” It is scheduled to be released Jan 29th in the UK & Europe and Jan 30th in the US. The group says that they will soon be previewing music and artwork from it on their myspace page.

UPDATED : GET A FREE ADVANCE DOWNLOAD!! “Mythmaker” is not in stores yet, but you can currently download it from eMusic. And if you’re not a member and open up a new free trial membership, you can get it as part of your initial 25 downloads (yours to keep even if you don’t remain a member!) Click on the banner below to get an account!

Skye has released a new 5-track EP, “Skye: Live At KCRW.” It features stripped-down live versions of three songs from her “Mind How You Go” album, as well as her first solo recording of the Morcheeba track “The Sea” and a cover of Gorillaz’ “Feed Good Inc.” Overall, it’s a very strong release, with “Feed Good Inc” being an unexpected highlight. “Skye: Live At KCRW” is available ONLY as a download from such sites as iTunes and Napster. Be sure to check out our interview with Skye by clicking here.

On February 27th, Nine Inch Nails will be releasing a new live DVD collection, “Beside You In Time.” In addition to DVD, it will be released in Blue-ray and HD DVD format. What makes “Beside You In Time” special is the fact that it was designed from the ground up as a high definition experience, using 16×9 1080p footage from the 2006 with_teeth tour. In addition to 24 live tracks, there are also some bonus music videos and rehearsal clips (unfortunately not in high definition, as they were original shot in standard video formats.) For more information, check out the new “Beside You In Time” mini site. New clips from the disc will be added to the site every week until the 2/27 release date. There will also be some club screenings of “Beside You In Time” during Jan/Feb.