Just Do It

8-Bit Sound Design Workshop

by Holly Otterbein

Sat., March 21, 7 p.m.-midnight, free, Studio 34, 4522 Baltimore Ave., 215-387-3434, thehacktory.org

I can't imagine a better gift for your nerdy boo — instead of the cute-but-clichéd mix tape, make him (or her) some original 8-bit music. Not familiar with the genre? Inspired by 8-bit games like Pac-Man and Frogger, it's a type of electronic music constructed with a vintage video game console sound chip. Usually, it's reminiscent of the blips, beeps and chirps on the Super Mario Brothers soundtrack.

Gareth Morris, known as gwEm to his fans, will be showing attendees how to whip up 8-bit tunes with the maxYMiser, a tracking program that allows users to make music on an Atari-SD machine. Afterward, gwEm, Bubblyfish, Natty and Goferboy will perform their own upbeat, nostalgia-inducing music, with 8-bit art projected on a screen behind them.

Their songs, all highly danceable, will give you the perfect opportunity to get close to your geeky love. Just before slipping him your nouveau mix tape, that is.