By Burt Lum

Tucked away in the recesses of our digital evolution is the lowly 8-bit chip.

The foundation it provided exploded into our now incredibly complex 128-bit supercomputer motherboards.

The 8-bit chip remains relatively simple and easily programmable, but relegated to high school projects or diehard hobbyists who breathe new life into its use.

In its day, the 8-bit chip provided a wealth of capabilities. It was able of representing 256 numbers, 0-255, which could be translated to letters, numbers, colors, sounds and programming code.

Eight-bit computers were quickly followed by 16-bit and 32-bit. So while we embrace the latest programs and gadgetry, a few have held onto their 8-bit computers, creating a vibrant subculture (www.8bitpeoples.com).

At 8bitpeoples, programmers — more aptly called artists — are dedicated to using the 8-bit sound cards to create music with a distinctive sound, like digitizing your toy piano and revving it up with digital sound effects. It's what punk rock was to glam rock: The simplicity and purity give it an edge that only a few appreciate right now.

In the truest sense of passion and commitment, the musicians on 8bitpeoples offer the results for listening and downloading. I enjoyed listening to Mesu Kasumai and his rendition of '80s favorites like Gary Numan, Cindi Lauper and Michael Jackson, as well as original works by Nullsleep, Sebastian Boaz and others.

These are all available as full MP3s, playable from your browser or burnable to your own CD. You can buy the CDs, but the musicians here provide you with the artwork to print your own CD covers.

What makes this vibrant are the live performances. Artists aren't sequestered in their basements. These folks are playing in small clubs in NYC, Chicago and Detroit and reportedly in Tokyo and London. Their fun music and the philosophy of sharing is right on, in my book. ;-)

Burt Lum is one click away at www.brouhaha.net.