Draft:Arottenbit

arottenbit
Origin	Milan, Italy
Genres	Chiptune
Years active	2008 (2008)–present
Labels	Time To Kill Records
Members	Alessandro 'Otto' Galli

arottenbit is an experimental music project founded in 2008 in Milan by Alessandro "Otto" Galli, an Italian sound engineer. The project is known for blending chiptune, sludge metal, techno, and hardcore punk, creating a unique fusion of 1980s digital sounds with intense, extreme musical genres.

History

arottenbit was born out of Otto's fascination with the sounds of retro video games and his desire to push the boundaries of chiptune, a genre based on audio chips from vintage consoles and computers. Over the years, Otto's background in sound engineering has allowed him to collaborate with internationally renowned artists such as Deafheaven, Earth, Messa, Pallbearer, and Truckfighters, influencing his experimental approach to music.

Despite its formation in 2008, arottenbit did not release an official album until 2024. The project’s early years saw the release of two limited demos: "demo_00" (2009), a rare and almost impossible-to-find release, and "Demo '94" (2018). In the years between, arottenbit focused on performing live, building a loyal following through hundreds of shows. The project gained recognition through the raw energy of its performances and word-of-mouth within the underground music scene, especially among industry professionals.

Between 2017 and 2020, the band’s lineup included drummer Guido Montanarini, whose energetic playing added a new dimension to arottenbit’s sound. Montanarini, known for his work with renowned bands such as Paradise Lost, Implore, and The Secret, brought a heavy, dynamic rhythm section that significantly enhanced the band's live shows and recordings during this period. His powerful drumming style injected even more intensity into arottenbit’s already explosive performances, further establishing the project as a force in the underground scene.

arottenbit has toured extensively, including three European tours with the computer-metal band Master Boot Record. In addition to touring, Otto also works as the live sound engineer for Master Boot Record, contributing to the band's sonic identity while maintaining a crucial role in their live performances.

arottenbit’s growing reputation eventually led to opportunities to perform at major international festivals like Roadburn, Hellfest, and Brutal Assault, and to perform with various other influential acts, including Melvins, Atari Teenage Riot, Melt Banana, Full Of Hell, Sanguisugabogg, and HORSE the Band.

Milano Chiptune Underground

In addition to his musical career, Otto played a key role in shaping the Milanese chiptune scene. In collaboration with Kenobit, he co-organized Milano Chiptune Underground, a series of events dedicated to showcasing the more clubbing and hardcore aspects of chiptune music. This initiative aimed to present a more intense, underground side of the genre, contrasting with the more traditional, retrogaming-focused image of chiptune. The events took place at several iconic venues within the Milanese underground scene, including Casa Occupata Gorizia, Lo-Fi Club, and Sacrestia Farmacia Alcolica, places known for their role in fostering alternative culture.

The culmination of this series was the organization of the largest chiptune event in the world at Macao Squat in Milano, attracting over 2,000 attendees. This historic event cemented the duo's role in bringing together the global chiptune community, contributing significantly to the genre's evolution into a more energized and diverse cultural movement.

Francesca97

Between 2017 and 2019, arottenbit sought to separate his non-chiptune identity by exploring abrasive electronic music, influenced by techno, trap, harsh noise, and doom metal. He created the project Francesca97 alongside two performers, Syria and Colette. The trio organized in collaboration with Arcangelo and Giuliona CRYZYED, a noisy hip-hop-inspired event series in Milan's Macao squat, influenced by artists like Death Grips and Clipping. They also performed numerous DJ sets across Italy and produced their own remixes to play during these sets. DJ set recordings from these events are still available on Mixcloud.

In 2019, the Francesca97 project was canceled, and all future non-chiptune releases continued under the arottenbit pseudonym.

Musical Style and Philosophy

arottenbit's goal is not to evoke nostalgia but to push the Game Boy beyond its original limitations and breathe new life into this electronic relic. For Otto, the use of the Game Boy is not a celebration of retro gaming culture; instead, it serves as a tool to transform an outdated, nearly discarded piece of technology into a powerful instrument capable of producing unpredictable and innovative sounds. His aim is to transcend the traditional "video game" sounds and transform the Game Boy into a true musical instrument, one that can generate complex, evolving compositions that push the boundaries of electronic music.

This philosophy reflects the project's core mission: to explore uncharted sonic territories, to repurpose old technologies in new and radical ways, and to create music that is forward-thinking rather than anchored in the past.

Live Performances

arottenbit’s live performances are focused on intense physical presence and audience interaction. Otto uses a mask to create a barrier between reality and fiction, allowing him to push his body beyond its limits and immerse himself fully in the performance. This approach fosters a chaotic atmosphere, where the audience becomes an integral part of the show, often engaging in stagedives, circle pits, and other punk-inspired activities. The use of the mask also allows Otto to explore his art in a more liberated, transformative state.

Record Label

In 2024, arottenbit signed with Time To Kill Records, a label mostly known for working with extreme metal and hardcore punk bands. While arottenbit's mix of genres makes it an anomaly within the label's usual roster, its extreme nature makes it a perfect fit. Time To Kill has been instrumental in promoting the project, giving it visibility within the international music scene.

Recognition

Despite having no official album releases until 2024, arottenbit has earned praise for its originality and ability to push the boundaries of chiptune and experimental music. The release of You Don’t Know What Chiptune Is (2024) was a landmark moment for the project, cementing its reputation as one of the most innovative acts in the electronic and experimental music scenes.

Discography

Official Releases

• You Don’t Know What Chiptune Is (2024)
• demo_00 (2009)
• Demo '94 (2018)

Collaborations

• Horse The Band - Horse The Song VS Arottenbit (2009)

• Dolpo - Prism of the Western Mountain (Arottenbit Remix) (2018)

• Viscera/// - Spirit Of '86 (Easy-listening Club Mix) (2019)

• Stormo - Meteorite / In Volo - Francesca97 Remix (2020)

• Leslie Nielsen - Juice Of Mango /// Sludge Techno RMX (2024)

This page will be placed in the following categories if it is moved to the article namespace.

Categories:

• Italian musical projects
• Chiptune musicians
• Experimental musicians