Time seemingly continues to fly by and before you know it MAG Fest will be hitting the Washington DC, VA, and MD area faster and harder than hurricane Sandy. For those not familiar, MAG Fest (once originally known as the Mid-Atlantic Gaming Festival and now known as the Music and Gaming Festival) is one of those events that you just can’t miss if you are a gamer and lover of music. Sure there is a massive game room with tons of arcade cabinets (all set to free play), tons of TVs with consoles, LAN room to fill all of your gaming desires for a few days, but the music part of the event always holds a place near and dear to my heart. Musicians (including everything from VG cover bangs, DJs, and chiptune artists) come from all over playing their own renditions of awesome video game music which brings back nostalgic memories as well as “Oh my damn, that sounds sweet” moments.
Well the stage is set (both of them) as the full band lineup has been released for MAG Fest XI.
Yuzo Koshiro will be one of the big names this year in attendance and performing. He is a very well respected composer of video game music for seemingly the entire life of the video game industry. Some have made claims to him being the greatest video game music composer of days gone by in the 16-bit era and the king of FM synthesis chiptune music. Some of his many amazing musical works include music for:
- ActRaiser 1 and 2
- Dragon Slayer
- Sonic the Hedgehog
- Shinobi
- Shenmue
- Streets of Rage
- Y’s Series
Bit Brigade is one of those bands that are fantastic to see live. Not only do they consistently put on a killer performance, but they do a live speed run that goes with the music stage for stage. It is the bifecta of awesomeness as you watch what is going on-screen and hear the music being played live.
We had the privilege of chatting it up with Jace and Bryant before their show at MAGFest X and they are just as cool off stage as they are on.
Bit Brigade is no stranger to MAGFest as they have played on numerous occasions and every time they are a must see for me!
In the past they have performed Contra, Mega Man 2, and Castlevania. The question remains though, what will they play this year?
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ARMCANNON returns once more to the MAGFest stage. Their five-piece ensemble knows how to get the fans excited with numerous tracks to make you salivate. They event have a new album being released in the early part of 2013 which is right when MAGFest XI is. Coincidence? I think not! Enjoy the music you love from your favorite 80′s and 90′s video games as ARMCANNON blasts you in the face Mega Man style.
Brental Floss and The Cartridge Family will be putting on quite the show. Rock group Descendants of Erdrick have joined forces with the comedic nerd genius to create the ultimate video game comedy experience. Rock versions of your favorite video game music, humor, audience interaction for a unique concert you aren’t likely to forget.
If you aren’t familiar with Brental Floss, you might seriously be caught off guard. When Brental Floss takes the stage, prepare yourself for laughing to the point where a little pee comes out.
The Megas will once again be taking the stage to bring you not only your favorite Mega Man music, but Mega Man music with lyrics.
At first glance you might be confused with this five-man band, sporting an interesting jumpsuit, however once you hear them play, no doubt will be left in your mind as to how unique and awesome this video game band truly is.
Sure you have probably heard your fair share of Mega Man cover music, but I assure you, you have never heard it like how The Megas do it.
Powerglove will be back this year and is one of the bands that I will be really looking forward to seeing live. Power metal meets video games and Saturday morning cartoons.
If you are looking for some amazing riffs and cool metal renditions of some of your favorite video game songs, Powerglove is the group for you.
While they definitely have some old school tracks to bring back nostalgic memories of days gone by, they by no means limit it old school video games. Their rendition of Holy Orders from Guilty Gear gives me a stiffy every time!
The OneUps, formerly known as The One Up Mushrooms have a long tradition of performing at MAGFest, and this year is no exception. When the video game music subculture was just starting out, The OneUps were there giving fans what they craved. I remember seeing these guys at the first MAGFest oh so many moons ago. I think at this point they now have 6 albums out and really vary up the styles of each. They got a little rock, they got a little funk, and they definitely know how to have a good time.
And Many More!
There are a ton more bands, DJs, and all around awesome musicians coming to MAGFest including:
- The Protomen
- Those Who Right
- Random AKA Mega Ran
- Metroid Metal
- Rare Candy
- Video Game Orchestra
- bLiNd
- Benjamin Briggs
- DJ Cutman
- Batsly Adams
- Bright Primate
- Cheap Dinosaurs
- Crashfaster
- Danimal Cannon
- D&D Sluggers
- Invaderbacca
- Inverse Phase
- Kris Keyser
- NO CARRIER
- Pixelseed
- Jake “Virt” Kaufman
- Arc Impulse
- Descendants of Erdrick
- Dwelling of Duels Live
- Fighting in the Streets
- Knight of the Round
- Lords of Thunder
- My Parents Favorite Music
- On Being Human
- Overclocked University
- Professor Shyguy
- Super Guitar Bros
- The Triforce Quartet
- The World is Square
- The X-Hunters
Wow now that’s a list! Mark your calendars boys and girls and be sure to join us at MAGFest XI this year for 4 days of kich-ass non-stop video games and concert from January 3rd – 6th at the Gaylord National Hotel.
