K, Hip Tanaka EX, and Hally performing at Blip Festival Tokyo. My wife and I got into Tokyo just in time to see these last three acts of the festival’s second night, and they were pretty mindblowing. We came in just as K was performing some Castlevania remixes, leading into Hip Tanaka, who was far less “traditional” – ironic, sort of, since he actually made NES music.
Tanaka used NES music too, including noticeable elements from Duck Hunt, but built it into a DJ set that focused on super-loud beats and chip noise. I wish I could describe it better! It was really exciting, and Tanaka appeared to be having a rad time. At the end of his set, he came out for an encore and performed “Fever” from Dr. Mario, first accompanying the bass line with beats, then bringing in the melody … which everyone in the audience chanted along to.
Hally fought technical difficulties at first, something about his Famicom not working, but declared himself able to do the impossible and managed to play anyway. His performance was every bit as manic and memorable as that seen in Reformat the Planet! Dude’s a superstar, basically. He even sang heavily distorted vocals on a cover of “Blue Monday.” Toward the end of the show, Julie came out and the two performed the JulieHally material.
If, at any point, any of these performers schedule a show near you, I encourage you to go. Especially if Hip Tanaka manages to take more time away from his job as president of Creatures Inc. and play another show. Coolest person at Nintendo, confirmed.
See also: Blip Festival Tokyo video, flyer
