Carefully curated by Nick Dwyer, co-director and writer of the Diggin’ In The Carts series, and Hyperdub’s founder Kode9, the collection takes listeners deep into the archives of Japanese video game music from the 1980s and 90s, focusing on the groundbreaking 8-bit and 16-bit soundscapes created for platforms like the Famicom, Super Famicom, and PC-Engine, along with systems like the MSX, MSXturboR, and PC-8801. This release aims to present these tracks not as mere background music but as pieces of pioneering Japanese electronica with their own artistic and cultural significance.

Highlighting the innovative spirit of the era, the compilation features masterworks by composers who pushed the technical limits of the time. For example, Soshi Hosoi’s track “Mister Diviner” from The Mahjong Touhaiden reflects influences from avant-garde music legend Steve Reich, showcasing the visionary nature of these compositions.

Adding to the collection’s appeal, renowned Japanese anime artist and Studio °4C founder Koji Morimoto has designed the album artwork, bringing a visual touch that matches the music’s unique character. The album will be released on November 17 in both CD and digital formats, with a vinyl version also on the way. Pre-orders are already available for fans eager to secure their copy.

To celebrate the release, Red Bull is organizing a live event series under the Diggin’ In The Carts name, bringing together iconic Japanese video game music composers and a new generation of artists. Starting in October, these events will take place in cities like Los Angeles and Tokyo, offering fans a chance to experience the enduring legacy of Japanese video game music live.