All this month we are celebrating acts that you need to look out for in 2025. Today it is the time to put Battlemode in the limelight. I spoke to Buff from the band to find out what they have in store for the year.

Hello tell us all about yourself?

We are Battlemode, and we make music with a Game Boy! We are a Boston based chiptune electro-pop trio. We are friends first, and a band second.

How was 2024 for you?

As I write this – I’m 1 day away from turning 37. And as with most – I normally dread birthdays. They just make me hyper-aware of all the goals I still haven’t achieved. They make me feel like I should have done more with this past rotation around the sun. This year, I’m welcoming 37! I’m so proud of all our 2024 accomplishments: the music we released, the shows we played (and sold out), and elevating our DIY game to the next level.

What were the top 3 highlights for you?

“Playlist” – on July 18, we released our first ever song of the summer! Loaded up with a sensual sax, and scorching 8 bit tones, “Playlist” really felt like a summer slam. The song was well received by the press, and our audience-base. “Playlist” set the standard of the electro-pop sound we’re seeking heading in 2025!

“Hack the Planet Day” — a screening of “Hackers” with an audio/visual pre show in September. This event was a love letter to a movie that inspired our sound. We were able to sell out the Somerville Theatre (800 cap), and fill the space with 360 degree digital visuals & Battlemode’s 8bit cyber-phonics.

Sam Mulligan – We played a Gorillaz cover set on Halloween 2023. Originally being an electronic duo, we needed some extra guitar beef to capture the Gorillaz textures. We asked our friend and chiptune guitarist Sam Mulligan to temporarily jump in Battlemode to aid in the set. Things went so well, we couldn’t let Sam go. We asked Sam to be a permanent part of the band, and he accepted. We officially announced Sam’s addition to the band in January 2024.

What was the key lesson you learnt from last year?

We’re our own greatest assets, but recently we’ve been finding a lot of friends to help us in our endeavors! We’re learning that success in the music industry might be a delicate balance between DIY mentality and finding friends to join you in your journey. Additionally, one must never expect or rely on others to provide you opportunity. Also, when networking within the music industry, don’t be transactional, but do invest in those that invest in you. 

What are your plans for 2025?

We’re hosting a three-day chiptune/digital fusion festival, Boston Bitdown! Boston Bitdown is a new artist-driven music festival celebrating Chiptune/Digital Fusion music. Three days, three venues, 30+ performances. This one is going to be NUTS!

What other shows are you looking forward to watching this year?

I’m keeping tabs on if Warped Tour is actually coming back or not!

What styles do you hope to see more of in music this year?

We’d love to keep growing our chiptune community, and are always hoping for new and exciting developments and iterations of chip music! When other chiptune musicians do well, Battlemode does well. 

What band is your ones to watch in 2025 and why?

I’ve heard that our Boston chiptune homies, T-Tb, are working on new music, so we’ll be on the lookout for that for sure. Also, Boston’s 5Ever will make you feel like pop-punk is forever young. 

Do you have any new years resolutions? If so what are they?

I keep going back and forth between wishing we were signed to a label, and being thankful that we’re independent. Though I’m so proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish with zero label representation, part of me really wants to experience the reality of being signed.

Are you on social media? If so how can people find out more about your troupe?

Absolutely! We’re on all main social medias – but we would mostly appreciate follows on Instagram: @battlemodemusic and Spotify @battlemode

Three words why people should come and see you this year?

Chiptune. Never. Dies

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