Digital fusion is an artist-led genre initiative, coined by the community of composers who make this style of music. This genre has existed for over a decade without a formal name, through online communities and netlabels.
This genre is not meant to limit anyone’s creativity. It’s to give language and recognition to a thriving style of music, and an incredible community of composers who have supported each other’s musical development for many years. And as with all language, it’s a work in progress. If digital fusion resonates with you, you are welcome to label your music that way!
1990's-2010's
Many digital fusion artists began composing in the 90's and 00's.
Music for consumer electronics (e.g. video game music, phone ringtones, keyboard demos), jazz and its evolutions (e.g. jazz fusion, smooth jazz), classical music, electronic music, and prog are considered to be common influences that initially helped many digital fusion musicians find camaraderie with each other.
2019-2020
In 2019, aivi & surasshu, who debuted on Ubiktune in 2013 and became known for their music from the cartoon series Steven Universe, initiated a discussion on Twitter among friends and colleagues. This led to a general consensus around the term digital fusion.
In 2020, aivi & surasshu created an info website about digital fusion. (You are here!) Each artist featured on the Digital Fusion: Volume 1 and Volume 2 playlists consented to their work being associated with digital fusion.
2021 & Beyond
The term digital fusion has been adopted by artists and labels, used in game music award categories, and has hundreds of tagged albums on Bandcamp.
Maj7, a Discord server run by Blitz Lunar with its roots on IRC since 2010, saw a surge of new members, and has become a central community for digital fusion musicians and appreciators.
This page was created by aivi & surasshu, with contributions from, and gratitude towards, the following people:
♥ Blitz Lunar, and Chimeratio, who helped us launch the original webpage.
♥ All the musicians from our Digital Fusion: Volume 1 & 2 playlists: Yoann Turpin, Maxo, sylcmyk, Shnabubula, Breakbeat Heartbeat, virt, Lena Raine, Fearofdark, Zackery Wilson, Calum Bowen, FLOOR BABA, Dale North, Tony Thai, chibi-tech, Frums, quarkimo, Miyolophone, Seajeff, That Andy Guy, Anton Corazza, K.Shiraki, Sabrielle Augustin, coda, aji, amimifafa, Maddie Lim, Siphosomes, Razerek, Mariode, and Yossshy.
♥ Tobokegao, who curated the Digital Fusion Collection playlist, Renko and Radiax for their Japanese translation work, Luischocolatier for his Spanish translation work, and ZW Buckley for additional writing assistance.
♥ Ubiktune, DESKPOP, STAFFcirc, IiIypad Records, and A Bit Of Chiptune.
♥ The Maj7 Discord community, and everyone who joined in on the discussion on Twitter.
♥ All digital fusion musicians. Please keep making amazing music!
Last updated: February 14th, 2022