Decktonic

A generation of gaming has done something to our ears. It has primed listeners to appreciate the sound of digital instruments in raw form: dry and immediate, crisply-synchronized machine dance music. So, while I wouldn’t call the music of Decktonic “chip music” or “game music,” somehow it’s a modern take on each. It’s retro-futuristic, electro-techno unadorned with effects. And, hell, while Korg’s DS-10 running on Nintendo DS is far from a high-fidelity sound experience, there’s something irresistibly funky about its sound. Listening to the DS-10 dry in the hands of a creative musician can be a cure for the ear fatigue you suffer from the endless sameness of a lot of releases. - Create Digital Music

A generation of gaming has done something to our ears. It has primed listeners to appreciate the sound of digital instruments in raw form: dry and immediate, crisply-synchronized machine dance music. So, while I wouldn’t call the music of Decktonic “chip music” or “game music,” somehow it’s a modern take on each. It’s retro-futuristic, electro-techno unadorned with effects. And, hell, while Korg’s DS-10 running on Nintendo DS is far from a high-fidelity sound experience, there’s something irresistibly funky about its sound. Listening to the DS-10 dry in the hands of a creative musician can be a cure for the ear fatigue you suffer from the endless sameness of a lot of releases. - Create Digital Music

Princeton, New Jersey-based DJ and producer Christian Montoya (love and tonic records) produces music on the DS-10 that's drier and more exposed, as he programs intricate bass music on the unprocessed Nintendo cart. Christian works as a game designer by day, and channels some of the DS-10's game music and so-called "chip music" heritage. The results, though, are a perfect marriage of game chip-waveform rawness, nude bass and synth and percussion sounds, and carefully-concocted grooves. For anyone concerned that game systems could hinder moving your butt out of the seat, this album is required listening. It's utterly stripped-bare dance goodness — and it turns out the DS bass sounds fantastic. - Peter Kirn, Create Digital Music

[Dance Machine] rocks your electro-socks off. - Recent Music Heroes

While listening to these [remixes] I found myself nodding my head and tapping my feet...if this was playing at a club I'd for sure be dancing like a diva. - You Are Welcome

Producer Christian Montoya (aka: Decktonic) releases solid tracks on a consistent basis, and the quality of his releases only continue to improve. - The Get Downnn

Keep your eyes out for this guy folks, he’s super talented and possesses a unique sound. - The Get Downnn

Great, down tempo electronica is pretty hit or miss (if we’re wrong in this statement, feel free to call us out). And to capture a specific mood through drum kits synth loops and an array of other effects isn’t an easy feat. Enter Decktonic (aka: Christian Montoya), a NY-based producer and DJ with a great ear for music and the ability to lay down flawless beats. His self described weapon of choice is the KORG DS10, and the way the tracks sound, provide proof of that. - The Get Downnn

Great, down tempo electronica is pretty hit or miss (if we’re wrong in this statement, feel free to call us out). And to capture a specific mood through drum kits synth loops and an array of other effects isn’t an easy feat. Enter Decktonic (aka: Christian Montoya), a NY-based producer and DJ with a great ear for music and the ability to lay down flawless beats. His self described weapon of choice is the KORG DS10, and the way the tracks sound, provide proof of that. - The Get Downnn