WHERE CAN I FIND CHIPSPACE?

Head to Main Stage, keep walking past it until you get to the obvious signs that say Chipspace everywhere.

OH COOL, HOW CAN I (OR My Label/Collective/Band/etc) PLAY THERE?

Most likely you found this page by clicking on our sign up form for curated play times and showcases. Here's the link back, just in case. Our sign up form closes on September 30th, 2023 and we will have an independent curation teamreview applicants. Please answer questions to the best of your ability. Having your work online makes it easier for people to review your music.

IS PERFORMING OPEN TO EVERYONE?

Almost. Here’s our criteria:

• No bigots. We absolutely condemn ableism, sexism, ageism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, et al. We’ve had staff and guests who are actively harmed by all of these. Respect existence or expect resistance.
• We only welcome chiptune and chipmusic-related acts. Between Jam Pods, Jamspace, the soapbox, and plenty of improvised places, one can find their niche. Ours is chiptune, so sorry not sorry. On the other hand, if you aren’t sure if your music is chipmusic-related enough, feel 100% welcomed to ask us! You might be surprised with what counts as chipmusic-related.

That aside, we ask that if you performed on a showcase last year to give other acts a chance. You can still apply, and we both love and appreciate you and your enthusiasm! Just please don’t take it to heart when we prioritize non-consecutive lineups.

WHAT DO I GET FOR PERFORMING?

Chipspace is a community stage and as such we do not have a budget to pay performers for their performance, travel, lodging, and any other expenses. What we can offer is the following:

• Refunded or comped basic attendance badge for active performers. We can’t cover any extra add-ons (e.g. Swadge, etc)
• Guaranteed merch space at our Merchplace
• Guaranteed play times on our stage
• Streamed to the world to build up your CV of live performances

WHAT SHOULD I PREPARE?

Your… uh, well, what’s it on? Your Gameboy? An Atari? Your laptop? Whatever you need for that, but minimally. If you can bring your own cable or adapters if you need something that isn't 1/8" or 3.55mm, that would be great. We usually have all the adapters and cables one could need, but luck favors the prepared. If you are accepted, we will email you to confirm your equipment list to make sure you have everything.

Also bring your own batteries if you need them. We normally don’t have any.

HOW LONG AM I PLAYING?

Our Opening Concert is usually a 30-minute set and aims to be the earliest concert of MAGFest. Showcases generally are hour-ish long blocks with 20 minutes between each act not counting setup time. We try to help you get on and off stage as quickly as possible without cutting into your play time.

AM I ONLY ALLOWED TO PLAY DURING MY PRE SCHEDULED TIME?

Beloved, we encourage you to return during our Open Mics if you have the time as well. Open Mic Guidelines are over here (link), so please no cutting in line.

I CAN'T MAKE IT TO MAGFEST BUT I'D LIKE TO PARTICIPATE

For the most part, you’re out of luck. That being said, we have been experimenting with the occasional long-distance performance for situations out of our (or our artist’s) control. We are strongly prioritizing artists that are attending, but under the right circumstances that might be a possibility.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS, PREFERABLY IN A BULLETED LIST?

How specific of you to request! Well here it is–short and simple.

• Fill out this form in its entirety (link)
• Get selected. You’ll know if you are because…
• We'll contact you
• You accept (if you decline, stop reading the list, please. Or don’t, but that’s a weird strategy)
• Discuss with us your needs for the stage/equipment and we'll tell you what we can offer
• MAGFest arrives and presumably you do as well (if you can't make it, let us know ASAP!)
• Come by Chipspace at least an hour before your scheduled set. Coming in earlier is even better, especially if you want to do a sound test or have merch to drop off.
• If you have merch, speak to our merch manager and they’ll help you set up (or optionally, you could go to Rock Island, but we have no further input for you there.)
• When your time comes to go on stage, let us help you set up if you need it. Fortunately we have a lot of professionals in the community, so don’t be ashamed or afraid to ask.
• ROCK TO YOUR HEART'S CONTENT (within the alloted time)!
• Optional - tell people to buy your merch! Or don’t, but that’s a weird strategy.
• Get your stuff off stage — again, let us help if you need it.
• Optional - pose for a professional picture taken by our photographer!
• Decompress. Have some water. Remember that legos live in houses made of their own flesh. Go have fun!

WHAT ABOUT COVID?

While the Super 2024 COVID policies have not yet been announced, you can view last year's policies at https://magfest.org/covid as an example of what the policies might be. We will ensure that the updated policies are shared when we send offers, so that you can make an educated decision about your participation.

HEY SO I MADE THIS IN [TRACKER NAME] BUT IT’S ON MY LAPTOP. IS THAT COOL?

Hell yeah. Not everyone can afford to buy, fix, and modify the original hardware. All we ask for is that it’s your own original work.

HOLD ON, DEFINE “ORIGINAL WORK”? WHAT ABOUT COVERS OR REMIXES?

In this case, original work means any form of music you have worked on and can claim the majority percentage of its contents, alongside derivative works such as (but not limited to) remixes, covers, and arrangements.

I STILL HAVE QUESTIONS, CAN I ASK YOU AT THE EVENT?

Hell yeah. We’re all glad to help, answer questions, and even clarify things that might be confusing. But we're also available at chipspace@magfest.org for emails. Our golden rule is “just ask, it’s better than guessing.”

We intentionally put that answer this far down because we wanted to reward the people who took the time to read this. We appreciate you. <3