From 8 Bit Roots to Full Band Fire: Scott Hannay on Purpose, Passion, and Pixelated Paths

When Video Games Meet Virtuosity

On the July 3, 2025 episode of the Purpose Chasers Podcast, host Mark Crandall sat down with one of the jam scene’s most inventive and humble musical forces: Scott Hannay. Known for his jaw-dropping musicality, pixel-perfect remixes, and scene-defining sit-ins, Hannay has quietly become a staple among Twiddle and Mihali loyalists—and he’s nowhere near done.

Hannay's journey didn’t begin in a studio. It started in a living room with a Nintendo controller and a family piano. As a kid, he’d pause games like Mega Man and Zelda, then sprint to the keys to try and recreate what he’d just heard. The soundtracks from Japanese composers weren’t background music, they were blueprints.

That obsession morphed into 8-bit remixes of full-band tracks, catching the attention of none other than Umphrey’s McGee, who eventually invited him to sit in. That moment didn’t just launch a music career. It lit the flame behind an entire philosophy: lead with passion, serve the music, and let everything else follow.

Relationship-First Collaboration

In a scene often driven by ego or hustle, Hannay chose something different: service.

From remixing songs to showing up unannounced with his keyboard, Scott didn’t force his way in. He earned his seat on stage by giving first, remixing songs out of admiration, and being a chill, talented, reliable human. He wasn’t trying to network. He was building friendships.

His 8-bit tributes weren’t a gimmick. They were love letters to the music that raised him. And that love made him a welcome addition to dozens of projects across the jam scene. For Twiddle and Mihali fans, Hannay’s sound has become part of the DNA.

A Homage to Mihali’s Climb

Without speaking on things that aren’t mine to say, I will say this: Mihali and the Mihali Band’s climb to success is one of the most inspiring stories of adversity being blocked by purpose.

I remember seeing Mihali sit in with Dogs in a Pile at The Cap. Mid-set, he stopped and thanked the band for inviting him to play. He said, “I really needed to play music.” That moment stuck with me. It felt like a man chasing something bigger than himself.

The rumor mill may still circle the reasons why Twiddle separated, but one thing has become absolutely clear: Mihali never stopped playing. He played night after night, show after show, pouring into fans one conversation at a time on the other side of each set.

Sit-in after sit-in. Solo show after solo show. His catalog evolved. A new band formed. A new sound emerged. And then it started happening: the Mihali Band caught a buzz.

Now? It might just be getting louder than Twiddle ever was.

That’s not just success. That’s legacy growing in real time. That’s the impact of someone who didn’t give up when the world gave him every reason to. And I believe what we’re witnessing now is the beginning of something that will only grow louder, deeper, and more impactful with each note played.

Watch the full interview on YouTube:

Listen or watch the full episode on Spotify:

The Mihali Band Build: Loyalty Over Labels

If you’ve followed Twiddle’s journey, you know the value of grind. Hannay’s path into Mihali’s band might be the most Twiddle-coded origin story ever told.

It started casually, showing up at solo gigs, jamming when invited, hauling gear when not. He said yes to a stage tech job with Twiddle, even after years on stage. No ego. Just service. And that humility paid off. Mihali noticed.

Soon he was being invited to solo sets, then helping form a trio with drummer Adrian. When that evolved, Hannay stepped into the Moog bass role. Eventually, bass legend Gubb joined. Then came horns from West End Blend. The full Mihali band was born, organic, raw, and fueled by years of respect.

Multiplayer Mode Activated: The Video Game Band Goes Supernova

Then there’s the Video Game Band, the one that’s about to absolutely level up at Fencepost Festival.

What started as Hannay soloing video game music at a coffee shop has turned into a full-blown multisensory jam experience. Think Bit Brigade meets jazz fusion meets Rainbow Road on a sugar high.

Here’s what to expect at Fencepost Festival:

• A full band accompanying live gameplay projected on stage
  

• Games like Sonic, Mario Kart, Tony Hawk, and more with original game sound effects active—but music muted
  

• Scott’s band remixes the soundtrack in real time as gamers play live
  

• Scott hacks each game’s data using hex code to remove the music, leaving only effects
  

• Jam band improvisation, loopers, synths, horns, live players, and 8-bit nostalgia all blending into one seamless experience
  

If you’re expecting just another keyboard set, think again. This is part AV remix, part nerd rave, part jazz odyssey—and it’s unlike anything else on the jam festival circuit.

Moments That Matter

Two unforgettable moments stand out in Scott’s journey:

A Deaf Fan in Boston
After a Mr. F show at Wonderbar, a deaf fan approached Hannay, visibly moved. Though words couldn’t be exchanged, the impact of the music was clear. That moment—when rhythm and connection transcended sound—still echoes for Scott.

A Set with J.Wail and a Compliment from a Legend
After a performance with JWail, STS9 founding bassist David Murphy turned to Hannay and said, “Who are you, and why aren’t you playing for someone huge?”

That moment birthed a new collaboration—a tribute to the classic STS9 catalog, featuring members of SunSquabi, Rohan Solo, and a rotating crew of percussionists. It’s called David Murphy: For My Peeps, and it’s already gaining traction.

For the Frends and the Dreamers

Scott Hannay isn’t chasing clout. He’s chasing connection—through keys, through code, through jam sessions and childhood joy.

Whether standing solo on an empty Red Rocks stage or syncing his band to a Sonic the Hedgehog speedrun, Hannay is doing it all with purpose.

To the Frends community, know this: Scott is one of yours. He’s climbed without stepping on anyone. He’s lifted others while carving his own path. He’s the quiet wizard behind the keys—building magic for anyone willing to stop and listen.

Where to Catch Scott Next

🎟️ Fencepost Festival – Aug 9 2025, Millville MA Tickets → https://linktr.ee/FencepostFestival

🎟️ The Homie Collective Campout – Aug 21-24 2025, Russell MA - Passes → https://homiecampout.com

Support the Magic

Follow @sukotto42 for tour dates and nerdy jam goodness. Visit: https://www.scotthannay.net

And if you ever see a projector light up behind a stage, don’t go anywhere. You’re about to hit boss level.

If You Missed It

This One Time Weekend Interview only:

What’s Coming Up

Stay tuned for our next episode featuring Lightwork Exchange, a crew blending spirit, sound, and serious rhythm into one of the most unique musical collectives on the rise. You won’t want to miss this deep dive.