Literature Review
Introduction
In order to answer whether or not there is a commercially viable sub-genre of 8bit music, background knowledge of genre theory may be used. Therefore the topics that will be discussed are firstly the concept of genre as a whole - why it is such a fundamental concept within the industry of recorded music and how it has come to play such a key roll in the production and marketing of popular music.

Secondly, it is important to explore factors that affect the way a genre develops. These range from sociological and ideological factors (i.e. how people relate to music) to the way that the commercial strategy of a record label can promote or demote certain aspects of a genre for commercial gain. By analysing this, one can determine the ways that a genre can be formed and cemented, and the processes that lead to a definite final genre.

Finally, it is important to look at how a genre is marketed. What information do record labels need to know etc., What ties artists together regardless of their record labels? How is a unified generic front presented to the record buying public?

This literature review aims to provide a theoretical framework, based on the current literature available, around which the above questions can be answered and, as such, point to the nature of the subsequent primary research that shall need to be carried out. In this manner, the theoretical framework leads to a particular conceptual framework, and this will then act as a focus for the research and enable it to specifically answer our question. The literature review will survey several key texts regarding genre theory and how, based on these theories, a genre can be marketed (but without looking at texts relating specifically to marketing, as this is another area of academic interest that is beyond the scope of this project). The review will compare and contrast the theories presented in these books to determine common grounds of agreement, as well as any grounds for dispute. The review will also highlight any gaps in the knowledge that may hinder further research.

There is a considerable volume of literature relating to genre theory, so that, where possible, concepts that are covered in greater depth, or with greater relevance to this particular research, are reviewed at length here, whilst literature that overlaps with these key works are duly acknowledged.