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I think I've worked out the issue. Whenever I restore a backup from a MegaMemory cart, the play time indicator is borked. If I create a new SAV in the LSDJ File Manager with fresh song files, it's fine. Looks like the MegaMemory is doing something weird.

I'm probably going to give a long rambling answer, so apologies in advance. I prefer music that uses elements of chip, but creatively incorporates other sounds or instruments. That can either be building on a base of chipmusic with vocals and guitars, or using a SID synth or Game Boy on top of a more traditional band track (though I generally lean towards the former).

For my own music, I often write the song structure in LSDJ, and then MIDIOUT to layer up with some other interesting analogue synths and drum machines, which gives the tracks a bit more oomph. I'll then add in some additional guitar lines or vocals or synthy parts depending on what they need.

Check out these two releases if you are interested:

https://bowtie.bandcamp.com/album/tokyo

https://bowtie.bandcamp.com/album/drouth

Here's some of the things I've tried to spice up my tracks without adding in other instruments:

* Record each channel separately. (so PU1, PU2, WAV, NOI separately, so you have more control over them).
* Record each channel dry, and then re-record them using different hardware effects (or just duplicate the channel and apply VSTs if that's your thing). I tend to use a delay/reverb on PU1 and PU2, maybe a distortion or fuzz on WAV, and a gated delay on the drums.
* Stereo spacing! Pan some reverbed or effected channels to the left or right, and then keep the dry channel in the middle.
* Record the tracks to tape, then re-record them back to the DAW to give some texture.

In terms of what you can do actually within a tracker rather than in production, I've got less suggestions for. It'll really depend on the individual tracker. In general though, in LSDJ I would try to:

* Be careful not to make things too dense or 'messy' with competing runs or melodies. Be aware of the silence, and let each individual channel shine. Double up channels so they are playing the same thing to bring them out stronger, and don't be afraid to mute or have some channels play nothing. This means your tracks can be simpler, but appear deeper.
* Vary the instruments within channels. Something I don't do enough of... switch up the waveform/instrument settings within chains. Done creatively, it can sound like you have a whole lot more going on in the track than you actually do.
* Clever use of panning (usually keep the bass line centred though, as it grounds the track, and if you ever cut to vinyl it can cause problems if it is panned).
* Rather than writing in the 'chip' sort of mindset where there is one strong melody, think about the 4 channels as if it was a band. PU1 and PU2 guitar (lead and rhythm), WAV as bass, then NOI as drums. Write the tracks as if a grunge/rock band would play them. It can lead to more complex tracks, as you think about the parts differently, rather than a single melodic run.

Had a listen through earlier today. Nice job!

Great release! Love the addition of guitar to chipmusic.

It shouldn't be difficult to remove the backlight and then go through the usual process to fix them. Some are more stubborn than others. Depending on the backlight, you might even be able to just repair it whilst it's in situ.

Hah, it's not a bad thing! Just my personal taste. Love the rest of it.

That's awesome. No idea how you got those longer, softer sounds from LSDJ. Impressed!