Tommy Tallarico
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'Earthworm Jim' returns after 20 years as an Intellivision exclusive
It's been 20 years since there was a genuinely new Earthworm Jim game, and longer still since the original team was involved. However, the gang is coming back -- if you're willing to take a chance on a retro console. Intellivision Entertainment is reuniting ten members of the Earthworm Jim team to work on a new game in the franchise made solely for the Intellivision Amico. The title is still in the very early stages. In fact, Intellivision is livestreaming part of the first design meeting on May 4th at 3PM Eastern. However, it might be comforting news if you want to see more of the anthropomorphic annelid beyond remasters and ports of the classics.
Video Games Live: Level 3 rocks its goal on Kickstarter
The Kickstarter campaign to fund the third studio album for Tommy Tallarico's Video Games Live is a success. The pledge drive has surpassed its goal of $250,000 today, within its final 24 hours of the pledge drive. Video Games Live is a confluence of video game music and live spectacle, usually a touring live concert series where musicians cover select tracks from video game soundtracks while gameplay is projected on a massive screen. There are currently two Video Games Live albums, each available on iTunes. The target release date for this third studio album is February 18, 2014. Some planned compositions already outed include pieces from Street Fighter 2, the Monkey Island series, Skyrim, Journey, Shadow of the Colossus, Beyond Good and Evil, Tetris, Silent Hill 2, World of Warcraft and Diablo 3.
Video Games Live tunes in to Kickstarter to fund third album
Video Games Live is a bit of a beast to describe. It's a concert, stage show and game demonstration all wrapped into one multimedia event where artists mix rock and symphony instruments as they play your favorite game tunes along to synchronized footage and on-stage acting. Think someone dressed up as a soldier from the Metal Gear Solid series searching across the stage while an orchestra plays the alert theme from the games while a video of gameplay from Metal Gear Solid projects behind them, and you have an idea of what to expect. The show has been running for awhile now, and has released two albums (which you can download via iTunes) in that time. Now, event host Tommy Tallarico has taken to Kickstarter in hopes of funding a studio-recorded album as opposed to the previous two live albums. Backer rewards include a personalized message from David Hayter (Solid Snake) and even a tour of Blizzard Entertainment, provided you've got a couple grand to splurge. You can learn more about Video Games Live by checking out their website.
Video Games Live at E3: Journey, Skyrim, Diablo 3, Earthworm Jim and more
During the week of E3, on June 6, Video Games Live will take over the Nokia Theater L.A. Live arena. Being E3 and all, and L.A. being one of the most frequently played venues for Tommy Tallarico's live video game concert, this year he wanted to add some special scores – like Austin Wintory's Journey score, conducted by Wintory himself.It's just one of the more recent audio accompaniments added for the June 6 show. There are also select tunes from Skyrim, which will be handled by a secret guest conductor; composer Russell Bower will conduct some Diablo 3 tunes. Donkey Kong Country, Star Fox and even a Street Fighter segment – to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Capcom's fighter – are planned. Akira Yamaoka will also play guitar at some point.Finally, there's Earthworm Jim to consider, a game that Tallarico himself worked on. Apparently folks have been asking him to add it to Video Games Live for quite some time now, which we're totally in favor of – as long as we get that thrash metal remix of "Use Your Head" we've been waiting our entire lives for.
Video Games Live announces packed Los Angeles show
You're probably getting excited about E3 (and who can blame you?) but it's a bit more difficult for us who've come to view the yearly event as "The One Week We Actually Have to Work Pretty Hard." But whether you're a jaded misanthrope like our staffers or a rational human who hasn't had their heart replaced with a heart-sized stone, there's a new can't-miss event at the conference: The 200th Video Games Live show, set for 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 8 at the Nokia Theater. The slate of guests and material is large enough that you'll have to read the full list on the VGL site, but just for starters, the all-new show includes the live premiere of music from Red Dead Redemption, World of Warcraft: Cataclysm and Resident Evil 5. Also look for performances of Portal hit "Still Alive" and Chrono Trigger and Chrono Cross themes, with composer Yasunori Mitsuda in attendance. What is this feeling in our chest rocks? Is it ... excitement?
Civ IV theme nominated for Grammy, first game music ever nominated
The slow-to-adapt music industry has finally caught on that Christopher Tin's "Baba Yetu," an amazing piece composed for Civilization IV, is worthy of a Grammy nomination. The song was originally created for the 2005 game, but has since made the pro choir circuit over the years, and has also become a staple of Video Games Live. The track, which is nominated in the "Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalists" category, is from the composer's debut album, Calling All Dawns. Video Games Live Executive Producer Tommy Tallarico tells Joystiq that this is the first time a song made for a video game has been nominated for a Grammy award. He explained, "We've worked very hard through the Game Audio Network Guild for the past decade to gain game composers the ability to be nominated for a Grammy and to get the recognition they deserve. ... We've always been very honored to work together with our good friend Christopher Tin to bring this wonderful song to the world. As video games start to evolve more into our culture and become a bigger part of mainstream society, we're hoping to see a lot more of this kind of thing happening in the future." The 53rd Annual Grammy Awards will be held on February 13, 2011. Best of luck to Tin on grabbing the Grammy: he'll win an award and hold a record that will stand the test of time.
Video Games Live: Level 2 hitting Blu-ray and DVD October 19
If you're looking for a new addition for the rack you keep on your entertainment center which specifically houses your concert DVDs, we've got a great suggestion for a box that'll look great between "Rush in Rio" and Dixie Chicks' "Top of the World Tour: Live." We're speaking, of course, of "Level 2," the upcoming concert video from Tommy Tallarico and his band of gaming troubadours, Video Games Live. "Level 2," which will be released on DVD and Blu-ray on October 19, features a 100-minute concert performance and hours of bonus interviews and behind-the-scenes featurettes. A CD will be released on the same day, featuring 16 of the group's video game-inspired suites. For a full tracklist, as well as information about pre-orders, check out Video Games Live's official site, or check out the trailer after the jump for a sneak peek at the performances therein.
Video Games Live special brings orchestral game music to PBS
Are video games art? That question may still be a cause of debate for some, but there is little question that there is artistry in video games -- like the music, which often doesn't receive the attention it deserves. Game music composers Tommy Tallarico and Jack Wall have been doing their best to change that for years now with their symphonic Video Games Live show, however, and it looks like they'll soon have what could be their largest audience yet. The group recently announced that PBS will be debuting a 90-minute Video Games Live special on July 31st, which will continue to air throughout August, and be available on DVD, Blu-ray and CD. Check with your local PBS affiliate for the exact time and air dates in your area, and head on past the break for a taste of what's in store.
PBS to air 90-minute Video Games Live performance
If you've yet to experience the profound orchestral magic of the Tommy Tallarico-fronted musical outfit Video Games Live, you'll soon have the opportunity to do so from the safety and comfort of your own home. The group recently announced it will perform a 90-minute special for PBS, which will debut July 31, and then air on various PBS affiliates across the country throughout August. We suggest contacting your local affiliate to find out if the special will come to your neck of the woods. If you're planning on tuning in, you can check out the trailer posted after the jump to see what you're in for, or read this press release to see what games the orchestra will be sampling during its performance. We don't see Gitaroo Man on said list, but we're hoping that's just an unfortunate omission on behalf of the copywriter.
Mega64 and Tommy Tallarico present: Gamer Warz 2
We really think Tommy Tallarico missed his calling in life by becoming a composer. If the first Gamer Warz and this followup are any indication, the man was meant for comedy. Gamer Warz 2 (watch it after the break) is a collaboration between Tallarico and lulz-factory Mega64 that really gets to the heart of the elitism and console preferences of the gaming community at large in a surprisingly civil and educated way. Don't get it twisted: we certainly love Tallarico's music, but this may be the funniest video we've seen in a long time.
Video Games Live holding another performance at E3
Once again, the ludological troubadours of Video Games Live will take time out of their busy schedules to visit their orchestral brand of rocking upon attendees of the Electronic Entertainment Expo on Thursday, June 17. Tickets are now available for purchase, with prices ranging between $24.99 and $74.99 (for the nosebleeds and the court-sides, respectively.) You don't have to be an E3 attendee to gain access to the show -- but if you're in L.A. that week, why wouldn't you go check out all those piping hot new games? Come on, now. You're being ridiculous. [Via BigDownload]
Video Games Live trying New Orleans concert for PBS again
Video Games Live plans to record a show on April 1 (no joke) in New Orleans to be aired on PBS stations in July. As this is going on the tee-vees, special guests and spectacle are planned. Ralph Baer will play Pong against an audience member on stage, with the symphony providing the sound. Guests for the post-show "meet and greet" include Tommy Tallarico (Earthworm Jim/Advent Rising), Jack Wall (Myst/Mass Effect), Marty O'Donnell (Halo), Russell Brower (Blizzard), Gerard Marino (God of War), Christopher Tin (Civilization IV) and more. VGL Executive Producer Tommy Tallarico tells Joystiq that the previous attempt to record the show in February fell through due to licensing and approval issues. Tickets for the show are available from Ticketmaster. Hopefully, the second attempt goes smoother.
PBS recording, airing Video Games Live concert in 2010
The always enjoyable Video Games Live concert series will have a performance taped and shown on PBS stations next year. The recorded performance will occur February 5, 2010, at the Lakefront Arena in New Orleans. Tickets, which start at $15, go on sale Friday, December 18 at 10AM CST (check Ticketmaster or call 800-745-3000). We contacted VGL Executive Producer Tommy Tallarico to find out about special guests for this televised concert. He told us that the performance is still in the early planning stages and wishes he had more to share. Tallarico explained, "The only thing I could really say for sure right now is that we are not only going to have special guests from the gaming world -- game composers and game designers from around the world -- we're also going to have special musical guests and celebrities not from the gaming world, but who are very well known and fantastic performers." For the rest of us not near Mardi Gras land, the concert will begin airing in June on your local PBS station and a DVD/Blu-ray version will be distributed worldwide. All of this sounds like a very clever way for PBS to attract a younger demographic. Also, if you attend the taped concert, make sure to dress business casual. Greasy gamers in T-shirts and jeans don't make for good crowd shots.
Blizzard music to be featured at Gamer MusiCON '09
If you're looking for a way to relax this weekend, why don't you hie off to Houston and get tickets to the Gamer MusiCON '09, an all-day event celebrating music from the video game industry. If you're familiar with the Video Games Live, the whole event has expanded somewhat with the help of Blizzard Entertainment and will now have a full hour-and-a-half Blizzard Live! to go along with the traditional Video Games Live! concert.Blizzard Live! will feature music, both old and some never performed ones, from Blizzard's different game worlds - Diablo, Starcraft, and Warcraft - paired with exclusive game footage and synchronized lighting. The Video Games Live! segment features music from other popular games like Chrono Trigger or Mega Man. Of course, just like any great geek and gamer event, Gamer MusiCON will feature a lot of fun in between, such as costume contests, Guitar Hero faceoffs, a Q&A with Blizzard's composers, autograph signings, and lots of swag. The event, conducted by Jack Wall and hosted by Tommy Talarico, comes to life with the help of the Houston Symphony. It will be held at the Jones Hall in downtown Houston. You'd better get your tickets today! Oh, and don't forget to bring a date.
Video Games Live to have several special shows in July
Video Games Live continues touring with a few special shows during the month of July. On July 10, the National Symphony Orchestra (which did two sold-out shows at the Kennedy Center in DC) will perform at the WolfTrap Feline Center in Virginia. Sid Meier, Civilization IV vocalist Ron Ragin and game composer Grant Kirkhope (Donkey Kong Country, GoldenEye, Banjo-Kazooie, Viva Pinata) will all be in attendance.For Texans, Halo composer Mike Salvatori will make a "special guest appearance" at the Ft. Worth show on July 14. A few days later, The Houston Symphony will perform the show in its namesake city for two shows on July 18, in collaboration with MusiCON 09. The special afternoon show is entitled "Blizzard Live!" and will showcase songs from the Warcraft, Starcraft and Diablo games. Five Blizzard composers will attend and participate in a Q&A panel.There will also be a performance at the San Diego Comic-Con on July 23 at the outdoor Embarcadero Marina Park, which will include synchronized fireworks. Tickets are available at the Video Games Live site. Check out the full list of July tour stops after the break.
Mega Man 2 and 3 music premiering at Video Games Live tomorrow, June 4
If you live in the Los Angeles area, tomorrow is probably a good day to attend Video Games Live, which still has tickets available. The show will premiere music from Mega Man 2 and 3 (yeah, we can't believe that's never been done either) and there will be "several special guests." The event will take place at The Greek Theater and there are likely to be many industry folks in the audience.
Video Games Live interviews Jason Hayes in Austin
This is really interesting -- our friend Tommy Tallarico of Video Games Live recently did a show in Austin, Texas, and during the performance, they actually brought former Blizzard composer Jason Hayes up on the big screen via Skype and chatted with him about the Warcraft music they had just played. Hayes worked on some of the cinematic music for Warcraft III, and though he is no longer with Blizzard, he put together some of the new music you're hearing now in Wrath of the Lich King as well.Hayes talks about how he works closely with the cinematic team to try and come up with an appropriate mood for what's happening on screen as the music plays. Even with early animatics, he says, you can get a good sense of where the scene is going and what the story is about. He also says that the Latin lyrics in his songs aren't necessarily Latin -- he uses a translator online and picks and chooses what sounds best. So not exactly historically accurate, but it's Warcraft -- as long as it sounds good, they can justify it however they like. It's definitely a fun little chat with one of the people behind some of the sweet sounds of Azeroth.[via WorldofWar]
Tim Schafer to honor Tommy Tallarico, Harmonix at GDCAs
Add this to the list of must-sees at this year's Game Developers Conference: The Game Developers Choice Awards (held during the conference) will be honoring Harmonix co-founders Alex Rigopulos and Eran Egozy with the Pioneer Award, and handing the Ambassador Award to The Pied Piper of Points, Tommy Tallarico. Oh, and the whole thing is presided over by Timothy F.* Schafer. Right, so, just to recap: Tim Schafer sharing a stage with the guys who made up the most rock 'n' roll game of all time and Steven Tyler's cousin? Note to everyone in attendance: Bring a backup, non-melted face.*That's "Freaking".
Joystiq interview: Tommy Tallarico of Video Games Live
Tommy Tallarico has been working in the video game industry since 1991, and has worked on the audio and music for over 250 games, which sounds exhausting enough. He also ocassionally co-hosts Reviews on the Run (formerly Judgement Day on G4), he's a co-founder of the Game Audio Network Guild, serves on the advisory board for the Game Developers Conference, and somewhere amidst that schedule he found time to co-create (with game composer Jack Wall) the live-action game music experience that is Video Games Live. Video Games Live has been bringing the rocking tunes of games to audiences around the world for three years now. Whereas Jack Wall provides the baton-waving, classy dress portion of the show, Tallarico is the tennis-shoe wearing, Spider-Man guitar-wielding rock element. Check out our full interview with Tommy after the break, and check the VGL schedule to see if there's a show near you -- because everyone should hear the Mario Bros. theme played live at least once. If you can't make it to one, enter our Joyswag Video Games Live giveaway.
Joyswag: Video Games Live album
Update: Entry period has ended.If you can't make it to any of the upcoming Video Games Live performances, we'll bring the show to you. Joystiq is giving away five free copies of the recent Video Games Live: Volume One, delivered right to your door. Just leave a comment below (after you've read our interview with co-creator Tommy Tallarico), telling us what piece of gaming music you'd love to hear at a VGL concert, and we'll randomly select five winners to receive a copy. To enter this giveaway: Leave a comment telling us your favorite piece of game music that you'd like to hear played live. You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec). Limit 1 entry per person per calendar day (comment more than once and we'll force you to play the Atari 2600 version of E.T. forever, Clockwork Orange-style). This entry period ends at 11:00pm ET on Friday, October 10th. We'll randomly select 5 winners at that time to each receive one copy of the EMI Classics album Video Games Live: Volume One (valued at $15). Please check your e-mail! For a list of complete rules, click here.
