Tommy Tallarico on Video Games Live: Level 3

The applause dies down. Tommy Tallarico stands on stage under a spotlight. An audience member whoops, and Tommy grins before teasingly announcing the developer, composer, and game the next piece of music to be played comes from. After a pause, the words ‘One Winged Angel’ fill the room, and the crowd goes wild. The orchestra explodes into a wave of sound that so many have a connection to. The atmosphere is one of pure joy, and the feeling of belonging that comes when those that truly love gaming gather together in one place is incredible.

It’s difficult to take in a Video Games Live concert without a huge grin on your face. Founded in 2005, by game music composer Tommy Tallarico, the award-winning team have performed sell-out shows all over the world, and are now looking to release a third album. With record companies not convinced that music from games is something that will be profitable The Video Games Live: Level 3 Kickstarter has been set up to raise enough money to produce “a top quality product that we and the entire game industry can be proud of.” The album is set to contain 15-18 tracks, will feature never before released tracks, and a remix by DJ BT.

We caught up with Tommy for a chat, and to get a few more details.

Explosive Symphonic Rock VideoGame Concert. I HATE when people use “videogame” as just one word… but in this instance I shall use it to my advantage so I can sneak the word EXPLOSIVE in there!

Actually, our first album with EMI was a studio recording!  We recorded a portion of it in the famous Abbey Road Studios (Beatles).  For our second album we did it live because it went along with our live show, PBS Special & DVD/Blu-Ray.  The live one was cool because you could hear the excitement and energy from the crowd.

But the reality is, from a “musical” standpoint, a studio recording is more high quality and easier to listen to for symphonic type music.  My goal in the future would be (like most bands) to put out both studio & live versions.  That way I’m catering to both audiences… the ones who love studio recordings and the ones who prefer to hear it live.

Definitely on stage for me!  To feel the excitement and energy and instant feedback from thousands of people in real-time is pretty spectacular.  Totally beats sitting in a dark room by yourself at three in the morning deciding on which chord progression should come next.

The whole concept about at least QUADRUPLING the value of what people pledge is pretty amazing and unique!  Even at levels like $35 you’re getting back over $175 in value!  Including six digital albums, our first Blu-Ray/DVD, and exclusive posters and Earthworm Jim artwork.  It’s really amazing.  My goal was to give back as much as possible while still breaking even with the project.  We’re literally giving away everything in order for this project to be funded, but more importantly to get as much video game music in the hands of people as we can!