We recently got the chance to attend a concert that mixed gaming soundtracks and symphony quality orchestras; it goes by the name Video Games Live and we sat down with one of the geniuses behind the concert, Tommy Tallarico. Stay tuned later this month for a full write-up of our time at the show but for now check out the interview below, it's very interesting.
PX360: Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your history with Video Games Live?
My name is Tommy Tallarico and I’ve been a video game composer for over 18 years and have worked on over 300 games. I’m the founder and CEO of the Game Audio Network Guild (G.A.N.G. – www.audiogang.org) as well as Video Games Live. (complete bio here: http://www.tallarico.com/index.php?s=biography)
PX360: If you were to pitch the show to someone who knows nothing about it what would you say?
Video Games Live is all the greatest video game music of all time played by a live orchestra and choir, but what really makes it unique is that everything is completely synchronized to video, automated state-of-the-art lighting & special effects, stage-show production, interactive elements where we bring people up on stage and they play a video game while the orchestra changes the music in real time on the fly, depending on what the person does. I like to describe Video Games Live as having the power and emotion of a symphony orchestra and combining it with the energy and excitement of a rock concert and mixing that together with the interactivity, cutting-edge visuals, technology, and fun that video games provide.
PX360: Video Games Live has been around for some time, recently gaining popularity; can you tell us a bit about the rise of the company?
Creating a unique show and presentation that reaches a wider audience of non-gamers is a huge factor in the success of Video Games Live. Video game music is just as artistic and culturally significant as any film score or piece of traditional classical music. Young people are aware of this, and putting together a show that proves this to the world was one of our biggest goals and reasons we created it. Video games have become the entertainment of choice for the 21st century and the music being created is the soundtrack for anyone who grew up in the 70's, 80's or 90's.
PX360: If you had to pick just one song to hear at one of the concerts what would it be?
I love the Warcraft and Castlevania segments.
PX360: Video Games Live has played some amazing locations (Comic-Con, Blizzcon, etc); which venue sticks out as the best?
Our first debut ground-breaking show ever at the Hollywood Bowl with the LA Philharmonic in front of 11,000 people. It was the biggest video game concert in the world and one that will always stick out and be special. Aside from that one... our shows down in Brazil are CRAZY! So many passionate people down there screaming, applauding and chanting throughout the entire performance! Taiwan was like that as well.
