In the intricate world of video game music, where melodies often transcend their digital origins to find a home in concert halls worldwide, a recent controversy has stirred involving the sketchball of the industry Tommy Tallarico, a "composer" (Heavy emphasis on the quotation marks) and the former CEO (but still president? I dunno... tbh, it's hard to keep up with wtf they're even doing over there) of Intellivision.
The issue centers around allegations that Tallarico has been marketing music arrangements for his Video Games Live (VGL) concerts that he does not have the legal rights to sell. Wouldn't that be something...
At the heart of this controversy is Laura Intravia, a respected composer and vocalist known for her contributions to popular video games such as "Destiny 2," "Mortal Kombat," and "Darksiders 3." Intravia's work includes the creation of the Zelda 25th Anniversary Medley for Tallarico's VGL project, a medley that has since become a bone of contention.
Intravia has expressed her frustrations on social media, highlighting that her compositions have been distributed to orchestras without her consent. While she refrains from directly naming Tallarico, her statements hint strongly at his involvement. Intravia points out that orchestras which continue to perform her Zelda medley are aware of the dispute yet choose to proceed, ignoring her rights as the creator.
Additionally, she mentions an instance where her flute solo was transcribed by ear, further illustrating the unauthorized use of her work.
The conversation around this issue also touched upon the potential for legal action. Intravia clarified that the arrangements were made without a formal contract granting exclusive distribution rights to anyone, a move she asserts she would never have consented to. This situation suggests a complex legal and ethical puzzle, emphasizing the importance of respecting creators' rights in the music industry.
Tallarico, a veteran trickster in the video game music scene, has recently faced other challenges, including stepping down as CEO of Intellivision after... to put it nicely... difficulties in launching the Amico console. Additionally, his personal life, including the sale of his home — which he falsely claimed was featured on MTV's Cribs — has come under scrutiny, reflecting the tumultuous period he is navigating.
This incident sheds light on the broader issues of copyright and ownership in the creative industries, particularly in areas where art intersects with commercial interests. It serves as a reminder of the need for clear agreements and respect for intellectual property rights, ensuring that creators are duly recognized and compensated for their contributions. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the dispute will be resolved and what implications it will have for the individuals involved and the industry at large. Once again, Tommy is at the center of another scummy controversy.
~Smash
