Jillian Aversa

My New Video Game Cover Band!

Big news, everyone!  I’ve started a band with some of my closest musical buddies, and we just released our first single: “Tetris Play You.”  Our group name is Block Party.  So please, give us a warm welcome and check out this new smash hit!  Lyrics and info below:

Band: Block Party
Song: “Tetris Play You”
Link: http://www.jillianaversa.com/audio/Block_Party_Tetris_Play_You.mp3
Starring:

• Vinnie Prabhu as Square
• Amy Hsieh as T
• Stevo Bortz as Z
• Jillian Aversa as L
• Andrew Aversa as Pole

Lyrics:

Verse 1  [Vinnie - Square]

I am the Square.
You can put me over there,
In the middle or the corner;
I don’t care.

Look at me!
Perfect symmetry.
Rotate all you want.
It’s the same, you see.

Verse 2  [Amy - T]

T is my name,
And my claim to fame:
I can fill any hole
And have no shame.

Twist and bend,
Put me on the end
Or flat on my back.
Baby, it’s the trend!

Chorus  [All]

Lots of pieces;
We’re in trouble.
Height increases…
Clear us all out!

Verse 3  [Stevo - Z]

Hey guys, it’s me.
It’s your old pal Z!
My twin brother’s on the way.
Then we’ll start the party!

Oops!  I forgot
To fit in my slot,
Guess I’m stuck here now…
[All]: Gee, THANKS A LOT!

Verse 4  [Jill - L]

Make way for zee L,
For I am la belle.
Enchanté!
My design juste fits so well.

Sleek physique -
Darling, it’s trés chic.
Ah!  I cleared two rows.
Was zat not what you seek?

Chorus  [All]

Lots of pieces;
We’re in trouble.
Height increases…
Clear us all out!

Verse 5  [Andy - Pole]

Da, it is I.
You are wonder why
There is so many lines?
Make me want to cry.

What is goal?
I fall into hole.
You have rows need clearinks?
You call Pole.

Chorus [All]

Thank you, Pole block.
You’re our hero.
Beat the time clock.
Now we’re all out!

But descending
Is our torment.
Never-ending,
What’s this about?

Video Games Unplugged: Symphony of Legends

I’m psyched to announce that I will be performing as a soloist with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra soon for a special concert event, Video Games Unplugged: Symphony of Legends!  Hosted by Scott Kurtz (PvP Online) and Kris Straub (Penny Arcade TV) with special guest Wil Wheaton (Star Trek: The Next Generation, The Big Bang Theory), the concert will feature music from modern game soundtracks as well as some favorite classics.  Dying to know what’s on the program?  Feast your ears upon Soulcalibur V, Skyrim, Diablo III, Assassin’s Creed II, Uncharted 2 & 3, Civilization IV, Bioshock 2, World of Warcraft, Starcraft II, Shadow of the Colossus, Final Fantasy VII, and Secret of Mana!

The concert will take place April 12th, 7:00pm in Plenary Hall of the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Center — Melbourne, Australia. Tickets for sale here!   Though I’m always a little nervous before any major performance, I’m really looking forward to this one; it will be the first time I’ve performed live as a soloist with full orchestra in my professional career (i.e. outside of school).  Not to mention that I mayyyy have had an itty bitty crush on Wil Wheaton, growing up in a family of hardcore Trekkies. 

For more information check out the Symphony of Legends website at www.videogamesunplugged.com.au.  Hope to see you there!

GDC 2012 and GANG Award Nomination

I’m here in San Francisco for my third Game Developer’s Conference.  If you see me, don’t be shy; say hi!  This year, Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary is up for Best Original Soundtrack Album at the GANG Awards.  I performed all the female vocal parts on this release with a total of 9 contributed tracks, so it’s an exciting time.  You can find the entire soundtrack on both Amazon and iTunes , and hear clips from some of my songs specifically here on my soundtrack page.  Andrew and I are having a blast catching up with industry buddies and meeting lots of new people!  I’ve been handing out some of my nifty little business card CDs, but feel free to check out the new vocal demo reels here as well: http://jillianaversa.com/music/demos/  Hope you’re enjoying yourself, and see you around.

My Behind the Scenes Interview for Soulcalibur V

If you have a moment, check out this behind-the-scenes video detailing my involvement with the Soulcalibur V original soundtrack.  This is a very special project to me, not only because it includes my first co-writing credit in a major video game title (the ending theme, “Breeze At Dawn,” with Cris Velasco), but also the experience of recording at Fox Studios’ Trackdown Soundstage in Sydney, Australia was particularly memorable.  Pick up the deluxe soundtrack here, or download volumes one, two, and three – all available on iTunes!

Soulcalibur V and OST Now Available!

Soulcalibur V is now out for both Xbox 360 and Playstation 3!  You can pick it up on Amazon or any other video game retailer of your choice.  The deluxe soundtrack is also shipping now, featuring three full CDs and a “making of” DVD.  This was an amazing musical collaboration between composers from both the Western and Eastern scene — including my fantastically talented husband, Andrew “zircon” Aversa.  I co-wrote and performed the ending theme (“The Breeze at Dawn”) with Cris Velasco, and also provided improvised vocals for the cinematic piece “Silent Grief” by Tomoki Miyoshi.  Most of the soundtrack was recorded live by the Eminence Symphony Orchestra in Sydney, Australia, and it was all mixed by legendary recording engineer John Kurlander (Lord of the Rings trilogy). So what are you waiting for?!