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Dec 18, 2009 Final Fantasy By Kyle Lemmon

The release of Owen Pallett’s Domino debut Heartland is very soon (January 12th to be exact). In lieu of he classically-inclined one man band’s forthcoming album, Pallett’s decided to drop his video game-inspired stage name, Final Fantasy. From now on, Owen Pallett will be simply known as Owen Pallett. Maybe Square/Enix lawyers are breathing down his neck to change up his handle? According to a message from Pallett, “the laws of trademark infringement exist for good reason, and so I am voluntarily retiring my band name.” Yeah, probably. Read the whole statement below. Also, check out Pallett’s upcoming tour dates here.

“Friends,

I began playing solo violin shows in 2004. Although it was essentially a solo project, I named the band Final Fantasy, as the experience—and the tone of the material—was reminiscent of the hours and hours I had spent as an adolescent playing those epic JRPGs.

But the laws of trademark infringement exist for good reason, and so I am voluntarily retiring my band name. In the new year, my record Heartland is coming out, and it is my first to be released in many territories, including Japan. With this in mind, I feel it is in my own best interests to definitively distinguish my music from Square/Enix’s games.

So, I am no longer playing shows as Final Fantasy. Subsequent releases, including Heartland, will be issued under my own name, Owen Pallett. Prior releases will sometime soon be re-packaged and re-issued.

I thank Square/Enix their kindness and support, and I thank you all for your understanding.

Salud!

Owen”

In related news, that all-HD Final Fantasy XIII game is looking mighty fine.

(www.myspace.com/owenpallettmusic)