Final Fantasy, the one-man violin act, is planning to release an album called Heartland (his first release with Domino Records) on January 12. Only, this time, don’t go looking for this album in the “F” section at the record store.

Owen Pallett has opted to use his real name for his upcoming concept album to eliminate any confusion (and potential legal trouble) with the Final Fantasy video game series. Considering Heartland is expecting a Japanese release, it’s probably better to be safe than sorry. Any previous releases under the Final Fantasy moniker are expected to be re-packaged and re-released under Pallett’s real name. Here is his full explanation:

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