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Hail the humble VJ
06.07.07
The Shoreditch Warehouse will host a series of parties combining DJing, VJing and art installation
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Spare a thought for the humble VJ, forever in the shadow of their more celebrated, better paid colleague, the dance music DJ.
VJs, for the uninitiated, are video jockeys - live performers of visuals in clubs, mixing up images in much the same way that the DJ mixes records. VJs blend and superimpose various video sources into a live motion composition which complements the sounds that the DJ is throwing down. This used to mean cheesy snapshots of gurning clubbers or less-than-subtle giant projections of the letter E. But things have moved on.
Today, club projections are more like slick short films, punctuated to time with the beats of the music. Just as every self-respecting club has kitted itself out with ear-splitting Funktion 1 speakers, promoters have also realised the importance of spectacular visuals.
So, in London, at least, the VJ's time has come. From looking like some chaps at the back of the room who seem to be fixing a computer server, to being regarded as the visual architects of a successful club night is a huge leap, and it's down to both advanced technology and a number of switched-on club promoters who recognise the need for envelope-pushing visuals.
In the last week alone, Cargo has seen two VJ-led nights. Long-time AV specialists Hexstatic dropped in to do their thing and there was a DJ and VJ battle a couple of nights later. The big news, though, is the arrival of new night Wax at the little-known Shoreditch Warehouse (Plough Yard, Worship Street, EC2). This venue will host a series of eight Saturday parties from tomorrow, combining DJing, VJing and art installation.
Celebrated graffiti artist Tec One will be working on the walls and ceiling as you dance, while Ninja Tunes VJ Mox will be using the panoramic screens and a video wall made out of retro TVs to showcase his wild visuals.
Although few clubs in London are yet to truly embrace the VJ as an essential for any big night, those heading to Ministry or Fabric this weekend might also want to take a closer look around. As befits their "superclub" status, both venues regularly use celebrated visual artists and AV specialists to provide all-around sensory experience.
Old ravers may crave lasers but today's clubbers know that the VJ experience can turn a good club night into an unforgettable one.
• clubland@thelondonlite.co.uk
