VJing: making live shows picture perfect
It might be easier to describe what VJing is by explaining what it is not: hipster “TV personalities” you love or loathe filling time between music videos — if the station even plays those anymore.
London native, Skot Deeming, has been VJing for about eight years and usually has to clarify to those asking that his job doesn't involve commenting on The Hills or debuting the new Jonas Brothers' video.
What his job does involve is a visual art that has a history rooted in underground rave culture and is just now getting some mainstream attention.
Case in point: Deeming and his VJ partner, Winnipeg's Meghan Athavale, will be bringing their skills to LOLA Fest 2009's Rogers main stage working with the headliners.
The idea behind VJing involves a live video performance.
“It's similar to what DJs do, but with video,” explained Deeming, by phone in Winnipeg. “You're making a music video in real time as the music's being played.”
Deeming and Athavale, known by their group name Hello World, take footage from the Internet, DVDs, scenes they've shot themselves, still images and custom animation, done by Athavale, and meld them together for a visual spectacle. Deeming currently has about 3000 video clips in his library.
They usually perform alongside a DJ or band. Their show has some similarities with their fellow performers.
“We're playing live but we just happen to be playing videos,” said Deeming. “It gives the audience a more layered experience.”
“It grabs attention and adds an element people enjoy more. People tend to end up on the dance floor when videos are going.”
The idea of playing pictures to music may seem basic but a lot goes on behind the scenes.
If a band has asked for a VJ, usually preparation lasts a week and the theme of the videos is discussed in advance. If they're hired at the last minute, a lot of their work is fast-paced and improvised, which requires a keen knowledge of music and its nuances, said Deeming.
“I listen to a lot of music closely and know where the changes are going to be,” said Deeming. “(Sometimes) I sense when the changes are going to be and go with it.”
“It takes a lot of focus and an extreme gift in multitasking.”
As the two get ready for LOLA, Deeming's particularly excited about showing family and friends who have supported him at home what he's been up to since he relocated to Winnipeg early this year.
“I feel like I've really grown, my mixing is way tighter,” he said.
Besides any hometown reunions, he's also excited to be in the city as it shows off its artistic talents.
“So much of the art happens below the surface (but) the city is actually a cultural centre,” he said.
Visit http://www.lolafest.com for more information on Hello World, other performances, installations and more. For more information on Skot Deeming, visit: www.mrghosty.net, or Meghan Athavale at www.pomoproject.com.
London native, Skot Deeming, has been VJing for about eight years and usually has to clarify to those asking that his job doesn't involve commenting on The Hills or debuting the new Jonas Brothers' video.
What his job does involve is a visual art that has a history rooted in underground rave culture and is just now getting some mainstream attention.
Case in point: Deeming and his VJ partner, Winnipeg's Meghan Athavale, will be bringing their skills to LOLA Fest 2009's Rogers main stage working with the headliners.
The idea behind VJing involves a live video performance.
“It's similar to what DJs do, but with video,” explained Deeming, by phone in Winnipeg. “You're making a music video in real time as the music's being played.”
Deeming and Athavale, known by their group name Hello World, take footage from the Internet, DVDs, scenes they've shot themselves, still images and custom animation, done by Athavale, and meld them together for a visual spectacle. Deeming currently has about 3000 video clips in his library.
They usually perform alongside a DJ or band. Their show has some similarities with their fellow performers.
“We're playing live but we just happen to be playing videos,” said Deeming. “It gives the audience a more layered experience.”
“It grabs attention and adds an element people enjoy more. People tend to end up on the dance floor when videos are going.”
The idea of playing pictures to music may seem basic but a lot goes on behind the scenes.
If a band has asked for a VJ, usually preparation lasts a week and the theme of the videos is discussed in advance. If they're hired at the last minute, a lot of their work is fast-paced and improvised, which requires a keen knowledge of music and its nuances, said Deeming.
“I listen to a lot of music closely and know where the changes are going to be,” said Deeming. “(Sometimes) I sense when the changes are going to be and go with it.”
“It takes a lot of focus and an extreme gift in multitasking.”
As the two get ready for LOLA, Deeming's particularly excited about showing family and friends who have supported him at home what he's been up to since he relocated to Winnipeg early this year.
“I feel like I've really grown, my mixing is way tighter,” he said.
Besides any hometown reunions, he's also excited to be in the city as it shows off its artistic talents.
“So much of the art happens below the surface (but) the city is actually a cultural centre,” he said.
Visit http://www.lolafest.com for more information on Hello World, other performances, installations and more. For more information on Skot Deeming, visit: www.mrghosty.net, or Meghan Athavale at www.pomoproject.com.
