VJ is an alien term

[sketchyj]

A few things happened this last week that made me realize how alien the term really is. The guy who approached me about getting a liquor license petitionfor The Church nightclub signed is a DJ who spins at one of the other clubs they own, The Funky Buddah. We started talking, and he uses Pioneer DVJX1s. When I told him that i'm a VJ, and began begging for a gig he was hesitant about it, asking what I spin. I had to explain that i'm a VJ, I don't control the music, after which he was much more receptive. It felt kinda weird that even the guys using DVJX1s needed explanation. Then tonight i'm at Guitar Center checking out prices because I have a big student loan check coming soon and i ask the guy behind the counter near the synth/DJ area if they stock Kaptivators. He thinks i am speaking Chinese and calls the other guy over "he will know for sure" , he says. The guy approaches all confident, smiling. What is it called? he says. He starts tapping really fast on his computer. Then he says "who makes it?" Korg. Finally he says, "We would have to order it. It's $2500. " I laugh and tell him I can get it in the prosound catalog for 2000. He goes down to $1999. Then i ask what all do they carry in the way of VJ equipment. "Not really anything" he says. The first guy pipes in and goes "pardon me for asking, but what is a VJ?" I explain what gear I use, and at the end of my spiel he looks surprised when I add that I don't have anything to do with the music. I almost asked if they had any good deals on used stagecoaches. What is the deal?? I've decided that since I have a lot more signiatures to obtain for the Church's liquor license thing, i'm going to ask people on the street a poll "what is a VJ?" and i will post the results.

[gpvillamil]

In Tokyo...

Almost every party has the VJ on the flyer.

Everyone knows a VJ is the guy at parties messing around with a computer, with a worried expression, and not the person introducing videos on MTV.

The two big music shops near where I live (granted, the epicenter of Tokyo clubland) have not one, but two VJ gear displays set up (each). One Korg based, with DVJX1s linked in, and the other all Edirol based. When I looked at it, the staff insisted on demo-ing the new Motion Dive console, and knew what they were doing!

But I guess it is a different market...

[BIOPTIX]

Here, from this English lawn,
Ringed round with ancient trees,
My spirit seeks the dawn
Across the Orient seas.
While dark the lengthening shadows grow,
I paint the land unknown, which yet in dreams know.

From 'Ode to Japan' by A.C.Benson

(sigh) :rolleyes:

[KillingFrenzy]

Just last night I was telling my fire performer friend that they should put up some "VJ Loops" on their website as a form of advertising.
BJ loops?!!! he said, horrified.
I had to explain to him what the hell I was talking about, and I've done visuals at events they performed at.
I bet BJ loops would get them some hits on their website :lick:

[sketchyj]

When I was VJing at Larumba, they took it upon themselves to post on their website that I performed the first ever VJ performance in Denver. Maybe for them it was, but how awful for all the other VJs who came before me here in Denver. I've talked with GP about what it's like in Tokyo, i've thought about moving there someday....the Guitar Center thing was so tragic, they should've known what the hell I was talking about. They should be displaying the products in store!!! They can stock hundreds of expensive studio mixers, lights and every other thing but they can't spare a little space for VJ stuff? Shiznitty.

[nocternal]

fair doos i agree with what your saying
BUT
are you really that fussed?
is it really that much of a big deal?

so what people dont know what a VJ is - at least you found em an told em.
and fair doos there arnt an abumndance of shops supplying V.J gear-but at least you can buy it of the net - which is probably gonna be cheaper anyway!
its blatantly where you live-i just moved from norwich where there are fuck all VJs - people who are outside of the "night" scene didnt know what the hell a VJ was (i actually did have a bouncer say "what,you wanna give me a BJ!?!"when i was trying to get into a club i was performing at underage - but hey that was almost like,3 years ago or something) BUT ive moved to bristol and a lot more people seem in the know how.
its still a growing thing though isnt it - i like that about VJing, its different,,

,,everyones a fucking DJ

[sleepytom]

"i do visuals" works much better than "i'm a VJ"

why should a shop sell stuff that nobody wants to buy?

[Anyone]

Just in case anyone is wondering,

I'm a VJ

VJ Anyone

[sleepytom]

if anyone is a vj then surely we all are?

[complexvisuals]

....the Guitar Center thing was so tragic, they should've known what the hell I was talking about. They should be displaying the products in store!!! They can stock hundreds of expensive studio mixers, lights and every other thing but they can't spare a little space for VJ stuff? Shiznitty.


Why should a "Guitar Centre" stock VJ gear?

[Anyone]

if anyone is a vj then surely we all are?

I would say so, exactly

[littlecatalyst]

wow 3 good laughs in one thread, thanks sketchy complex tom

[sketchyj]

I decided to write the store manager a letter, hopefully it will explain why I am so fussed:

January 12, 2006

I visited your store yesterday and I felt the need to write a letter in the hopes that it can do something to help both of our interests. I am a VJ, and normally I am used to having to explain what that is and what I do to people. Often, I also have to educate working DJs and nightclub management as to exactly what VJs do when approaching them for gigs. The most common misconception is that VJs have something to do with the music. VJs do not select the music, nor do they trigger audio in any way. Neither do they bring in prerecorded content and simply play video. They perform video live in time with the beat, and they are much more closely related to musicians than they are to DJs. The typical VJ rig utilizes a computer running some type of VJ software like Arkaos VJ, Resolume, or Motion Dive, to name a few. The VJ will program a set of clips for each gig, consisting of hundreds of short video clips, usually ranging from 1 to 5 seconds per clip, each one mapped out to a specific key on a MIDI keyboard controller. Different effects are also chosen and mapped out on the keyboard, either attached directly to the clip or separately on its own key. Often the clips are scratched back and forth to the beat using the slider control on the keyboard. Many of the clips are programmed to have portions of them (such as the background) keyed out so that the clips can be layered over other clips or on top of a live video feed from a camera. The camera outputs, computer output, and other feeds are routed to a video mixer such as an Edirol V4, which is designed specifically for VJ use, incorporating a DJ style crossfader, effects, and no audio features. All this requires a VJ to constantly think and move in order to keep the visuals rolling along and grooving to the beat of the music. Serious VJs realize that using a computer as part of a live performance rig is often unreliable and can result in embarrassing crashes and MIDI controllers that only work part of the time, resulting in embarrassing computer reboots. I myself have been dealing with these issues and they are not fun when they arise in front of 1000 people at the club. So, for some time, we VJs have been complaining loudly for companies like Korg and Edirol(Roland) to build us some real instruments that we can take on stage and perform with reliably. Korg came through with the Entrancer, similar to the Kaoss Pad used by DJs, and the Kaptivator, a unit which eliminates the computer/MIDI controller setup altogether. Edirol has the V4 video mixer and the CG-8 visual synthesizer, among others. The Prosound catalog has a few pages dedicated to all these as well as some other VJ gear by other companies. So I stopped by your store to check out some prices, i’m in the market for a Kaptivator specifically. The first guy I talked to behind the counter in the synth/.DJ department had not a clue what a Korg Kaptivator was, and flagged down another guy who, “would know for sure.” The other guy had never heard of it, and began typing into the computer, looking for answers. “What is it?” he asked. The explanation wasn’t helping. “Who makes it?” Korg. Finally, he found it in the computer. “We have to order it, it’s $2500.00”, he says. I told him it’s in the Prosound catalog for $2000. and he said he can go $1999. Just a suggestion, but anyone tech savvy enough to be buying a $2000. Korg product knows how to price check on google. You might be better off just giving the lowest price from the start and leaving the wheeling and dealing to the car salesmen. So then I ask what all do you carry in the way of VJ gear and he says “Not really anything.” I know that you carry Arkaos software usually, but the fact that a major chain like Guitar Center doesn’t carry basic VJ hardware is very disheartening. The first salesman I had talked to finally jumps in and says “Pardon me for asking, but what is a VJ?” Normally i am used to answering this question, but coming from the salesman at Guitar Center it just felt tragic. Both guys were friendly and as helpful as they could be. But it concerns me that the people running your company are either ignorant or have chosen not to notice that major brands like Korg and Roland/Edirol are producing gear now for VJs. I was somewhat happy to see that your store was carrying the Pioneer DVJX1 some time back, but, although nice, this product is not really aimed at VJs. It is really more of a high end DJ unit, something DJs can use to add music videos to their sets. VJs don’t really need something that produces audio, and it has never really caught on as a piece of gear that VJs need, especially at the $2500+ price point. The reason that I am taking the time to write you this letter is because I have a vested interest in seeing that these Edirol and Korg VJ products succeed. VJs need them, and if stores like yours won’t even carry them then it’s likely that these products will not continue to be developed, and the technology that we as VJs need cannot evolve. Please help us by educating your staff and clearing out a tiny corner of your store for at least the basic VJ stuff like the Edirol V4, the Korg Entrancer, and the Korg Kaptivator. An Edirol CG-8 would be nice but we will understand if you don’t want to stock a $4500 VJ synth. If you need someone to come out and give hardware or software demos on a certain day I would be willing to help out any way I can. Guitar Center is the first place that comes to mind when I think about where I would look for gear like this, and I hope that you can help us in educating people about the exploding VJ culture. When i’m not producing video content for use at my gigs, I sometimes take a break and create 3D stills of my favorite VJ gear for my friends in the industry using a program called Cinema 4D. I’ve enclosed some pics of my recent work. Maybe if you pass them around the store at least the sales staff will have a better idea of what some of the products look like when someone comes in looking for them.

Sincerely,




Jason Kelso
VJ Sketchy J

[nocternal]

please tell me you didnt actually send this letter?

wtf?i really cant understand what the issue with telling people "IM A VJ!you must know what a VJ is!you must know what a VJ set up is!"

i want to quote your lat post,but theres too much!ive gotta leave work in 5 mins i dont have enough time...
..mayby i will when i have a spair half hour kicking around

just sounds like a vauge attempt in catching someones interest so they say "ooh-your a ....veeeeee....jaaaaay-wow that sounds exciting-your really cool"
oh i dunno, mayby im over-reacting,but thats my 20p

[complexvisuals]

Sketchy, is there no end to you. Writing a letter to a store manager to tell him about yourself. Were you not hugged as a kid?

[visualove]

The situation we have: Vjing proven to be a successful pursuit - as proved in Tokyo + no one knowing about it some places in the world.

This is the perfect condition, because the possibility to make your mark, and maybe make your living is completely free of local competition.

[nocternal]

i agree

yes - its great that VJing is growing from strength to strength
yes - its great that there arn't 50,000 Vjs per city

[sleepytom]

why don't you run down the hill in the middle of the road wearing your helmet shouting "I'M A VJ, A VJ GOD DAMN IT. DOES NOBODY UNDERSTAND WHAT A MUTHAFUKIN VJ IS???"

...and see how long it takes someone to shoot you!

[Rovastar]

yes - its great that there arn't 50,000 Vjs per city

Some places in the UK it does feel like there are. :)

[nocternal]

why don't you run down the hill in the middle of the road wearing your helmet shouting "I'M A VJ, A VJ GOD DAMN IT. DOES NOBODY UNDERSTAND WHAT A MUTHAFUKIN VJ IS???"

...and see how long it takes someone to shoot you!

haha - good mental image there

Some places in the UK it does feel like there are. - really? well i havnt encountered any yet, , , , ,thankfully!although that being said i havny really been out looking for gigs in Bristol yet,,,,and i did move from Norwich:scared:

[sketchyj]

nocturnal, you get a pass because you are a kid, but i'm not writing that letter for the reasons you think I am. I am writing it for all of us, because to have our VJ products on display at a megastore like guitar center would do more to promote awareness about our invisible VJ culture than I think you realize. I understand that you think it's cool that VJs are "underground" or whatever, but if you look at the bigger picture, VJs are nothing without the gear. And the bigger the market for the gear, the better the gear will become. I'm not going to change everything with one letter to Guitar Center, but I will damn well try to do my part.

[BIOPTIX]

haha - good mental image there

Some places in the UK it does feel like there are. - really? well i havnt encountered any yet, , , , ,thankfully!although that being said i havny really been out looking for gigs in Bristol yet,,,,and i did move from Norwich:scared:

Hee, hee, I too had the misfortune of growing up in Norwich :scared: so I know how you feel mate. Where the hell did you start VJing? The only gig I remember going to with visuals was a rare Dub and Reggae event at the Arts Center (yes even roots music is rare in Naarich). Of course there were always the rave parties going on. When I arrived in Brighton I thought I was in heaven, but I suppose the novelty quickly wears off when the place gets saturated. Maybe Tokyo Japan isn't so sweet after all, but the grass is always greener...We'll look back one day saying 'remember the good old days when people thought Vjing was about giving head (of course that all changed after Sketchyj got his arms blown off in the street)'.
What we need is a martyr. :pirate:

[nocternal]

dont fucking patronise me with your kid "underground" bull shit,where the hell did you get kid from anyway?as far as you know im older than your dad who never hugged you

who the fuck do you think you are talking to me like that?
you dont know me,you dont know anything about me,just remember that the next time you write an abbusive letter claiming to be talking for me

[nocternal]

yeh man the Arts Centre was where I learned to VJ!
i did a course with 2bit about 3 1/2 years ago now,,then started VJing at Junktruffle with 2bit,then just carried on VJin with 2bit and 2 of my mates - jona & jody who also did the course,together, we are, the A.V.ologists!!!
an jus carried on from there really, i owe all my shit to 2bit (dont know why that was supposed to sound good) as without them i woulda never got into VJing - known what the fuck to do/buy/film - even found this place (which they told me about on my the 1st day of the course!)!!!
big up paul,jamie & marcus - big up 2bittv,big up the VJ-wooooo!

you say you live in Brighton, i gotta gig there on the,,,5th (i think) of march...do you have a V4 i could hire for the night????

[BIOPTIX]

you say you live in Brighton, i gotta gig there on the,,,5th (i think) of march...do you have a V4 i could hire for the night????

Sorry Nocternal, I'm actually living in Berlin Germany at the moment so I can't do much for you there. On second thoughts, there was a guitar shop around the corner......sorry just kidding. ;)

[nocternal]

Sorry Nocternal, I'm actually living in Berlin Germany at the moment so I can't do much for you there. On second thoughts, there was a guitar shop around the corner......sorry just kidding. ;)

ooooooooooh


SHIT biopix, thats all you had to saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay

[sketchyj]

I assumed you were a kid because of the poor grammar and the spelling errors. Sleepytom, shouldn't you be out VJing for the Whitesnake reunion tour at Six Flags or something? Or chasing kids off of your front lawn?

[BIOPTIX]

ooooooooooh

SHIT biopix, thats all you had to saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay

Ha, ha. Maybe Sleepytom could point you in the right direction, he's based in Brighton and knows the score about pretty much everything that is 'VJ'. Good luck with the gig, it's a shame I'll miss out on seeing some homegrown talent at work.

[complexvisuals]

I assumed you were a kid because of the poor grammar and the spelling errors. Sleepytom, shouldn't you be out VJing for the Whitesnake reunion tour at Six Flags or something? Or chasing kids off of your front lawn?


You have to be the most irritating person I've encountered online.

You go on about gettin VJing into the public domain, but yet you slag off someone thats been doing it for years and has performed to more people that you ever will. Every day I wait for another one of your silly little posts about the life of Sketchy J. You were even thick enough to post an email saying you were a bit mental and you broke stuff up. It's OK for you to do that, but then you call someone a kid cos their grammar was incorrect. You my dear lad, are a fool. Enough

[nocternal]

I assumed you were a kid because of the poor grammar and the spelling errors. Sleepytom, shouldn't you be out VJing for the Whitesnake reunion tour at Six Flags or something? Or chasing kids off of your front lawn?


oh sketchy,what are you like eh?

nah brav iz ghetto talk yeh?beein in nowich for da pas 10 yeaz,ya gotta look awt fo yaself nah meen?some old peep talk all posh like yoo get phuked up in 5 minitz flat nah wot im sayin?

haha

you may accuse me of being young considering my complete disregard of the English language and its grammatical laws but I say that one is best judged by ones actions and it is YOU,sir that is acting in an infantile manner....

[sketchyj]

OMG you even spelled nocturnal wrong:roll:

[sleepytom]

LOL

f swaarn fro naarich you speaks reet praper

[gpvillamil]

I decided to write the store manager a letter, hopefully it will explain why I am so fussed:

...

Probably a matter of tone, really. Maybe it would be more effective to do something along the lines of

"Hey, I've got an idea that will make you Guitar Center manager of the month! And will get me lots of attention! I will help you spearhead your entry into the exploding VJ world, by advising you on products and lending you content! In return, you will stock some products, train your staff, and hold events. How's that?" vs. "your staff sucks, they don't know about xyz (which you probably don't know about either)".

When you're asking someone for something, sometimes it helps to lead with what's in it for them. (Though sometimes, making unreasonable demands is the surest way to get someone into your power...)

[sketchyj]

yeah GP I looked it over and realized it was going to be a mistake, no worries it's not going out.:gag:
http://tinypic.com/k3rnrr.jpg

[hamageddon]

what was the point of the thread again? why did it end up in The future Forum?
ah nevermind. This Thread has No Future now. closed.