The term “VJ” stands for “visual jockey.” It is sometimes referred to as “video jockey” or “video DJ.” I like the word “visual” because, for me, VJ-ing doesn’t necessarily mean I’m using video all the time.

Wikipedia defines “VJ-ing” as…

…a broad designation for real-time visual performance. Characteristics of VJ-ing are the creation or manipulation of imagery in real-time through technological mediation and for an audience, in synchronization to music. … VJ-ing is manipulation or selection of visuals, the same way DJ-ing is a selection and manipulation of audio.

One of the key elements in the practice of VJ-ing is the real-time mix of content from a “library of media,” on storage media such as VHS tapes or DVD disks, video and still image files on computer hard drives, live camera input, or from a computer generated visuals. In addition to the selection of media, VJ-ing mostly implies real-time processing of the visual material.

There are a few keywords to pay attention to here: real-time, creation, selection, manipulation, and mix of content.

There is a real-time element where visuals are being selected, manipulated and mixed with other types of content… LIVE. Visuals may be scripted and planned ahead, but they are executed (or curated) in real-time. It’s so much more than changing the next slide.

The art of VJ-ing has been around for many decades. It emerged from the club/rave scene and has been especially popular in Europe and Asian countries, like Japan. There are VJ conferences all over the world where visual performers meet-up, collaborate, compete, and dream up new technologies. One such conference is the LPM (Live Performers Meeting).

“VJ-ing” is a not a new, fancy way to describe “media presentation.” There is a difference between the two. Now a VJ might also be in charge of presenting media content at some point during an event, but being a media presenter doesn’t necessarily make you a VJ. But I do believe VJ-ing is the next evolutionary step for many involved in worship media presentation.

I have re-framed the definition of VJ-ing as this: one who curates and projects visual media in order to create an environment and tell a story.

And a “visual worship leader” might be a VJ, but not always. That’s another discussion. =)

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