Have you ever seen music? India’s first Disco Video Jockey or DVJ Vicky blends his music with beautiful visuals to create a complete experience, says Shirin Mehrotra.
When the DJ at a party in Pune failed to turn up Vicky was deputed to take care of the music. After the amazing response he received that night there was no looking back for him. He started his career as an assistant DJ at Club Crystal Ball in Pune but it was his 6 year stint at Quorum in Indore which gave him a chance to explore technology and give a visual treat to the enthusiastic crowd. As a Disco Video Jockey, Vicky puts up a complete audio-video set where he mixes the tracks with their original videos. He incorporates motion graphics, videos of rare concerts and syncs them with the music. At present DVJ Vicky is a resident DJ at Grillopolis in Andheri but he keeps shuttling between Mumbai, Indore, Pune and Delhi for gigs and concerts.
1. What inspired you to mix your music with visuals and become a DVJ instead of a regular DJ?
We all trust our eyes more than our ears. I used to watch concerts like Pink Floyd – PULSE, Chemical Brothers, Amon Tobin and used to get captivated by the stunning background visuals. The whole play of video and effects got me hooked and I got interested in the concept of mixing audio and video. Watching the video while dancing adds to the whole party experience and as an artist your creativity goes up to a different level.
2. Did you see any difference in the music scene in other cities when compared to Mumbai?
Yes, there is a lot of difference in the music scene of Mumbai and other cities like Pune and Indore. In Mumbai people accept all genres of music easily and there is an audience for each genre while other cities are still opening up to the new genres like tech house, techno, dub step , drum n bass, glitch hop.
3. Which is your most memorable New Year gig?
You know, every year on the 1st of Jan I feel that this was maybe the most memorable one but then another 31st Dec happens and it never fails to surprise me. So far it has been 15 New Year gigs including the ones at Baga beach in Goa, Residency club in Pune, Quorum in Indore and Grillopolis in Mumbai and each has been equally memorable.
4. Where are you playing this New Year’s Eve?
I’m doing a 3D audio-video mash up night for a private party at a farmhouse. I will be mixing videos instead of abstract visuals. So, on a big LED screen setup, you can watch your favourite artist and dance along like they do.
5. Any weird request by a guest that you remember?
There have been so many that I can write a book on it. But yeah, I clearly remember this guy in his mid 20’s who came up to me with a serious face and said, “half of the people in this party have heart problems, so please don’t play any songs with beats in it.”
6. Have you seen a drop in the number of party goers in Mumbai since its nightlife has been attacked?
Not really, people are still keen on partying. The kind of lifestyle Mumbaikars have, partying and socialising is the only way to relax. Moreover, there is a good side to it too, like before these attacks how many people knew that you need a liquor license for drinking as well or how many people were aware about their rights if ever they got in trouble while partying.
With his own DJ Academy in Indore DVJ Vicky is training a whole new bunch of DVJs who are already playing at clubs and lounges like Quorum, Shiros, Lounge 2 etc. To witness his AVM Nights we suggest that you drop in at Grillopolis soon.
