Gigs & business
VJ
A VJ performs visuals live alongside a DJ or band — mixing video, generative graphics and lighting cues in time with the music. It is a parallel performance rather than a backdrop.
In practice
A parallel performance, not a backdrop. Tell them what is coming and they can land it with you.
Introduce yourself before doors and agree two things: how they will know when something big is coming, and whether they need tempo from your equipment. A hand signal is enough for the first and is used more than people expect. Beyond that, treat them the way you would an MC — someone performing at the same time as you whose work is better when they know what you are planning.
Before doors
When to talk
2
Things to agree
Hand signal
What most people use
Where these come from: Live-performance practice, not a catalog figure. For what we can measure, see where tempo sync comes from.
Why it matters
A good VJ responds to the set rather than running a loop, which means they need to hear where you are going. Telling them roughly what is coming — a breakdown, a drop, a change of pace — is the difference between visuals that land with the music and visuals that happen near it.
They also frequently need something from your rig. Tempo sync over the network, or at least a clear line of sight to the decks, and knowing that in advance avoids the conversation happening while both of you are trying to start.
Frequently asked
Does a VJ need anything from my equipment?+
Often tempo sync over the network, or failing that a clear view of the decks. Worth agreeing before doors rather than while you are both starting.
How do I work with a VJ?+
Tell them what is coming. A hand signal for a build or a drop is enough, and it is the difference between visuals landing with the music and near it.
Are visuals just a backdrop?+
A looped video is. A VJ performing live is a parallel performance responding to your set, which is a different thing entirely.
Related terms
Pro DJ Link
Pro DJ Link is the Ethernet network that joins several players and a mixer. One USB stick feeds every deck, the players share tempo and beat position, and lighting or recording software can read the whole rig from one connection.
MC
An MC works the microphone over a DJ set — hyping the crowd, introducing records, and in some genres performing lyrics over the music. In others the role is closer to a host who speaks rarely.
Live PA
A live PA is a performance where the music is played or built rather than mixed from finished records — hardware, software instruments, or a hybrid. It is a different booking with different technical needs.
Hybrid set
A hybrid set mixes records in the ordinary way while adding live elements — a drum machine, a synth, vocals, or stems triggered alongside. It sits between a DJ set and a live PA.
Explore: Planning a festival set · Pro DJ Link · DJ booth · All DJ terms