While many of us could name three of four DJ’s off the bar, VJ’s are a little more hard to think of. VJ Tony Built is working to change that. From Boxers NYC to Fire Island and now to the brand new XL Nightclub in New York City, Tony Built is giving us all something we definitely need at a great happy hour; killer video mixes! Recently, Tony spoke to Entertainment Editor Cookie on what it takes to make a great video mix, and gives a sneak peek into what he has planned for XL.
How did you get into the world of VJ’ing?
I was a professional singer and actor first, but I had a survival job as a bartender as well. I watched a lot of videos standing behind the bar and I came up with numerous ideas about what I would do differently or what I could contribute behind the decks. When I saw an opportunity to learn how to video DJ and video edit, I took it. I thought creating video would give me more opportunities to bring humor and a sense of fun to a bar/club audience than just music alone.
There are a large number of DJ’s that may spin happy hour, but you are one of the few who actually does a “VJ Happy Hour”. How did you come up with such a creative concept?
There is no one else in New York City who creates his own video mash-ups, remixes the latest hit music video with it’s house/alternative sound, and spins live mixing audio and video simultaneously. This is what makes my sets completely unique.
Also, I will be hosting Happy Hour at XL as well. So, I won’t just be in the DJ booth. I will make time to go out on the floor and connect with our customers in a real and personal way.
What makes a fantastic video mix?
It really depends on what type of video I’m creating. If it’s a pop video remix, first it needs a terrific house/dance audio remix that adds something to the original single. Then I have to reflect that alteration in the music onto the screen, including the basic of re-syncing the singer’s lips to match the audio remix and sometimes that can require me to look at the video frame by frame.
My final goal is always to bring a sense of fun and excitement to the screen, while the music keeps the crowd moving.
Who are some of your favorite artists to create a VJ mix for? Ever have one of the artists approach you to do one for them?
There are certain artists that are so talented that they inspire me to up my game, like Adele. Then there are others who have great creative teams behind them, who produce detailed, fun and exciting video, which give me a great basis on which to build the remix, like Rihanna. Actually, I could list so many artists here who’s work I admire and I would love to be approached by all of them, but I know you have more questions.
What kind of a happy hour vibe do you want to give at XL?
I want XL’s Happy Hour to be a place you can come to decompress from your work day. A time to socialize with friends and meet new people, it should be a time to relax, laugh and let the music, imagery and atmosphere transport you.
How does it feel to be a big part of the next HUGE thing in New York City nightlife history?
I’m excited about what we can achieve at XL and bring to the NYC community. At this time, maybe more than any other, people need a place to have fun and forget about the stresses of their complicated lives. XL will be that place.
What’s next for Tony Built?
I am so focused on XL right now and making my contribution there that I’m not even thinking about what’s next. I do know that I thrive when I’m learning new things. So, I plan to continue to grow as a VJ/DJ and video editor and I believe that this will provide me with outstanding opportunities like “Tony Built’s Happy Hour at XL”.
Find out more about VJ Tony Built at http://tonybuilt.com.
While many of us could name three of four DJ’s off the bar, VJ’s are a little more hard to think of. VJ Tony Built is working to change that. From Boxers NYC to Fire Island and now to the brand new XL Nightclub in New York City, Tony Built is giving us all something we definitely need at a great happy hour; killer video mixes! Recently, Tony spoke to Entertainment Editor Cookie on what it takes to make a great video mix, and gives a sneak peek into what he has planned for XL.
