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SANDER KLIENENBERG ON DVD MIXING



Words: Tom Kihl



Sander Klienenberg played a showcase set in Miami this year using Pioneer�s groundbreaking DVJ-X1 DVD/CD players. We talk to him about the future of mixing visuals and music.



�It�s like the second dimension for DJs�, says Sander Klienenberg, fresh from the world premiere of his latest project.

He�s been taken on board by Pioneer to showcase the latest version on their wildly successful CDJ-1000 CD turntable, the one that plays DVDs too.



�Essentially it�s the CDJ-1000 with a video out,� he says. But the possibilities this creates have been exciting DJs who wish to bring a new visual mixing element to their sets.



Sander worked for three months preparing his DVD set. Making the visuals, setting them to music and working out the whole performance. It was a daring project, as it was treading new ground for both him, and for the clubbers on the night.



�The thing I was most afraid of was; would people actually realise what was happening? Would they see how the beats work and realise that it was all in key? But people really got it.�



The visual side of clubbing and mixing is something Sander has always been interested in. Around 12 years ago, when he DJed in a small local club in Holland, he used to play video clips off VHS tapes and if he was lucky, actually mix the visuals in time with the tunes. Fast forward to Miami 2004 and he�s leading the way for others to follow with this experimental new technology.



�I hope its going to make house music more visual,� he says. �Instead of doing a mix for a radio station, DJs can go to straight to MTV with a complete hour of programming. They all want that, so it�s very, very exciting. I feel the whole scene could benefit from this.�



He�s not wrong. Imagine the effect that such TV exposure could give to dance music, particularly in the USA, where the traditional TV format of rock star/big money video just hasn�t accommodated the often faceless, non-vocal world of dance music.



But what about the growing number of dedicated VJs out there too. Isn�t this letting the DJ step on their visual territory somewhat? Sander sees the two as infinitely compatible. �The reality is that no mixers control audio and visuals at the same time, and even if they did, it would be impossible to get content to each and every track you play out. So I hope more DJs will team up with a group of VJs who can give them that content and be with them on the tours. Then, when you play a track from the DVD you sort of blend it into the visuals that are already there. It needs to be done.�



With DJs everywhere increasingly using new technology to add to their sets via creating live samples and loops and using computers, efx units and such like, it�s only a matter of time before a visual element become another part of their growing arsenal of digital tricks. And then, with the similar advances in VJ technology, who knows what clubbing may look like in a few years time�



Sander will be DVDJ-ing (or whatever you want to call it) at 10 special gigs in Ibiza this summer, so make sure you keep your eyes and ears open for those.

Good comment!

That's cool. Now they're gonna have to start putting out "extended mixes" of all the hit songs for mixing. Not hip hop (or probably not) but all the house tunes they only ever do a "radio mix" to in video will have to change. This thing'll probably make more groups do videos now. That, and who wants to start a new x-mix/ultimix/selectmix style video remixing service?

-r-

Good find

make sure you post this in the Star Lounge so you get some freebies

there are video pools making remix videos for songs now so you do have something to work with other than the radio edits.. Rockamerica, Promo Only, and Screenplay Inc all have monthly series that incorporate longer versions.