We recently connected with Madison Evans and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Madison thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I knew I wanted to pursue Digital Art and Vjing ever since I started going to music festivals. My first music festival was in 2016 at Bonnaroo. I fell in love with the festival atmosphere first. The loving nature and generosity of the attendees, the no limits structure of art, and the happiness (or “festival magic” as we and my friends call it) that resonates through the festival grounds. I knew this was an energy I craved from the start since its so different from our normal lives.
I became enthralled with the visual art displays consisting of anything from live paining to an insane projection mapped stage that felt unique and immersive to the attendees to the perfectly timed visuals that make you feel something. All of the visual aspect spoke to me in a way the music didn’t. I asked a lighting tech at lost lands music festival in 2019 what the best way to get in Front of house? I wanted a way in no matter what it entailed. He told me most people are Vjs first then they learn about lighting and lasers. I started learning 3D 8 months after that in the summer of 2020.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am a VJ which stands for Visual Jockey. If you worn born in the 90s or prior you might have instantly though of Carson Daily from TRL in 2003. However its not at all the same thing. As a VJ I control the visuals behind the DJ typically being played on an LED wall or with a screen and projector. I use a midi board linked with my laptop to time and switch the content according to the music being played. Its all on the fly and freestyled.
I thoroughly enjoy curating a vibe for the artist with my own digital art style. which I would describe as Dark Fem sci-fi, as a lot of my visuals are feminine but with a darker edge. Inspired by nature, light, texture and liminal spaces. I’m a currently a digital artist/VJ but Id like my title to transition to VJ and brand/creative director for artists. More all encompassing, creating not just visuals but to create cover art, fully custom visual sets and brand aesthetics for DJs. Its difficult coming up with a brand aesthetic id like to help other creatives with this challenge in the future.
I make my own visuals for using a 3D software and Adobe. I decide which visuals to use based off the “vibe” of the set. Some Djs play darker music and some play lighter music and everything in between. I have a vast visual library at this point of all kinds of different content.
I’m grateful every time I get to be apart of a show. That being said as a VJ, We’re apart of the show not THE show. When I’m being paid for a set I think of what works for the DJ and their brand.
I think something that really sets my Vj skills apart from others is that I rarely play 1 clip at a time. Its usually a mash up of clips and effects switching back and forth which makes it feel more like a synchronized digital collage. Also from what iv been told by colleagues, my experience with Resolume (the industry standard visual mixing software) is very advanced. I understand how to use the software with how I want to preform. Knowing many different ways to do one task can be very helpful in this industry.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding part of this job is creating art that I enjoy. There’s no feeling like creating an amazing piece of art that resonates with you in your bedroom and then seeing it on a MASSIVE LED wall at a show or festival. Bonus points when I’m playing for an artist iv loved and looked up to for years. Its a feeling I have multiple times a set where it feels like everything iv worked for and experienced has led up to this moment. Not just what iv accomplished artistically but what iv experienced that has made me who I am today.
Meraki is a Greek word meaning to do something with soul, creativity, or love; to put something of yourself in your work. To love what you do, is to do it well.
This resonates with me and how I go about life and work heavily.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I have many goals for my career but one that has stuck with me since the beginning and probably the most wholesome is I want to make people think. It might seem simple but to make art that makes people think is a feat some artists never achieve. My art is so personal to me. To bridge the gap of emotion for people is my biggest goal. Whatever emotion they feel they need to experience at the time is acceptable. Iv had life revelations at festivals while watching the screen I want others to feel as much or more as I feel.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @interlude.visuals
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557850081613
- Twitter: @interlude2095
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-g9PIAlNOi19i2bRimGBEg
Image Credits
Photo of me by Raven Devanney @devanney.lens on instagram all other photos made by myself