Tech

APP OF THE MONTH: Algoriddim VJay

by Mark Teo

YouTube VJing is essentially the pre-bar equivalent of tailgating—so, accordingly, it’s a ritual we take very, very seriously. It’s also why we’re currently obsessed with Algoriddim VJay, an app that makes video mashups so easy, we were able to master it after six IPA pints. No small feat.

But while Algorridim’s interface is undeniably intuitive—you drop videos into two decks, and from there, overlay, match or scratch to your heart’s content—it also has plenty of under-the-hood power, too. L.A. hip hop group The Far East Movement, for example, have used it to create pro-quality accompaniments to their music, while the app’s capabilities have also been championed by Brooklyn audio-visual artist Eclectic Method. We caught up with Karim Morsy, Algoriddim’s Munich-based founder, to discuss how he’s made the MuchMusic Video Dance Party obsolete. (Well, almost.)

AUX: Tell us about the vision (and genesis) of Algoriddim Vjay.

Karim Morsy, Algoriddim founder and CEO: We created one of the most popular families of DJ apps—[Algoriddim] Djay for Mac, Djay for iPad, and Djay for iPhone—that really opened the doors for many people to the art of DJing. We have always been about making our products accessible to anyone. We thought it would be amazing to see what people could do with not only mixing music, but mixing video content. We believe that Vjay is the first video mixing product that is easy enough for anyone to use and powerful enough to create stunning visual creations.

You have dual degrees in computer science and music—quite an unlikely pairing. Did you always envision combining the two?

Yes, it always felt natural to me. There may seem to be some big differences, but in the end, they are both about being creative and both about the details. Being your own customer is the best thing that can happen to your product because you care about every little detail. I DJ myself, and these products are the culmination of what I, and many other DJs, want to have.

How has your time as DJ informed Algoriddim Vjay?

It was quite simple. As a DJ, I was used to only manipulating and mixing sound. I always felt I’d like a direct visualization of my performance that happens in real-time, and allows users to literally visualize the art of the DJ. The techniques of Vjay feel quite familiar as a DJ, and it’s like a whole new dimension when you add video. I’ve found myself rediscovering videos. It’s a lot of fun.

You’ve recently rolled out an iPhone and iPod Touch version of the app. What are some of the features you had to add or strip from the smartphone edition?

Designing an app that allows you to manipulate audio and video simultaneously and apply effects at the same time on a four-inch screen was a real challenge. In fact, we spent more time designing the app than developing it. By keeping the interface as simple as possible, we were able to achieve a user experience that is straightforward but still very powerful.

There are other mashup apps, like DJ+ (amongst others). What separates Algoriddim Vjay from the pack?

We have always had a passion for music, and this is why developing a music app felt natural. Our products are very easy to use by anybody, not only for experts, and at the same time offer professional quality and technology. Feedback from our fans and customers is very valuable, they are our best advocates of the product. In the end, we focus on trying to make the absolutely best DJ and VJ products in the world that we can—ultimately, that’s what I like to believe attracts people to our apps.

Get Vjay in the App Store.

This article originally appeared in the December 2012/January 2013 issue of AUX Magazine. Download and subscribe for free in the App Store.