Imagine Festival QR Spotlight: VIVID

As part of our coverage leading up to Imagine Festival, we're excited to present an interview with VIVID who will be performing at the festival.

Saturday VIP Pool Party 1-4PM & Disco Inferno Sunday 5-5:40PM

 Can you give us a bit of  background information on the VIVID project?
VIVID is a British-born DJ. While living in the UK, his first taste of dance music came in the late 80s and early 90s while going to clubs like Manchester's legendary Haçienda and Thunderdome. 

VIVID moved to the US in 1992 and wanted to get more involved with the music that filled his life. He started DJing in the mid 90s in Greensboro, NC. Focusing on Trance and Funky Breaks, he quickly shot up the ranks and acquired residencies with the iconic First Friday in Greensboro, Phunkedelic in Charlotte, Lifted in Raleigh and Radiance in Chapel Hill. VIVID also toured extensively throughout the South East, from DC to West Palm Beach and as far west as St Louis.

In 1999 VIVID was signed to United Trance Recordings and released a mix compilation CD "Delicate Sounds of The Underground Vol. II", which is available on most streaming sites today (iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, etc.) Eventually, the touring schedule caught up with VIVID and he had to take a break to focus on family.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by VIVID (@vividuk) on Sep 6, 2019 at 4:47am PDT

Since returning to DJing VIVID has quickly become a staple in the Atlanta scene. His music tastes have changed a bit and he's morphed into a Techno and House DJ. Recently, VIVID has been direct support for acts such as Claptone, Nora En Pure, Will Clarke, Ferry Corsten, Mat Zo, Grum and Gareth Emery. He regularly plays at Atlanta's premier venues including Believe Music Hall, District, Opera and others. He made his Imagine Festival debut in 2017 with superstars Tiesto, Deadmau5 and Above & Beyond, and for 2018 VIVID was asked to play the same stage as Green Velvet and Oliver Heldens. VIVID has also played Sunday Service w/ Vicki Powell for Deep South and The Heretic for Wussy Mag's NSA. VIVID has been featured in the publications WussyMag, ONE:EDM, EDM Identity and was interviewed on PBS TV for Georgia Detours. 

VIVID is a resident DJ for Liquified, Odyssey After-Hours, and IRIS Presents who throw Imagine Music Festival and are the owners of Believe Music Hall. 

With productions in the works, you need to keep your eye on VIVID.

What's the story behind the name?
It came from a nickname given at college which stuck, Viv.  When it came time pick a stage name Viv just sort of grew to VIVID

How would you characterize your music? Do you fit within a particular genre?
I don't really like to be labeled as an XYZ DJ because I find that limits what I can play, although I'm definitely a 4x4 DJ (House Music).  After that, it gets a little tough. I really like high energy and vocals, I often touch on Disco, House, Tech House and Techno. I also have a soft spot for Trance, although that is not my main focus.  Really you could expect to hear a bit of all of these every time I play.

What artists do you have on repeat right now?
Solardo, Will Clarke, Purple Disco Machine, and pretty much anything released on Toolroom.

Have you played Imagine before? 
This years is my third year playing IMF.  Last year I was on the Disco Inferno stage as well, and the first year I played the Silent Disco.  

What's your favorite IMF memory?
Probably playing Silent Disco three years ago.  It was my first time DJing at IMF and I was playing against two of ATL's heavy hitters in the bass scene. To see the headsets slowly change to my color, until nearly all were dancing to my tunes. Well, that was quite a feeling.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by VIVID (@vividuk) on Sep 21, 2019 at 9:18am PDT

Why should festival goers check out your set in particular? What do you bring to the performance?
House is a feeling and I vibe off the music and the people there. I want there to be a symbiotic relationship where we feed off each other.  I mean who doesn't love high energy house and if I can make myself dance, and I can make you dance too. â€‹

Who are your top 3 headliners to catch this year?
BT, J Phlip and Justin Martin.

Thanks to VIVID for taking the time to fill out our interview! Be sure to check him out using the links below! For more information about Imagine Festival, click here.

FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD WEBSITE INSTAGRAM

Bethanna Athena

East Coast Correspondent for The QR Network