DJ Champion @ NXNE 2007

The Boat

Toronto, ON

on Jun 7 2007

Caitlin Hotchkiss (CHARTattack)

06/08/2007 10:00am

Background/Composition: Four guitarists. One bassist. One singer. One DJ to rule them all.

Grade: 90

Comment: Broken Social Raver Scene!

Achievement of Rock 'n' Roll Expectations
80-100: Exceeds skill and knowledge expectations, i.e. rocked us so hard we peed our pants.
70-79: Achieves required skills and knowledge. Meets rock 'n' roll standard.
60-69: Demonstrates some skills. Approaches rock 'n' roll standard.
50-59: Demonstrates some required skills and knowledge in a limited way.
00-50: Has not demonstrated required skills or knowledge.

Learning Skills: E=Excellent, G=Good, S=Satisfactory, N=Sad Really

Oral And Visual Communication
Eye Contact: S
Pronounciation: G
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: G
Image: G
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Cramming seven people onstage must have been a feat in itself, but DJ Champion was definitely the ringleader here, even if he wasn't center stage. Aside from Champion's enthused banter, there was very little engaging with the crowd, as his entire band were solely watching him for direction. Still, even Champion himself couldn't contain himself, often jumping up and down behind his decks like a Ritalin-deprived little kid.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: G
Organization: G
Audience Participation: E
Sound: E
Composition: G
Songs: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: DJ Champion was like a uber-focused conductor here, directing his crew with a few well-placed gestures in between his mixing. Every single member of his band was locked in tightly, though, which definitely accounted for the heavy, head-nodding techno goodness. This writer made the mistake of being too close to the stage when the set started, and ended up being caught in a grooving dancefloor. With Champion and his band bringing the noise, though, it wasn't a bad place to be.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: G
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: E
Sexiness: E
Haircut: G
Indie Rock Footwear: G
Nods To Disposible Fashion: E
Cool Equipment: E
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Sexy nerd alert! It may have been the last set in the schedule, but by the way The Boat's crowd swelled right before 1 a.m., it was obvious that some waited all night for this hot ticket. With video cameras on cue, dancing crowds and the smell of weed wafting through the air, this was NXNE house-party style.