Khiasma @ CMW 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: When DJ Khiasma took the stage with his boyish good looks, thick French accent, oversized scarf and drink in hand, he proclaimed, "It's time to get drunk and party!" Armed with a computer, digital music library and mixing board full of sound effects, that is exactly what happened.

Grade: 70

Comment: DJ Khiasma was a bit of a shocker when he got behind the equipment at the Drake Underground, because a string of talented musicians had played before him. This was a DJ set, which left people stunned for the first 10 minutes. But once they understood what was going on, his giant world music beats did the performing for him.

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
Pronunciation: G
Stage Presence: G
Stage Banter: N
Image: S
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
From the moment he was up, Khiasma was hard at work. Constantly keeping an eye on the completely inhibriated crowd, he flawlessly mixed his high energy set, searched for music on a computer, added sirens and fireworks effects and danced along the entire time. While not a showman Ibiza-styled DJ, Khiasma knows how to entertain. 

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
Khiasma played everything from dancehall, to Latino, to gypsy beats and baile funk. He never once had to play something like "Umbrella" to keep the dance floor bustling. His mix of music from around the planet didn't sound like a cheap mash up but more like genre mashing itself. It was loud, clear and floor shattering.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
Sadly, because Khiasma was a DJ and not a performer to which real attention could be paid, there was nothing stopping the crowd from getting annoyingly drunk. People began throwing themselves up on stage and making fools of themselves. Sloppy hoes and their dress-shirt-and-jeans boys couldn't just get down on the dance floor — they had to do it front of everyone else. People also appeared to be striking up conversation and asking for requests. Khiasma didn't really listen, thank God.