Matthew De Zoete @ NXNE 2009

Background/ Composition:
This soft spoken singer/songwriter lacked the force of personality to subdue the chatty tables at Mitzi's Sister.

Grade: 78

Comment:
The jock hicks from the preceding band carried on loudly while the lone acoustic guitar man from Hamilton sang his quiet tunes. I started to feel like he was the underdog in some Revenge Of The Nerds scenario, so it sort of played in his favour. De Zoete was charmingly awkward as he introduced a song about "going to bed and not getting the physical love you were expecting" and apologized to the sound guy for being a "fuss pot."

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Even though only a few of us were paying attention, De Zoete's awkward banter was totally hilarious. He played the part of the uncertain, but endearing loner so well it might have spoiled his table if the jerks from the previous band had shut up for five seconds.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Elliott Smith is a pretty obvious comparison here. De Zoete's tentative guitar picking and soft vocals matched the late indie hero's bedroom intimacy.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
De Zoete's skinny black jeans and the straight, greasy hair falling in front of his face must surely have been noticed by some nerd-chasing girl in the audience. Women love a project, and drawing the shy, sensitive musician out of his shell is an old favourite. Such is the power of music.