Interview by Tony Giampetruzzi
Updated: It was once said (well, by me) that Roland Belmares’ schedule looks like the sum of a year’s United Nations peace keeping missions–he’s spinning everywhere. If that isn’t enough, this San Francisco-based jock is off the hook in the studio reworking the hits of others while simultaneously churning out a list of full-length CDs, most recently Centaur’s One Mighty Weekend.
Throw into the mix the fact that he’s a part-time student with a penchant for porn stars (see below), it’s a wonder that Belmares ever gets sleep. The proof that he must get some down time is in his flawless tribal house sets that are sought after by promoters –and fans–world over. Having just returned from a gig in China, Belmares is set to play Hydrate in Chicago and the Halloween Main Event in New Orleans following. Maybe he doesn’t sleep–but he does give a good interview, in this case via AIM.
winenothate: I have to say, the news of the day has been a bit of a downer for us New Englanders. Another Kennedy gone. It’s just been one of those summers for American royalty. Lemme ask you, what affected you more: Ted Kennedy’s or Michael Jackson’s death?
DJRoland8780: Hmmm, that’s a hard one …
winenothate (Tony G): I know, I ask the gritty questions.
DJRoland8780: I wasn’t really into Michael there at the end, but he did have a huge impact on me in my younger years. And Ted Kennedy just did so much humanitarian work in this country. I couldn’t really choose.
winenothate: You, like them, are a true diplomat. So, speaking of Kennedyland, it’s the last weekend of summer and, with your resume, you could be on Fire Island, in P’town, Ogunquit, Rehoboth … but you’re playing Boston. What gives?
DJRoland8780: LOL Actually, I’m also playing in my hometown of Austin, Texas, that weekend.
winenothate: Good god.
DJRoland8780: I’m doing the closing party for the new Splash Day (Labor Day weekend) events.
winenothate: I hope that means there’s a pool nearby. So, Boston. Out Weekend – that’s the Harris gig at Roxy, right?
DJRoland8780: Yeah, he’s a good friend and he really wanted me for the Saturday event, and I couldn’t say no. I love playing in Boston!
winenothate: Now I get it. I know Harris – he must have threatened your life or has some dirt on you. It’s pretty hard to say no to him.
DJRoland8780: So you know Harris! That’s exactly it!
winenothate: All too well. That said, he has single-handedly kept nightlife alive in Boston and Providence, and this isn’t your first time at his rodeo, right?
DJRoland8780: No, I’ve played quite a few times for him, and he’s always treated me first class, so yeah, I can’t say no to him when he comes a callin.’
winenothate: What are your thoughts on The Roxy? It’s really the only big, gay room left in New England.
DJRoland8780: Yeah, it’s so sad that the big clubs have gone the way of the dinosaur, so it really is a treat to play in a space like The Roxy. The energy you can get going in a room like that is so much fun!
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