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!
winenothate: And the New England guys? How do they measure up to the other crowds you play?
DJRoland8780: Oh, the East Coast boys are still the best die hards when it comes to their music! Don’t get me wrong–all the boys I play for love the music, but the East Coast just turns it out like no other, always have and my guess is they always will.
winenothate: If you had to choose three clubs in the world to just go dance, not spin, what would they be?
DJRoland8780: One would be Crobar in Miami, another would be Arc in Sydney and then probably Heaven in London.
winenothate: Everyone wants to get into Heaven! Speaking of, it just donned on me that the last time we talked, you were spinning Manhunt’s Seven Sexy Sins party in Boston and all those porn stars were on hand. I imagine you see a lot of them in your travels–is it hard to concentrate during those gigs?
DJRoland8780: Well, it depends on the porn stars.
winenothate: Do you have a favorite?
DJRoland8780: A lot of them are friends, so it’s hard to think of them that way. But, if I had to pick one…
winenothate: You do.
DJRoland8780: I love Chris Wide, but he’s my sistah!
winenothate: Heh. Aren’t they all! So, onto more heady things, and, by that I mean more cerebral … have you finished your college courses? You were working towards a degree in music production when we spoke last, no?
DJRoland8780: I am still in school. I have to go part time because of all my travels. I actually start back next Monday. Intro to Psych! LOL
winenothate: That should help in understanding the complicated mind of the shameless porn star… or the frenetic DJ!
DJRoland8780: But yeah, I’m studying music production as well as working toward a degree in graphic design.
winenothate: Busy boy – last year alone, you released Global Groove 2, Blue Ball 5, and One Mighty Weekend–am I missing anything?
DJRoland8780: I did just do the “One Might Weekend” CD for Gay Days in Orlando. It was a unique project in that they asked me to include some classic tracks, so the music is mix of new and older songs. It’s up on Itunes and Amazon! *insert shameless plug here* LOL
winenothate: Insertion noted. Did that track with Charo ever work out? *insert coochee coochee coo here *
DJRoland8780: Oh yeah, that is also on Itunes, “Espana Cani,” The Belmares & Barona Mix. I think it did quite well for an instrumental track!
winenothate: I need to listen to it – I’ve been delinquent. How about some not-to-be-missed gigs you’re playing this fall?
DJRoland8780: So far my most anticipated gig is going to be the Halloween event in New Orleans. I’ve also booked in Vancouver for New Years!
winenothate: Now the burning question: do you EVER sleep?
DJRoland8780: Hmmm, now that’s a really hard one!! Honestly, my time during the week is quite boring and “normal.”
winenothate: Minus all those porn star friends you chum around with …
DJRoland8780: LOL
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