The Circuit’s Brightest Star Talks to JustCircuit It didn’t take that long to travel from Austin, Texas to the top of the world for Roland Belmares! It was only 1996 at Meltdown in Austin that Belmares began his trek to become one of the most sought after DJ’s spinning today. He was attracted to what he saw and heard in the people, the music and in the overall sense of togetherness one has when one participates in a Circuit party. His goal from the beginning has been to channel this extraordinary energy from within the party into the form of music he presents. His consistency has remained true from the start. He had the humble beginnings of Austin-area pool parties and minor venues within the vicinity. His secret? “I take my art seriously, whether there are 20 people or two-thousand people on the dance floor!”he states. It was this persistence that separated him from the rest, and soon that persistence would pay off. Ben Parsley, promoter for Austin’s “Perfect Day” and “Meltdown” put his faith in Roland, and eventually, Belmares was headlining the events, which captured the attention of other parties around the US. Soon, he was by far the hottest ticket in town and traveling the Circuit from San Francisco to Miami and into Canada. He captured coveted spots at major events such as the White Party and Winter Party, Fireball, and New York City’s Alegria. His historic, sold-out performance at Mark Baker’s Magic Journeys after hours event this year during Gay Day weekend at Disney still has the crowds talking. (This author had to literally hide his ticket in his pocket until the last minute to keep from getting mobbed by those unlucky enough not to have purchased in advance for the sold-out event!) Roland’s recipe for delivering high energy/tribal vocals continues to leave partygoers craving for more. Crobar/Chicago just experienced the sounds of the Super Nova from Austin, and Sao Paulo, Brazil will soon, as Roland is scheduled to spin a Steven Gomez event. His fan base continues to grow. Within a matter of only a few short years, Roland was asked to mix CD’s for the industry’s leading dance labels, including Dance One, Harlequin Records, Centaur Records (Global Grooves and Party Grooves) and 4 Play Records. It’s on the Harlequin Records label that you’ll find “Boy,” Belmares’ most recent release featuring a blend of tribal and vocal mixes. But that boy Roland won’t stop there...He expanded his reach by adding his art of remixing to projects by some of the industry’s Divas of Dance, including Pepper Mashay, Pat Hodges (“Love Revolution,”) Kristine W, Abigail, and currently, Debby Holiday’s “Half a Mile Away.” Regardless of how bright this star will get in the world of the Circuit, he never forgets how he got to where he is today...it’s his love for the music and his love for the people that keep him continuously focused on consistently delivering time and time again. Also the love shared between Belmares and his partner/manager Ken Harwood is an example for those who desire success through love, mutual respect, and teamwork. Admittedly his biggest fan, Ken can always be found nearby when Roland spins. And Roland would have it no other way! Roland will embark upon yet another fascinating journey when he exhibits his international appeal by headlining the newest party in the Circuit, [url="http://www.circuitasia.com" target="_blank"]CIRCUIT ASIA [/url]to be held in Manila, The Philippines, in April 2005. With an estimate of attendance reportedly expected between 6,000-8,000 participants, Circuit Asia knew the DJ’s chosen for the event would be the key to their party’s success. Yet the producers already know the answer...Roland Belmares is the safest bet you could possibly make! --NEXT, JUSTCIRCUIT’s INTERVIEW WITH ROLAND BELMARES--