The Dolomites Interview: SXSW 2010

The Dolomites embrace the changing world and adapt their sound to both external and inner worlds and perspectives. Stevhen Iancu, Dr. Dolomite, is a founding member of the group, and is busily at work shaping 'Monster Machine,' a new album for 2010. Like earlier works of the Dolomites, 'Monster Machine' promises delightful surprises, including "spare parts" -- secret songs and bonuses. This is the first time in 11 years that the Dolomites will appear at SXSW, and Dr. Dolomite knows the value of real friends during this massive event."There's so much to be consumed so I will take advantage of the time."

Can you describe your sound in your own words?

The Dolomites are international, outernational, all over the world. Global, monster Gypsy music. Our music is constantly evolving to incorporate perspective, the state of the world and our changing sounds and views. Right now, our sound is a combination of dub, cumbia, Balkan and Japanese, skiffle, digital, analog, fire, water, black and white, brown and yellow, purple and green, gold and silver ... However, in the next few years it could change to something absolutely different, like spaceship thrash dunk or practical pop prayers and hymns. We are not the same sound we were three years ago, and in three years I expect we will continue to morph, evolve and adapt in the Dolomites' oral tradition. The Dolomites' sound is never standing still. At the same time, most likely, this summer, I shall attain my vision of having a half Japanese-half Romanian formation of the Dolomites with me in the middle. When you think about it, we're all beautiful combinations. Some more intriguing than others, but that's all just a matter of opinion.

How did your band form?

I was challenged to a test of might! And the Dolomites' first live show was in my Norwegian friend's basement at a DIY punk house in Portland, Oregon on November 10, 1997.

Where do you like to play?

I travel to a number of locations all over the world. Currently more than 200 musicians in over 10 countries are part of the extended Dolomites family, and they perform with me at the spectacles. The usual size of the Dolomites at any location is three: a drummer, tuba player and me. [My role is] accordion, vocals and slapstick words. I have found that it is easier to arrange supporting musicians in the cities where the Dolomites are invited to perform rather than taking a band with me. Kind of like Chuck Berry or Lee Scratch Perry, who always travel alone. I have been on the road constantly over the past few years and the world is my home. I was in Japan for three years, island hopping. Back in the States, coast to coast, I recently spent three and a half weeks in Mexico, where I was able to enjoy a week's vacation. And the adventures continue...

What are your musical influences?

First and foremost, the music from all over the universe -- the silence, noise, animals (not the band), machines, myself, friends and strangers, then basically anything out of the ordinary that is music to my ears.

How did you come up with your band name?

The Dolomites name was initially influenced by Rudy Ray Moore, who was known as "The Human Tornado." 'Dolemite' is a 1975 piece in the blaxploitation [film] genre. Dolemite is the name of the principal character in the film. A homeless urban hero, Dolemite was Moore's alter-ego and included in his 1970 debut album 'Eat Out More Often.' There are [also] associations to the mineral. Dolomite is widely available in the dirt, and when it is present, good things grow. According to varying concentrations, the Dolomites sound is good for you. I add dolomite to smoothies I make every day. The calcium and magnesium is good for proper joint and bone function. Yes, dolomite is a curative. Our music has been received like that, too.

What's in your festival survival kit?

Haven't been to SXSW for 11 years, since 1999. Toilet paper, anti-bacterial soap, and an anti-inflammatory protective space suit are good to have along for such an event, as well as for the end of the world or a hop over to Venus. SXSW can be a fun experience and there are always a few things I can learn. I look forward to being there.

What is the craziest thing you've seen or experienced while on tour?

Late in 2002, the Dolomites were playing in Chicago. Twigggs, a member of the group at that time (who was called this because of his muscle mass), found a great Spider-Man costume laying in the middle of the street and insisted on wearing it on the whole tour. This tour was called Smell the Muzik, and it was kind of a cooking carnival. Twigggs, aka Spider-Man, was moving our portable toilet back into the bus that night after the show. As we were putting everything into the bus, a black limousine pulled up and stopped. Out of the car came two drop-dead beautiful women and what can only be described as a midget of a black man, all pimped out. They looked at us and we looked at them. The scenario amused all of us, except for the little man. He got back into the car without a word. As the limousine drove away, I noted the plate: 'I Am the G.'

What do you think the license plate stood for?

I don't know. I thought at the time it meant "gangster." But it could mean anything. Godzilla? Maybe.