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Local punks and metalheads have held Roman Barham in high regard for bringing high-profile music acts to small venues such as the Launchpad for almost 20 years. One of his contributions to the scene, the annual Burque Rock City festival is set to wreak havoc on the Duke City for a second year in a row. Originally from Mountainair, and an accomplished drummer and vocalist in his own right, Barham’s metal mission is to bring some attention and excitement to the state, and Downtown Albuquerque will be ground zero for the explosive event.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
The Paper.: What is Burque Rock City?
Roman Barham: “Burque Rock City” was an old saying back in the ’90s when the scene was popping like fuck — I’m not saying that the scene is not popping now. I wanted to bring it back because it really meant a lot to me.
What makes the fest unique?
I bring the worldwide element to this fest. I’ve done the Monolith on the Mesa [festival] for years. I wanna go big, so I try to bring big bands that have never played here before. This is the Albuquerque version, or spin-off of Monolith.
This is the second annual Burque Rock City fest. What did you learn from last year and what do you hope to bring to this year’s event?
I learned that Albuquerque is definitely a metal city. I know not everyone is a fan of the heavy rock and stoner rock and doom. So not only death metal, [but] black metal and stoner metal, I wanted to bring a big realm of metal.
Which acts are in the more extreme genre?
Profanatica from New York. They’re one of the first American black metal bands. And, of course, Weedeater — they’re the weed-metal veterans of the U.S.
Rebelmatic is Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s brother’s band — it’s like New York hardcore [meets] Bad Brains. The original lineup of Noisear is playing and that’s pretty epic because Noisear are from Albuquerque. Absynth Minded is Leonard from Cephalic Carnage’s new band with his friend Keith Sanchez, so I’m excited to see them.
How are the venues set up?
Insideout (622 Central Ave. SW) will have a stage and Launchpad (618 Central Ave. SW) will have a stage. It’s set up to where there’s no overlap and everyone can see every band. I’m gonna have separate tickets for separate venues here this week too. If someone wants to buy [tickets] to just one venue they don’t have to buy the whole package.
Is there a theme or are there similarities between the acts at Burque Rock City this year?
There’s no theme. It’s just all-out fucking metal!
I saw that there’s a pre show this year.
I wanted to do a collab with a DIY venue and I’m good friends with Aaron and Santana from Ren’s Den (900 4th St SW). The music scene right now is blossoming and we all need to work together to continue the momentum. I wanted to make the lineup all local bands and from different heavy music genres.
Burque Rock City II
Noon, June 2
Launchpad
618 Central Ave. SW
Insideout
622 Central Ave. SW
$50
All ages