Among the newest wrock bands, started within a year, is Foundation of Fair Fortune. Behind the band is Keshara, who recently answered some questions I sent her.
How did you get into wizard rock?
I started making wizard rock in November last year. I actually saw The Remus Lupins at Warped Tour in Ventura, California a few years back, I think in 2007, but I’m not totally sure. Anyway, I watched them play without even knowing it was called wizard rock; I just thought they liked Harry Potter a lot. Which they do, obviously, I just didn’t know that such a thing as wrock existed. After that, I didn’t fully discover wizard rock until last November of 2009 when I discovered the FiveAwesomeGirls YouTube channel, and with that I found The Parselmouths and The Moaning Myrtles. Once I was hooked on those two I just kept listening to all the wrock bands I could find, and I still find amazing sounding artists all the time. I find a lot of comfort in knowing that there are so many people passionate enough about something to spend their time writing music about it and sharing it with people.
Tell the story behind your band's name.
My brother made up a list of name possibilities, one of them being Fountain of Fair Fortune, and I accidentally read it aloud as “Foundation”, not Fountain.
What kind of musical style do you have, and what makes your music unique?
I guess I’d describe myself as indie/alternative acoustic. I’d like to work with more instruments and sounds eventually, but at this point in time all I have are two acoustic guitars and a cheap condenser microphone, so my sources are limited until further notice. I like “chill” and somewhat kicked back and relaxed music. Something that doesn’t need the listener’s full attention, something that could easily be put on as background music while hanging out with friends or something.
I think my voice is different than what people might normally hear…I honestly like my singing voice, which I kind of find to be weird.
What characters, topics and themes do you write songs about?
I’ve written several songs from a character’s perspective, but I’ve found I don’t really enjoy that as much as just straight up telling a story about a character, or several characters. I’ve also found that I like to write about things that didn’t get discussed a whole lot in the books, or didn’t seem quite as important as some things, like The Cave: It’s vaguely about the kids that Tom Riddle was with in a cave when he was younger and on a trip to the sea when he lived at the orphanage. Just the little things that are forgotten about in the long run interest me more than bigger events or characters.
Have you played live shows?
I haven’t, actually. I spend a lot of time working and sleeping right now, and I go to school full time throughout the year otherwise, but I’m hoping I’ll find some time to play for the public soon, either at libraries or on the sidewalk downtown :]
Who are your favourite wizard rockers and why?
Oliver Boyd and The Remembralls – Well produced, but also well written, and it just sounds so darn good! I love his voice, too.
The Buttermellows – Her voice is fantastic! And I love the blue grassy, folk-ish sound. There aren’t enough wrockers like this.
How Airplanes Fly – Again, with the great voice. “Believe” by How Airplanes Fly is probably one of my favorite wrock songs I’ve heard so far.
Let’s Lumos! – I think I have a voice loving thing, because Let’s Lumos!’s music has absolutely beautiful vocals. And their lyrics are fantastic.
MC Kreacher and Danny Dementor – I’m a sucker for awesome rhymes.
What are your favourite wrock songs?
Believe by How Airplanes Fly
Hunt You Down by Oliver Boyd and The Remembralls
Whoa Is Me by Oliver Boyd and The Remembralls
House Grown With Ivy by Let’s Lumos!
Don’t Fight For Me by The Buttermellows
Would you like to collaborate with other wizard rockers?
I would love to collaborate with OBatR, and it’d be pretty awesome to work with Matt of the Whomping Willows, I generally enjoy his lyrics more than anything.
What is the funniest experience you've had with wizard rock?
Probably just seeing the reaction on people’s faces when I tell them I write songs about Harry Potter, because apparently I don’t seem like the sort of person that would do that, according to people I know in real life.
What is the most touching experience you've had with wizard rock?
So far, I think just having people tell me that they enjoy my songs is the most touching thing ever! I like knowing that the things I love to create are benefiting the ears of others, so to speak.
What is the best moment you've had as a wizard rocker?
There are a couple of songs that I’ve written and felt a huge sense of accomplishment after finishing them, and absolutely loving the outcome. I’ll literally say aloud to myself, “Oh wow, that’s good!” when I’ve written a line that I love, or figure out a sound on the guitar that I think goes well with the rest of the song.
What would you do if you had more time/money to spend on wizard rock?
I would definitely make my recordings better quality with extra time and money for equipment. I’d love to improve the production quality with better software and microphones, and perhaps add more instruments if I had the means to do so.
What future plans do you have with your music?
I’d really love to expand on certain aspects of Voldemort’s childhood, I’ve written one or two songs so far concerning that. I’d also like to try writing a bit less serious. I’ve never been comfortable writing humor into my songs, with both wizard rock and muggle music alike, but I was thinking about maybe going out of my comfort zone sometime soon. I have about 5 songs that I haven’t put up on the band MySpace yet, but I will once I get them recorded someday. Until then, you can hear me play them in the Wampum Willow at Wrockstock this November! I’m going to be playing on that Saturday morning.
Is there anything you want to say to your fans or fellow wrockers?
Keep on being awesome and inspirational!!!