Vol. 10: The Life and Times of an Aspiring Wizard Rocker

I apologize for the slight lateness of this volume. Computer issues + bad internet connectivity + living on the opposite side of the Earth as usual = slightly delayed volumes on occasion.

As those following the Wizard Rock movement have noticed, the scene just keeps growing. It wasn’t halted by the release of the final Harry Potter book, nor was it slowed down, for that matter. In such a diverse and creative group, it only stands to reason that new Wrockers trying to join in on the already solid scene will have their work cut out for them. In the interest of learning more about the personal struggles of a Wrocker in this position, I spent some time talking with Richard “Chard” Rozanski of Roger Davies.

Chard started Roger Davies this summer after discovering Wizard Rock in the spring. When asked what inspired him to actually start a Wrock band of his own, he proclaimed that he loves “playing music, I love writing music, I love singing to people, and I like reading too, so what can be better?” As a Ravenclaw, Chard wanted to express his tendencies in the name of his band, settling on Roger Davies, a character he actually forgot existed following his first read-through of the Harry Potter books. Roger later appealed to Chard because he wasn’t necessarily misunderstood, but just didn’t have as much information available about him. We know he plays Quidditch, is handsome, and popular. “He’s all about making out with girls,” said Chard jokingly.

There are many goals a Wizard Rocker can set for themselves. Fortunately for those of us in the Wrock scene, bands don’t tend to aspire to fame or fortune like so many Muggle bands. Chard is no different in that respect. “It’s about the experiences, like, even being in Wizard Rock… it’s been awesome.” Entering the Wrock scene has opened opportunities for Chard to make new friends, have new experiences, and aspire to new heights. One of Chard’s greatest aspirations is to play a show and have some of the audience sing his songs with him. “That they heard the song enough to learn every single word to it because they like it that much. The day it happens for me, it’s probably going to be the best moment of my life.”

So far in his sojourn into Wizard Rock, Chard has felt blessed by his increased confidence in playing his own music for others. He admits it may not be the best music in the world, “but who cares? I enjoy playing it,” and everyone else enjoys listening to it. To top it off, he’s met amazing people and great new friends through Wizard Rock and various Wrock related Skype chats. More than anything else, Chard expects the people he has met and will meet to be the most rewarding aspect of being in the Wizard Rock community. “I know it’s corny,” he said, “but it’s how I feel.”

As amazing as it has been for Chard to enter the Wrock scene, it hasn’t come without its struggles. His first and foremost concern has been time. As a full-time student studying for a degree in Music, Chard is regularly kept busy with classes, homework, and rehearsals. This leaves only a certain amount of time that he can dedicate solely to Roger Davies. It doesn’t help that his local and university libraries are not keen on allowing musical performances, no matter how literarily-inspired. At least, as a solo artist, he doesn’t have to work around bandmates’ schedules, but it also is his first time as the forerunner of a band. “I was [always] the guy playing the trumpet in the background, now I’m playing piano and singing lead vocals.” As daunting as it is, Chard has really stepped up to the plate and had an amazing time writing his music and sharing it with anyone who will listen.

His plans to share his music have been somewhat interrupted by the new Myspace players that do not allow for music to be made downloadable, but Chard still wants everyone to enjoy it. For that reason, he has offered to send all his music to anyone who asks for it! You can still listen to a small sampling of his music on his Myspace player, but if you send him a message on Skype, he’ll send all his music right on over. I know this for a fact because he’s sent it all to me already. When discussing this, Chard laughed, saying, “One day I’m going to go on Skype and have, like, 90 people asking for my music.” So let’s try and prove him right, shall we?

To reach Chard over Skype (which can be downloaded for free here) to receive all his work as Roger Davies, simply add his username (richardrozanski) and ask for his music. Tell him Dinah Saur sent you. 😉

“Hopefully they decide to like me. That’s the plan,” Chard said light-heartedly, covering a little apprehension at the prospect of so many people inspecting his music so closely. Despite the appearance of slight nerves, Chard is just excited at the opportunity to share his music as widely as possible, hoping one day to look out at the audience during a show and see someone singing along.

I hope you enjoyed learning more about the life of an up and coming Wizard Rocker! Don’t forget to update me on any exciting events, bands, or personal experiences you want me to write about! Be prepared for the upcoming volume on what it means to be a Hufflepuff in the Harry Potter fandom and in the Wizard Rock scene. Some revelations may surprise you!

‘Til next time,

Dinah Saur

Previous editions of Straight from the Dinah Saur’s Mouth are available here. You can contact Dinah via email at WrockDinahSaur@gmail.com