It is not hyperbolic to say that one of the most important and influential contemporary wizard rock bands is Tonks and the Aurors, fronted by Steph Anderson—a musician who has rightfully earned the sobriquet “the Bruce Springsteen of wizard rock”! While Harry and the Potters are rightfully considered the popularizers of wizard rock, Tonks and the Aurors has arguably played a massive role in keeping the momentum of the scene alive in the post-Deathly Hallows world both by releasing catchy songs full of political urgency (e.g., “Yes All Witches,” “Wizard Rock the Vote,” “Aurors Fight“) and by continuing to tour.

The other day, I chatted with Anderson via email about the origins of Tonks and the Aurors, the future of wizard rock, and the Yes All Witches grant program. I have reproduced that chat here; enjoy!

Paul: Just as all great books have an opening chapter, all great bands have an origin story. What is your band’s origin story? How did it all come together?

Steph: I’ve been a wizard rock fan for a very long time, so my band’s origin story is inextricably linked to being a fan first. While being a fan of all of this music, in the back of my head I always felt I could do it myself. It took a few years, but finally as soon as I finished reading book 7 I decided to make it real. [I] wrote some songs, created a MySpace, hit upload and it all began! My band’s creation happened to also coincide with a Whomping Willows tour, and Matt asked me to open a show all thanks to MySpace connections

Paul: What is your musical process like? What inspires you to write new tunes?

Steph: I write lyrics and music simultaneously, usually simple guitar chords and vocals. I’ve also had pretty good luck with thinking of an idea and then playing with it in my brain for a couple weeks before I sit down to write it. That’s how I came up with the songs “Charlie Weasley,” “We Are Magic,” “Yes All Witches,” etc. It’s a fairly linear process that way which is always surprising to me. Then once I’m ready to record I’ll write dynamics, lead lines, etc that make the song unique. 

Paul: As someone who has been embedded in the wrock scene for a long time (both as a fan and a musician), how has it changed over the years?

Steph: It’s been an interesting ride after 13 years. One thing I see that’s really changed is how we all connect with each other! MySpace really is a huge part of what made this possible early on, when you could go to one place to communicate with all your fans and find new ones. Today, to successfully run a band of any kind, you’re communicating via 3-10 social media accounts, a Patreon, maybe an email list etc. The scene itself always surprises me. I love that people are always stepping up and creating new bands and music even during some of the “lulls” in activity fandom-wise

Paul: And what do you think is ‘next’ for wizard rock?

Steph: For the future, I think one unique point of view I have is that I’ve never stopped touring, especially to libraries. Some of the areas I’ve toured aren’t wizard rock “hot spots” so I’m playing to a very new/fresh audience. Seeing this, I see little kids going to their first concert or pre-teens deciding to take music lessons. And a room full of people learning that music about the things they love is pretty cool. I can’t wait to see what these new bands bring to the scene in 1 year and 10 years from now. That’s it for me, I want more bands, more music, and more fans bringing their perspective to the scene. Am I the final word in Tonks’ perspective? Absolutely not. And I can’t wait to see more from this scene.

Paul: So, in addition to Tonks and the Aurors, you’re also the mastermind behind the Yes All Witches grant program. For folks who might not be in the know: What is the elevator pitch for your Yes All Witches? How is it going?

Steph: Yes All Witches grants are micro grants for people of marginalized communities hoping to start or upgrade their wizard rock band. It also comes with guidance and coaching along the way as much or as little as someone needs. The goal is to help BIPOC and people of marginalized genders in the music industry making their music faster, easier, and as accessible to the world as possible!

Paul: And now for a more somber question: What do you think is in store for wizard rock now that the community has started to break away from a certain author?

Steph: I think the scene has been pretty unified in separating from the Author of the Harry Potter series. Her views [are] unacceptable for a fandom that is as strong willed, smart, and queer so we reject them. The fandom and in particular wizard rock has grown out of the beatification of her and all authors especially living in a world where Donald Trump is president of the United States. She’s providing us with a lot of material and I think the music that comes from artists continuing to analyze these books at a deep level will be really interesting and fun to follow. Also, as more fandom participants try to distance themselves from JKR, I hope that they find wizard rock as a great way to support independent artists within the HP world.

Paul: And on a happier note, what has been your favorite part of being in the wrock scene?

Steph: The people with an honorable mention to touring because it introduces you to the people and let’s you see your friends. I’ve met my best friends through wizard rock—whether in a band or not—and met people who push me to be better, think differently, and appreciate the world through wizard rock. Touring also must be mentioned because I’m blessed to have skills that not everyone does to organize large and small scale tours that allow me to see landscapes, experience the world, and play my music for great people.

Paul: And finally, the most important question: You’re strolling down Diagon Alley. Which stores are you going to stop by? Is there anything in particular that you’re looking to pick up?

Steph: A music store. Instruments or recordings. We know magical music exists, and as a vinyl collector I want to know what wild things they can do for limited edition magical phonograph records etc. and I bet there’s some wild magical musical instruments too!

More info about Tonks and the Aurors can be found on their website. CDs and vinyl (along with assorted merch) can be purchased at their Storenvy account, and the band’s music can be downloaded from Bandcamp. Don’t forget to check out the band’s Twitter and Facebook pages, too! And finally, if you’re interested in learning more about the Yes All Witches program, check out the grant’s website here!