Most wizard rock is, well, of the rock variety. From the indie stylings of Harry and the Potters to the heavy metal of Voldemort, the genre seems to be built on the bones of crunchy guitar distortion and drums recorded in the garage. But this is a very limited view; in fact, there are quite a few very talented wizard rap groups out there. Among them is Aguamenti, the moniker of Ash, a wrock (wrap?) lyric-smith from Bellingham, Washington.

Ash has been aware of the wrock world for a little over a decade now, but it has only been within the last few years that they decided to put out their own tunes. A few weeks ago, I reached out to Ash via Twitter and we chatted about how they got started, their influences, and the state of the scene right now. Read on for more…

Paul: Before there was anything—before even time itself—there was only the most ancient of magicks: music. I’m assuming you started your band sometime since then? If so, how did it all come about?

Ash: Well, I’ve always loved music and it wasn’t until I was a teenager, probably 15-16 (2005-06) that I was really interested in writing songs. One of my cousins was making music for a long time and he really got me more interested in making my own music. I got to play around and learn about recording and writing. It wasn’t until 2005 when I stumbled upon Wizard Rock and then it was a moment of “I gotta do this!” And it wasn’t until MC Kreacher popped up on the scene that gave me the push to keep writing. But life happens and it wasn’t until 2017 that I really started to get more serious about it. Plus, now being 30 and taking that time (too long of time in my opinion, haha) to hone my song writing has helped. And with the push from my wonderfully amazing wife I’ve been at it since! 

Paul: As someone who got started writing parody songs, I was always a bit self-conscious that I was “stealing” from other musicians if I learned a nifty trick or a cool sound or something. But now I realize music is fundamentally about sharing and learning from others. Needless to say, I’m interested in hearing where people draw their inspiration. What musicians/bands have inspired you or served as influences?

Ash: There are so many people I look to as musical and lyrical inspirations. As far as muggle music: Del the Funky Homosapien, LAUSSE THE CAT, Dorian Electra, Blimes, Gifted Gab, Mac Miller, Finn Foxell, Kendrick Lamar, Jay 1, Kabuto the Python, MC Frontalot, Nix Northwest, and so many more. I draw a lot from hip hop and rap but I draw from so many places and genres of music. I usually post on my Twitter what I’m listening to in this thread I have going. That’s always got a variety in it. As far as wizard rock inspirations? MC Kreacher is right at the top for me but the entirety of the community inspires me. I love all the angles that lyrics take and all the genres of music that we have in wizard rock. 

My hopes are to not emulate really anyone and stand on my own in regards to my own music (muggle and Wrock). Though if I did want someone to emulate would be Del, I love him so much. His lyrical domination and creativity is something I hope to attain one day. I’ve seen him live twice and the stage presence is amazing. That would be something I would love to emulate is his stage presence and the clear confidence he has. I’ve never performed live in any way and can be fairly shy about performing. That confidence Del has is inspiring. 

Paul: Stage confidence is something I’m envious of; I’m much more comfortable writing and recording a song by myself or with my wife in the security of a basement. Speaking of which: How do you approach the whole writing and recording process? It’s so different for every musician.

Ash: I’ll play around in GarageBand and start to make the beat by trying new and different things. Sometimes I’ll have a very particular sound I’m going for but most of the time I’m just having fun. The head bob to a beat is what indicates what I’m digging. Sometimes I’ll have a beat that I’ve made that I’ll listen to over and over to really feel it in my soul. I usually have an idea for how I want a song to go so I’ll start freestyling a bit to get the idea out and fall into the music. Most of my songs start freestyled until I think of what else I want to add to it. Other times I’ll have a whole song figured out without a beat. So then it’s a work backwards type of situation. Find the feel I want then make the beat. 

In regards to recording that is a process. I usually dedicate a whole day to it. Or at least 3 hours to record 1 song. I’ll rehearse it a few times before starting to record. Then I’ll record it. Now it can be difficult recording because I can get tongue tied and it takes multiple takes to get something right all the way. Then it’s from the many many takes during recording to the editing process. And sometimes that takes a few days for me to do. I always come back to a beat or recorded song on a different day to make sure I really am into it or if it sounds good. I also always try to get into the mood to record. So I try to listen to a variety of things that will get me excited about it. That way going into it it feels good for the whole process. And when I get to the final product I listen to it over and over again, then I make my wife listen to it to make sure it’s coming across the way I want, or if something needs changed. 

Paul: It’s obvious from your lyrics that you value a scene that is inclusive and critical of the oppressive status quo. As such, what are your thoughts on how JK Rowling has continued to ostracize trans individuals with TERF rhetoric? I know that about half a year ago, you dropped a sick diss track called “JKR Freestyle,” and I’m curious as to how much her behavior has impacted your music?

Ash: First things first, get wrecked JKR. I’m actually so very angry and upset about how it feels like she’s basically put the middle finger in the air to the entirety of the fandom that has criticized her for her TERF-ness. With someone that has a platform that large to express such hatred towards a group of people she doesn’t understand is and has influenced so many people in many ways and is worrisome. She’s spouting nonsense and a rhetoric that is inherently dangerous to my LGBTQ+ brethren, especially my trans brethren. We already have this narrative of LGBTQ+ folks and it’s taken so long to try and shape the narrative in regards to the realities we live and face. So to have this figure with a large fan base I take her exclusivity highly personal as Harry Potter has helped shape me into who I am today. I’m one of the fans that helped build this fandom and frankly I am tired of bigots being a part of it, including the author now Death Eater. To quote Fredrick Nietzche, “He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster . . . when you gaze long into the abyss the abyss also gazes into you.” JKR has become the monster she never thought she could or would be.

So, I hope that my music stands up to that and for our trans brethren, for my community. Her blatant bigotry has most definitely impacted my music. It has impacted the things I want to write songs about. It’s been a catalyst for me, I want to make music that is incredibly gay and trans. Because that is who I am, and I’m not going to be forced to hide it by someone who feels uncomfortable. All I’m doing is being my authentic self and no one can take that away from me. 

Paul: Have you noticed any reactions to Rowling’s boneheadedness in the world of wizard rock?

Ash: Oh I most definitely have seen reactions through the wrock community. I look to the 2020 Sampler, Trans Wrock Compilation and all the wrockers putting out LGBTQ+ wizard rock. And that’s something I love so much about the wizard rock community is the love and respect we all have for each other. 

Paul: Do you have any hopes for the future of your band and wizard rock?

Ash: I hope to perform live at some point. When I’m able to not be so damn introverted and nervous! Stage fright is something I deal with on so many levels. I also hope to collaborate with other wrockers more, I got a bunch of ideas for things. I am also hoping to put out an album this year. I have this feeling that 2021 is the year of wizard rock. With so many good releases [this early in the year], it makes me so excited for the rest of the year. 

Paul: After hours of arduous practice, you are finally able to produce a corporeal patronus! What animal is it?

Ash: It would be a stoat! Also known as a ermine. In the winter they turn fully white except for the black tip at the end of their tails.

If you want to know more about Ash and Aguamenti, check out their Twitter and Instagram accounts. You can also download their music from Bandcamp!