Harry Potter-Inspired Bands to Rock Austin Tonight

J.K. Rowling has truly secured her place in the world’s collective consciousness. Not only does the Harry Potter Empire reach into bookstores and retail outlets and movie theatres all across the globe, but it’s inspiring the creation of indie pop bands whose music is based solely on HP characters and plotlines.

Seriously, Rowling just might be the most powerful media force on Earth.

But, self-made billionaires aside, it’s really all about kids having a good time, readin’ some books and listenin’ to some tunes. Harry and the Potters is comprised of two brothers who dress up like Harry Year 7 (Paul DeGeorge) and Harry Year 4 (Joe DeGeorge). Paul and Joe started playing music in their father’s shed, then moved on to libraries and schools, got a MySpace page, and now they’re touring the country. Newspapers have caught on, Pitchfork mentioned their current tour, and the boys were even interviewed by MTV. Twenty-four year-old Paul describes their quirky, slightly off-kilter music as “silly and intelligent,” and even though it’s aimed mostly at 10-12 year olds, much like the books that inspired it, adults can enjoy the songs as well.

Draco and the Malfoys, Harry and the Potters “evil” counterpart, is also made up of two brothers who believe their “mission is to work with Harry & The Potters to celebrate literature, particularly the Harry Potter stories, through rock & roll music.” But we think they’re just trying to spread You-Know-Who’s influence across the land.

You can see these two bands tonight in downtown Austin. It’s fun! It’s (loosely) educational! There may or may not be a wizard’s duel! Take your kids! Or just go by yourself, like we probably will.

Harry and the Potters on the Web:
Official Site
MySpace

Drace and the Malfoys on the Web:
Official Site
MySpace

Harry and the Potters
With Draco and the Malfoys
Tonight, 6pm
Wooldridge Square Park
900 Guadalupe St.
All Ages
Sponsored by Austin Public Library