Hello magical friends, and welcome to episode 108 of WZRD Radio! I’m your hostwitch Bess, and today’s interview has been actual years in the making.
Before we get to the interview, however, I wanted to do a quick recap of WZRDFest and WZRD Presents. Between the rain and the power outage you might think it was a disaster, but only if you don’t know wizard rock. We had a rave in the dark, an unplugged rap battle, a pizza party, and the most fun I can remember having, with so many of my favorite people.
It was a reminder that we never cede ground to transphobes, and that includes fandoms. We plant out feet, lock our elbows, and ensure those ideals can’t flourish in our space. It’s why we boycott, and why we write, draw, collage, and make music so joyfully.
I don’t have the words to say everything that WZRD Presents was. Luckily, the Galleon Guy did it for me in our first song, “WZRDFest for good.”
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You just heard “WZRDFest for good” by The Galleon Guy, Neville’s Diary with “Stand,” and Potterwatch with their “Potterwatch Anthem” [lyrics].
And now it’s time for my interview with Ludo of Ludo Bagman and the Trash!
Welcome to the show, Ludo Bagman of Ludo Bagman in the trash. I have been looking forward to this interview for years, and we’re finally making it happen.
Ludo: I am, I’m so glad to be a part of this. I, I am an avid fan of WZRD Radio, so <laugh>, thank you for having me.
Oh, that’s so kind. My patrons had so many questions for you, so I figure we’ll just dive in, uh, and start with your history with wizard rock.
Ludo: All righty. So, let’s see, it was 15 years ago in November, so yeah, pretty much almost 15 years ago. Uh, my twin brother and I… We’d gone to a Halloween party. It was strictly Harry Potter related, and there’s this toy guitar at the venue and my brother’s like “Hey, wanna do some wizard rock covers in front of all these people we don’t know?” And we’re like, formulating an idea. We said, okay, let’s be, uh, “Seamus and the Finnegans.? We are dressed as, uh, Fred and George. And we said, “okay, let’s use Seamus and the Finnegans just for the heck of it.” And we played three songs and just had people just looking at us like, “what the heck are you people up to?” <Laugh> Um, and then shortly afterwards there was a, a show at a local library, and I saw a few individuals there. And then ever since then, it’s just, I’ve been hooked. Uh, it’s, it’s been a fantastic experience.
So you were also Seamus and the Finnegans?
Ludo: Yes. For that very brief two year period. And then I, I always ask my twin brother, I’m like, “Hey, do you want to continue on with this?” And he said, “no, I’m done.” And I’m like, “okay, that’s, that’s your, your deal. Um, I’m gonna do my own thing.” <Laugh>.
So how did Ludo Bagman happen?
Ludo: So it started as a Instagram post on my regular thing. Um, I had just gotten out of a breakup and I’m like, “oh, I’m so grateful to have the Bag Man in my life.” And I, I donned a Chipotle bag cut holes in it, and I’m like, “oh, this is great. Yeah, I just needed this moment to feel a little bit better about myself and, you know, go through the grief process” and, um, I’m trying to remember, I think it was Abby Ritter who had commented on the Instagram post saying, “Hey, Ludo!” And all of a sudden just my mind exploded. I’m like, “I can do something with this.” <Laugh> And ever since then, Ludo Bagman and the Trash has been a staple of my life. <laugh> A a secret alter ego.
It’s amazing that you had two entres, uh, into wizard rock as a band.
Ludo: Yes. Yeah, and I definitely feel like Ludo was, was the all encompassing, uh, factor that really got me into myself and finding what I wanted from the community and just be becoming the person I am today. So, yeah.
So where did the “and the Trash” part come from?
Ludo: So I was thinking “who would be in a band with Ludo?” And I’m just thinking “it’s just all these garbage people.” It’s like all the garbage characters that no one really, um, has much taste for. And they’re like, okay. So Filch would definitely be part of Ludo Bagman in the trash. And I, like you would probably have, oh, geez, I, I made a list of this. It’s on my old computer, and I’m like, this person would be on bass. Otto would be in there definitely, because it just get the, the family band together. And I just said, “you know what, let’s get all the characters that are just underappreciated, but also just not savory folks, <laugh>, and we’ll just have them have their own band.”
I imagine that would be a riotous concert.
Ludo: Oh, you bet. <laugh>. Uh, one I would definitely attend.
Now, when I told my patrons that you were going to be my final interview of the year, one question more than any other came up time and time again: Hey, Ludo, what’s under the bag?
Ludo: <laugh>. So I, I’ve been thinking about how to answer this question. Um, what’s under the bag is, is everyone. We, we are all under the bag, whether it’s our, uh, individual characteristics, it’s just us being who we are. And I, I think that’s the great thing about wizard rock too. You are who you are and you’re accepted for it, and you can’t ask for a better thing. And, you know, it’s just, it’s about finding yourself and being yourself. And, you know, sometimes you need a, a cozy place to hide away and sweat profusely on, on stage underneath <laugh> a a big plast– or a paper bag. Don’t wear plastic, please don’t do that <laugh>. So yeah, everyone is under the bag. You are under the bag and just continue being under the bag. There’s nothing wrong with that as long as you’re, you’re happy. <laugh>
Did you know from the start that Ludo Bagman was going to perform under a bag at all times? Or did that develop?
Ludo: I think that was the initial thought that it was always going to be performing with a bag on and then just have this ridiculous air of mystery. Like most, most folks know who I am, but I remember there were multiple shows where I would go into like a closet or somewhere backstage or duck underneath a podium and throw a bag on, and they’re like, oh, where did you come from? Oh my goodness!” Um, over the years I’ve had to like redevelop how to do that just because those things are a pain to get on and stay on <laugh>. There’s been multiple incidents of folks trying to readjust the bag because it’s drooping over or it’s falling off my head and, uh, still trying to work on something that’s comfortable and not, not as mobile <laugh>.
Now part of that I think, leads into the other question that came up with my patrons, which was, um, is there one hallowed bag? Is it that one Chipotle bag from the Instagram post or one special bag? Or is it more of a series, one per concert?
Ludo: It’s, it’s kind of a mix of both. Like, I will use one bag as long as I can. I no longer have that Chipotle bag, sadly. Um, it deteriorated over time between moisture and, uh, folding and getting trampled or tucked under/inside of my guitar case. And I, I’ve sadly had to retire it and maybe eight or nine other variations of it. I still have a box of a hundred paper bags. <laugh> or, or so. Okay, 92 paper bags that, uh, are, they’re just in case. And I’ve labeled the ones, I still have a few that I hold onto because, “oh, this was this concert and, um, it was very special to me”, or “it was this show I’d first, uh, introduced, um, Otto Bagman and the Flying Lawnmowers for the, the brief like interlude bit.” So yeah, there’s a few. They’re like my friends. <laugh>.
Have you ever given any way or have they become, you know, cherished, uh, souvenirs for people in the audience?
Ludo: One, I’ve given away… The, I’ve always thought like, you know, how cool would it be to have a bunch of Ludo Bagmans staring back at Ludo Bagman? And that be did become a merch item and I would have like a Create Your Own Bag, um, section at shows. Kids loved it. The parents like tried to get into it. Um, I learned very quickly don’t bring permanent markers for those, stick with the washable ones because they, they do emit fumes and that was a learning curve. Um, I’ve given a few away. My fiance has one, um, that we still hold onto. It’s in, in a scrapbook, believe it or not, but most, most, I’m kind of cherishing, holding on. Maybe someday they’ll, they’ll find their hands into to the next Ludo Bagman and the Trash fans. We’ll see.
What makes for a good bag? I assume you’ve, you know, experimented over the years.
Ludo: Oh geez. Um, breathing holes. Like that is top of the list. I’ve played around with that idea several times. Like, “where do I have to put holes in the bag?” I’ve done like little eye slits below so I can see a little bit better. I’ve done like pinholes so I could have a perforated thing. Yeah, breathing is, is the most important part. Um, definitely paper by all means paper, um, or canvas. As I say, plastic is a no-go and always will be <laugh>, um, for multiple reasons. And there was this one local like shop in New Haven that had like the perfect paper bag. Um, it had paper handles on it and it was like the right thickness, the right color, and it, it was like the perfect size. It wouldn’t fall over my shoulders or get knocked off, and it stayed on very well. And then my cat started chewing on it, <laugh>. And since then I’ve moved out of New Haven, Connecticut, and I’ve, I’ve yet to find a bag anywhere near as wonderful as that one. <Laugh>
As a fellow bag wearer, uh, have you ever considered starting some sort of group or network with Chuck Tingle, the author?
Ludo: <laugh> You know, why not? I’ve had people say, “you know, this individual wears bags.” I’ve had other people say, “oh, well this individual wears a bucket over their head for performances.” Or, um, “someone wears a boot on their head.” I think truly anyone who wears something on their head, um, in, in a silly fashion, why not? I, I’d be happy to collaborate with anyone if it’s, if it’s a boot, if it’s a shoe, if, if it’s a pencil box… By all means, I, I am all for it. Uh, my email is open <laugh>.
This seems like a good spot to add some music. Here’s “Wrock & Love” by Pussycat Dolores.
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That was Pussycat Dolores with “Wrock & Love,” “Half a Giant” from Hogwarts Trainwreck, and The House of Black with “Wizard Rock Fan Girl.”
“Wrock & Love” was a special request from my spectacular patron Geoff, who dedicates it to “everyone who came together and made WZRD Presents a reality. Voldemort can’t stop the wrock, and neither can literal darkness!”
Here’s some more of my chat with Ludo!
All right. The final question that, that my patrons really wanted to know was what happened to Ludo after the Triwizard Tournament and events. What’s he been up to?
Ludo: So I don’t wanna give any spoilers because this is going to be in a future album. Ludo has been kind of everywhere. Ludo is traveling through, uh, and still to this day, um, since those, those wonderful events, um, through other fictional worlds, through other, um, means of transport, hiding out a little bit, a lot of gambling, um, gotta make money somehow. And like I said, I don’t wanna give away too much, but, um, in the future those questions will be answered in depth. <laugh>
How intriguing, uh, that makes me wanna skip ahead a little to what are you working on now?
Ludo: So, as mentioned, that album that chronicles the Adventures of Ludo Bagman and of course everyone’s favorite time of year Bagmas is just around the corner. And I have some, some fun ideas for this year. There will be a couple new songs, couple of of the Bagmas classics, and there will definitely be a live stream for all to celebrate the wonderful festivities.
Well, that sounds amazing. I cannot wait.
Ludo: I’m so excited. It’s my favorite time of year. I feel bad because I had plans for last year and it never came to fruition. I got way too busy. But this year is going to be a bash no doubt. <Laugh>
Oh, I’m looking forward to that. Uh, you mentioned potential albums and things. Do you think those will be coming by the end of the year? Next year?
Ludo: I’m, I’m hoping by, by the end of 2025, if not sooner. I would definitely like it to be sooner, but a, a few things need to happen prior to, and I, I know it’s… I’m so excited to get it out <laugh>. So that’s, that’s the, the bottom line. There’s just, there’s too much to the story that needs to continue and more to go from there, I’m sure.
Well, I can’t wait to find out what all of that is about. That sounds amazing. Uh, and I did skip ahead a little ’cause I was impatient, but as someone who’s been doing this for 15 years, which is amazing and has a whole consistent series of Bagmas albums and incredible unique merch, what advice do you have for our newer wizard rockers who are just starting out?
Ludo: My best bit of advice would be just have fun. If you’re going to do something a little bit off the beaten path of, uh, what might be considered Standard Wizard Rock, by all means do it. If you want to put something on your head, put something on your head. If you want to just do acapella, like Dots & Lines is doing, by all means, like, I think that’s a very creative way about going forward. But just have fun because the, the community will accept you no matter what you do. As silly as it is, as ridiculous as you can make it, it’s going to be, uh, well received and people will enjoy it.
And I always like to get a little bit of practical advice, you know, your favorite tuning app or warmups or something that helps you write a song or record or edit.
Ludo: So as far as the warmups go, breathing exercises, um, that, that always helps, um, for the bag because, uh, I’ve felt a couple times where I’ve gotten a little woozy and the oxygen flow is just not there. So, you know, being able to pace your breathing a bit definitely helps. As far as other practical bits, I, I have to say I’m pretty elementary when it comes to tuning or, uh, whatnot. I, I have a built-in tuner on the guitar that, that always helps. Um, and hydration. <Laugh> Hydration, that’s the other thing. Um, make sure you have ample water just so the throat doesn’t get dry.
What kind of breathing exercises help with life in a bag?
Ludo: The biggest one is… So I, I’ve been a mouth breather for a long time and I am card carrying member will always be happy to share that, due to a deviated septum. And the big thing that helps is just, you know, trying to remember to breathe through the nose and, um, so just your, your typical in through the nose, hold for eight out through the mouth and make that an eight second process. Continue through that pattern. Eight seconds in hold, eight out eight. Uh, so you’re just kind of taking those square breaths and it does seem to help in some respect. My throat still gets dry, but yeah, like I said, that’s what the water’s for.
Our final music break is here, led by Muggle Snuggle and their “Expecto Patronum!”
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After Muggle Snuggle’s “Expecto Patronum!” [lyrics] we had “Origin Story” by Aguamenti, and we ended the block with “Lakeside Friends” from Hollow Godric [lyrics].
And here’s the last part of my conversation with Ludo!
All right. Thank you so much for talking with me today.
Ludo: Oh, I, I’m so happy to have made this happen. Thank you for having me.
I feel like we hardly scratched the surface, so we’ll have to talk more in the future.
Ludo: Oh, absolutely. Anytime I, I’m, I’m more than happy to do so.
In the meantime, where can WZRD listeners find you online?
Ludo: You can find me on Facebook, uh, by searching Ludo Bagman and the Trash. You can find me… Your best bet would be, uh, direct email through, uh, uh, LudoBagmanandtheTrash@gmail.com. Or you can find me on Bandcamp, uh, by typing in Ludo Bagman and the Trash.
If you heard a song today and you thought “I could listen to that again” then go to the transcript at WZRDRadioPod.com, follow the link and buy a copy of your very own. It’s the best way to support your favorite musician, and without our wizard rockers, we wouldn’t be here.
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If you want to keep up with WZRD between episodes, you can find me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok at WZRDRadioPod. If you don’t believe in social media, you can also comment on the transcript or email me at WZRDRadioPod@gmail.com.
And now, here’s Ludo Bagman and the Trash!
Ludo: I wanted to wrap this up the way I would wrap up any of the shows I do by playing the first Ludo Bagman and the Trash song ever written. So here is “The Bag PSA” by Ludo Bagman and the Trash.
WZRD Radio Podcast 