photo by Owen Cauldwell

You might not know who Hera Warbeck is yet, but we're betting you've heard of her mother Celestina. "Hera's going to be the next big thing," says her manager Nigel Avery. The musician just finished her premier set of songs that will start rotation on the Wizard Wireless Network this week. Recently Hera took time out of her busy schedule to sit down with our roving reporter Nancy Newts for an interview.

Nancy Newts: Do you hear songs in your dreams?

Hera Warbeck: [laughs] That's a new one. Yes, sometimes. Next you'll ask me if I were a tree, what sort of tree I'd be.

NN: Well?

HW: [laughs again] Maple. I like how the leaves are shaped and... syrup?

NN: [laughing] Fair enough. Does your collection of songs have a title, and what are they about?

HW: It's called Gypsy or Nomad. Mainly because it was written while I was moving around and playing place after place, trying to get my name out there. Most of the songs are about love and love lost.

NN: So are they a reflection of you rocky relationship and break-up with Wychwood guitarist Pete O'Toole?

HW: My manager would tell me to say no, but I won't lie. It's been difficult, and that translates to my music. Whatever I am feeling at the time comes out there. Sometimes even what I listen to influences me.

NN: Is there anyone in particular you're listening to right now?

HW: That new Weird Sisters' song is good.

NN: Will you do live shows to promote your new song collection?

HW: I will. After a short break. I've been playing a lot recently. I just finished the magical recordings of my song collection. I want a bit of a vacation before I jump back in. Apparating all over with a band isn't the best. A lot of them have wives and family.

NN: You don't spend time with your family?

HW: I didn't say that, but they are busy too. Mum's just as busy as I am. She's got a new collection of songs coming out for Halloween this year.

NN: What about your brothers and sisters?

HW: They're all a bit older than I am. They have their own families. I visit, but my brothers have children starting Sara Prep and Hogwarts. They've been busy getting ready for that. My eldest sister is on the Wizengamot. She's been swamped lately.

NN: And the other sister?

HW: She does herbology research abroad. None of us see her much.

NN: The big anticipated hit from this collection is a song about not believing in blood purity.

HW: Yes. I think it's a good representation of the current political climate.

NN: Is that a reflection of your finding out that pureblood Noel Warbeck is not your father? And the rumor that a Muggle is your father?

HW: I'd rather not speak of that. Noel Warbeck is the person I have always called father and I will continue to do so.


photo by Owen Cauldwell

Hera's manager has assured us that after her brief break, she will start appearing in public to promote her new song collection.