Free Stuff from Catalyst Records! September 19, 2006

Posted by Lara Sanders | Permalink | Comments ( 1 )
Hey there - wanna know the inside outsides of running a vegan record label? I do, so I asked Kurt from Catalyst Records how he does it. First read the ensuing dialogue between the two of us, then scroll down to enter to win a huge prize pack from Catalyst!

What made you decided to go vegan, and how long have you been vegan?

Right now I've been vegan for 12-13 years, I always lose track. My path towards veganism started with being taught a love and respect for animals as a child. When I was exposed to vegetarianism through hardcore music later in my life, it just really started to make sense and I had to re-evaluate the way I was living, and the way I was eating. There comes a point where, as an animal lover, I had to begin to think critically about the choices I was making, and why some non-human animals were to be loved while others were to be tortured and killed for human convenience. The only solution was to change my actions to reflect my own principles, by adopting a vegetarian and shortly later, a vegan lifestyle.

All of the bands on Catalyst are vegan, right? What made you want to start an all-vegan label?

Not all of the bands that Catalyst has worked with have been all-vegan bands, but over half of the 23 releases we have put out so far have been for all-vegan bands, and the vast majority of the remainder has been for bands that are all vegetarian, with a majority of vegan members.

My goal with the label has always been to work with bands that represent the founding principles of the label, and take an active role in promoting those principles. Vegetarianism, and veganism/animal liberation especially are core beliefs of both myself and the label. We want to promote bands that in turn promote what we believe in, and give these bands a platform to express their ideas, hopefully to make changes in the world and to encourage others to do the same.

Do you have any tips or advice for bands that are just getting started that want spread the message of animal rights?

My main advice would be to just get out there and speak your mind, say what you have to say and to not let the possible reactions of others keep you from saying what needs to be said. There is a great need for bands, labels, and individuals who are willing to get out there and spread the word, and to encourage people to question their own beliefs and assumptions.

Now for contest deets: Catalyst gave us some prizes to give to you-so be appreciative! Ten ever so lucky winners will get: a "Veganism is Compassion" shirt, a Maroon CD, and a Catalyst Records comp.

All you have to do to enter is fill out the form below. Get on it!

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rock xoxo-lara

currently listening to: Girl Talk

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