The Agonist May 12, 2009

Posted by Shannon Phillips | Permalink | Comments ( 3 ) | TrackBack

Are you in need of some new summer music that isn't lame? Allow me to introduce you to The Agonist—a Canadian female-fronted metal band on Century Media. Like their label-mates Earth Crisis, Agonist vocalist Alissa isn't shy when it comes to talking about her choice to be vegan or a female in the metal community. Check out our the interview our friends at peta2 Germany did with Alissa below!

The Agonist has a strong political and social stance, would you say that social issues and animal rights are subjects that are important to kids in the metal scene?
I'm not sure how important these issues are to our fans, but they are VERY important to me. There are definitely some metal and hardcore fans that are very socially aware and politically conscious, and I think they appreciate my lyrics and campaign stances. For the fans who don't care so much about these things, at least they can enjoy our music.

How would you describe the position of women in metal music these days?
I would say we are a minority, but so are vegans and straight-edgers—so I'm used to it. I think we have an uphill battle but the potential for even more impact than a male metal musician.

How long have you been vegan, and what motivated you to go vegan?
I have been vegan for about 10 years, and I have been vegetarian since birth. I think veganism was a natural step-forward for me, since I wanted to do more about protecting animals.

How do you react when people approach you with certain prejudices about veganism (i.e., that it's not a healthy lifestyle, that people "need meat and dairy products", etc.)? I usually laugh, because if that were true, I wouldn't be alive right now! I have never eaten meat in my life. I think, that like with any prejudice, proper education on the matter will dissolve it. I have gained so much by being vegan.

Have you ever written a song inspired by issues related to animal rights?
I would say 90% of my songs are related to this issue. It is what I'm most passionate about and therefore what I write about the most.

What is your advice to people who consider going vegan but do not know how to make the switch?
Just do your research and you will see how rewarding and easy it is. Take it one step at a time, and do it for the right reasons rather than making a hard switch and risking reverting after a while. The planet will thank you!

Have you ever seen any videos that have shown cruelty to animals? How did you feel seeing how animals are treated?
I have seen documented video footage of this, but I usually have to look away. Anyone that blindly eats meat or uses animal products should be forced to witness what they are supporting, I think. I have read a lot of information on the subject, and I am well educated in the field, but I just really have a hard time watching it. It will literally make me cry for days.

Many cosmetics lines have stopped testing on animals. What is you favourite cruelty-free make-up?I use lots of different companies, but mostly Manic Panic and Revlon. It's about time cosmetic companies stop testing, there is no need for it.

Do you have any final words for your fans and peta2 supporters?
Thanks—and hope to see many new vegans and vegetarians in the future!

*****

If you want to check out The Agonist, be sure to pick up Lullabies for the Dormant Mind—and keep an eye on their MySpace page for upcoming tour dates!

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