What Is With This Bad Luck? July 23, 2008

Normally vegans and vegetarians have the best luck. Call it karma or whatever you want, but nice people generally have good things happen to them. Somewhere in the secret workings of the universe, some of our friends have come across some tough times.

First, one of my favorite musicians around, Rachel from hardcore superstars Most Precious Blood, recently broke her arm according to this blog. I don't know how, but I can only imagine it wasn’t a pleasurable experience based on the photos! Drop her some love here.

Next, our vegetarian buddies Ryan and Ed and the rest of their straight edge hardcore band, The World We Knew, had their trailer and van hit by a Mack truck! Thankfully they escaped without serious injury, but their merch, equipment, and trailer and van are pretty much destroyed. We were about to head out to meet them for an interview for peta2 when we found out, but we're sure that we'll catch them the next time around. In the meantime, The World We Knew posted this blog about the incident, and they are looking for donations. Drop them a line to wish them well at least, will you?

Lastly, The Prids, a vegan band that is totally into animal rights, were in a serious accident on the West coast. Their van rolled several times and members suffered broken bones and severe cuts. I don't want to get into all the details, but they are looking at some serious recovery time and need help with it. They're also looking for donations at their site and I'm sure they'd appreciate a supportive message on their MySpace.

I wish I could send them all these vegan cupcakes that Street Teamer Claudia made... but at least these friends know that our thoughts are with them.

Take care of yourself,
-Pulin

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Rise of Caligula Interview March 3, 2008

When George, the vocalist for a metal band called Rise of Caligula, dropped us a line to work together, I checked out his band's MySpace page. And let me tell you, I was into the sound they have. It's heavy, catchy, and with a vegan vocalist, why would you not at least check it out? It's so metal. It's so good! And looking at George's photo below, I bet you have no idea what you're in for with his vocal style! Here's a quick interview he sat down to do with us, so give it a read. And if you're into metal or hardcore, check out his band!

What's your name and what do you do in the band?
My name is George and I handle all the vocal and lyric responsibilities in the band.

Have you guys toured much?
Yes, we love touring! We've done a few tours over the last couple of years, including ones with Fate, Molotov Solution, Myotonia, and Katsumoto. We're always looking to hit the road though, and will soon. That's a promise!

How would you describe your sound and influences?
We draw numerous influences from a huge variety of bands. I think lately we've really had our ears turned to classic forms of grind, black metal, and post-rock though. I would describe our sound as very grind and hardcore influenced metal.

What would be your ideal show lineup to be on?
Wow... that one is ever-changing. There are a million bands I would love to share the stage with. I think right now though, if I could have the perfect lineup, we'd be playing with Converge, Pig Destroyer, Phobia, Mono, Sigur Ros, Darkest Hour, and Radiohead. Best show of all time! We'd open of course.

How long have you been vegan and into animal rights and how did you get interested?
I first began to have an interest in animal rights during a stint of homelessness that occured in my life. Initially, it was anarcho teachings that really exposed me to all sorts of alternative lifestyles. After getting into that, the largest influence into a vegan life was a girlfriend I had at the time who had been vegan for years. I can really attribute all of my early learning to her. To be honest, without her, I don't think I'd be where I'm at today. It was a great experience in my life.

Do you have any favorite foods?
Anything in a tortilla, pretty much. I'm awfully plain, it's the sad truth.

What do the other band members have to say about your veganism?
Ha, they didn't know what to think of it at first. I don't even think they thought I was being serious or could continue that life, but eventually it grew on them. They've all been vegetarian now for months, so I think my impact was well made!

Where can people learn more about your band and check out some music?
Go straight to MySpace.com/RiseofCaligula. You can get all our updates and available music there. So check it!

Any other questions you wished I would have asked?
I think you guys pretty much summed it up. It was great! I'd like to give a photo credit for my personal photo to MySpace.com/mboydphoto. She's an amazing photographer, check her out!! And a huge thanks to peta2, you guys are beyond cool. Everyone take it easy!

Thanks to George. If you're in a band and looking to spread the word about animal rights, add peta2's MySpace into your top friends, post some banners on your page, and be in touch if you want some literature, stickers, and petitions to get out during your shows. Of course, anyone on the Street Team should do the same, too! Cool deal?

-Pulin

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Mink says, "F*ck Fur"! September 12, 2007

If you haven't heard of the band Mink yet, you will very, very soon—mark my words! This weekend, I had the great pleasure of meeting up with the band, and a great time was had by all! The band played the NorVA opening for the, yes THE, Jane's Addiction hero, Perry Ferrell and his Satellite Party.

Mink, who recently opened for another great, Tom DeLonge and Angels And Airwaves during their Australian tour, are not only set to take the music scene by storm, but they're ready to raise awareness about issues that are important to them. Neil, Stella, Nick, Louis, and Grant said they always take the opportunity to use their name to educate people on the fact that animals should not be slaughtered for their fur. And as the band so eloquently states, "THE ONLY MINK YOU SHOULD OWN, SHOULD BE ON YOUR IPOD!"

I brought along some of our "Mean People Wear Fur" tees for everyone and it was time to par-tae...

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