Free, Free, Free! September 8, 2009

Posted by Elizabeth Barturen at September 8, 2009 2:46 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 0 ) | TrackBack

Have you won free peta2 swag yet?

Maybe it's because you don't know just how much free stuff we're giving away right this second on peta2.com. Hint: it's a lot.

School's starting up again and that means more papers, speeches, and tedious research (ugh!), so I'm going to save you some much-needed time and do the work for you. I'm making it so ridiculously easy for you by listing them all here that you won't have an excuse not to enter! What do you have to lose? It's as easy as the click of a button!

• Are you into fashion? Then enter to win these stylish vegan olsenHause shoes from their 2009 collection.
• Like games? Check out our contest to win a Nintendo DS Lite!

If those two don't excite you, than what about these band giveaways?

• You can win a Bayside prize pack featuring an Atticus T-Shirt designed by Bayside's Anthony Raneri and a copy of Live at the Bayside Social Club!
• How about signed CDs from I Set My Friends on Fire?
• Maybe you'd be interested in a Silverstein (peta2 and Silverstein are bffs) prize pack featuring a signed album (colored vinyl or CD), a signed poster, and a T-shirt!
• Are you a metal fan? Then you might enjoy a copy of Lullabies for the Dormant Mind and a signed poster from the Agonist.
• OK, and who doesn't love The Used? We sure do, and that's why we're giving away a signed copy of their new album Artwork!
• Lastly, everyone knows how amazing Fridays are and we like to think that our Free Stuff Friday contests are icing on the cake (vegan, of course), so check back every Friday for the latest prizes! This week, you can win a pair of tickets to the movie premiere of Warped Tour's 15th Anniversary Celebration!

Whew! When I said there were a lot of these, I really meant it! So what are you waiting for? Enter today!

The Agonist's EXCLUSIVE Video Premiere and Contest! September 3, 2009

Posted by Shannon Phillips at September 3, 2009 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 156 ) | TrackBack

Attention metal fans ... do you enjoy piercing guitar solos, crashing drums, and vocals that go from gutteral growling to operatic beauty? Yeah, I thought so. If you're not already familiar, now is the time to check out the female fronted Canadian metal quintet, The Agonist.

With no signs of slowing down, The Agonist has gained recognition (and quite the following) with every release, and their single "Business Suits and Combat Boots," even won Viewer's Choice honors on Headbanger's Ball. Not only does The Agonist score points in the metal scene, but they score points with us too. Vegetarian since birth and vegan for 10 years, vocalist Alissa is no stranger to animal rights. In an interview earlier this year, Alissa discussed vegetarianism, videos documenting cruelty to animals, and product testing on animals. Knowing this, what better place to debut their new video for "Thank You Pain" than peta2!

Says Alissa, "I am very honored to have peta2 premiere our video. Since PETA fights for a lot of the same things I do in my songs, it's great to be able to partner up again. I look forward to working with them on future campaigns as well. They are perceived as a daring organization that pushes the boundaries in order to expose what people normally turn a blind eye to. We have noticed that a lot of our fans are extremely intelligent, interesting people so we think they will be excited about this video debut as well."

The Agonist and peta2, a perfect match? I think so. Check out the band's amazing video for "Thank You Pain" below ...



To celebrate the release of The Agonist's new video premiere, we want to give you the chance to win a prize pack courtesy of Century Media Records. For your chance to win a copy of Lullabies for the Dormant Mind and a signed poster, please comment with your thoughts on the video. Five winners will be chosen at random. Entries must be received by September 30, and winner will be notified by October 14.

Just so you know ... by commenting here, you're acknowledging that you've read and agreed to our privacy policy.

Also by commenting, you are agreeing to the following terms and conditions.

The Agonist May 12, 2009

Posted by Shannon Phillips at May 12, 2009 12:57 PM | 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!

Metal, Pirates, and Ringling! November 21, 2007

Posted by Marta at November 21, 2007 10:04 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 3 ) | TrackBack

We have been on tour with The Agonist and let me tell you, if you like metal and haven't seen these guys (and gal) play live, you really need to check them out. The black-hearted singer, Alissa, is not only vegan, she speaks out for animals every chance she can get. She asked peta2 to come out on tour with her to get people to sign our petition to help improve the conditions for chickens in slaughterhouses.

The Agonist's video "Business Suits and Combat Boots" has also been nominated for the best music video of 2007 on Head Bangers Ball. Make sure you help them out and vote for them.

While on tour we stopped by Chicago and met up with Jason and Loyd who have been following Ringling Bros. Circus, letting people know how they beat their animals to make them perform stupid tricks.


Most of you don't know this, but I'm pretty much obsessed with pirates and while in Portland, OR, we came across the best place I've ever seen by far.


Pirate's Tavern is an all-vegan pirate tavern. They have everything from fake fish sandwiches to vegan chili cheese fries.




So, make sure you check out The Agonist and if you can, please come out to a show and say Ahoy!

-Paul