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As the primary man behind Meat Beat Manifesto, originally from Swindon, England, and now residing in the San Francisco Bay Area, Jack Dangers began his musical career with Perennial Divide and moved on to Meat Beat Manifesto soon thereafter. Jack is veg and definitely pro-animal rights. Drawing deep, his music is a reflection of his heart and mind coupled with an unparalleled ability to craft infectious beats that can level a person, body and soul. This combination culminates in an extraordinary sound experience that is never the same listen twice and continues to evolve while still light years ahead of its time.
PETA2: What made you decide to speak up for animal rights?
JD: I have always loved animals, and when I started working with Consolidated in 1991, their message really made sense to me. They were very strong advocates for animal rights, and it just really clicked. When I was a kid, I remember eating meat and feeling really sick afterwards. No one really explains where the meat comes from or ? how disgusting the slaughter and processing of animals is. Once you learn all the facts, as far as I am concerned the decision becomes a no-brainer. Frankly, it frustrates me when people don’t see it or don’t want to. My new biggest annoyance at the moment is the hunting shows on television. It’s absolutely barbaric and, frankly, pretty embarrassing that TV stations would choose this type of programming. Who watches this crap?
PETA2: Some musicians prefer to just hit people in the ears without going for their hearts or minds ... your message of compassion toward animals, whether subtle or obvious, is always there. How important is it for you to include your message when making music? And why?
JD: I believe messages in music are very important, and I have always tried to put my thoughts into the music. I don’t believe in slamming people in the face with my beliefs; I really go for more subtle references to politics. If people have an inch of compassion or a few brain cells, they should be able to figure it out. For those people who don’t want to see it, screaming in their faces will not necessarily help. Providing the information and a forum to receive it might.
 PETA2: Your music and your understated lyrics and samples coupled with vivid imagery at your shows had a profound impact on the course of my life. After seeing your show, I left the venue thinking of more than just the beat—I decided to go vegetarian and never looked back. Do you get this kind of feedback from your supporters a lot?
JD: I do get some of this feedback, and it really blows me away. I really just try to put out there what I am thinking or feeling at a certain time and hope that people are affected by it. Music and images are a huge influence in my life. I like to put images and sounds out there that are abstract enough to mean different things to different people.
PETA2: As a vegetarian on the road, do you have a favorite situation, story, or predicament that you might share when you’ve been in search of a great vegetarian meal? Any favorite restaurants in cities people might not expect?
JD: Well, it used to be very hard to travel around Europe being a vegetarian, but things seem to be getting easier. One of our tours, we lived off baguettes with vegetarian pâté for, like, two weeks. We found a vending machine that dispensed hot tomato soup and you would have thought a veggie burger dropped from heaven. We devoured like 10 cups of the insipid stuff.
I found a great restaurant in London called Wagamama that has a ton of great choices and fresh juices. Also, in San Francisco, Millennium is pretty amazing. There is also a hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Chinatown called Lucky Creation—great vegetarian lemon chicken. I love a place in Oakland called Golden Lotus. In most cities where I am traveling, I usually stick to Chinese or Thai restaurants, but really I am finding that there is some sort of vegetarian option on every menu. This is very different from several years ago.
PETA2: Your style is thoughtful, subtle, and not preachy, yet unapologetic. How do you deal with direct confrontation? For instance, when someone says animals don’t have rights or they are here for our use and exploitation, etc. ? what would a typical Jack Dangers response be?
JD: When someone confronts me in this way, I would say that I disagree and that I believe that using animals for food or experimentation is not moral or healthy but they should look into themselves. I would refer them to an organization like PETA and ask them to review the other side before making up their minds. But once again, I am not going to get into an argument with someone. People have to make their own decisions, and any person who confronts me this way isn’t going to be converted to a vegan overnight or by the information I give them on the spot. This is why I believe in providing images and information to people; it is the best way to change minds.
PETA2: Do you like to cook? If so, when you have the time, what is a favorite food you make? Do you have a favorite vegetarian junk food or anything you absolutely must travel or tour with?
JD: OK, I am not such a great cook. The only things I make well are sautéed mushrooms on toast—an English favorite—and microwave dinners. I really like Stonewall’s vegetarian jerky, Tofutti, veggie burgers, and French fries. On the road, I like to have tons of fresh juices, fruit, and snack foods. Peanut butter and jelly is a staple in my dressing room, along with a veggie deli tray with tofu and other sandwich stuff. I never get a chance to sit down and eat, so anything I can grab quickly is good.
PETA2: What advice would you give a young person who is interested in the vegetarian lifestyle but isn’t quite sure about how to get started?
JD: I would tell them to write to PETA to get more information. The resources are there, and they are great. I know this interview is for PETA and this sounds like a paid endorsement, but really PETA has all the information very well organized and I have always appreciated the support they give to people young or old that are seeking information about animal rights.
Being vegetarian is still a challenge; it makes you different from other people. My partner tells a great story about the time her grandmother asked her to eat “a little” turkey at Thanksgiving—“it won’t hurt.” Some people will not understand your decision, but all you can do is explain the reasons you have for being a vegetarian and be prepared to eat before you go to family dinners! Honestly, I have found that most friends and family members respect my decision and are actually pretty interested in it. Also, we always try to bring an amazing vegetarian dish to all the dinners we go to, and it usually ends up being the favorite.
PETA2: What can Meat Beat fans expect to hear in the forthcoming RUOK? release and see on the upcoming tour?
JD: Well, no dates have been scheduled yet for touring, but I hope to get out as either Tino Corp. or as MBM in the winter. RUOK? is the record I always wanted to make, with no influence from outside sources such as record labels. It has heavy beats and bass and also features tracks with Z-trip and Alex Paterson from the Orb. I don’t really listen to popular or even current music. This helps me come up with new ideas and sounds. I hope this comes through on RUOK?
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