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When we asked bassist Rob Burke how he’d describe Dropping Daylight in just one word, he said, “‘Oh, geez’ or ‘psychomoms.’” Don’t worry—we don’t get it, either, but we promised him that we’d include this scintillating description without any questions. Thankfully, Rob had a lot more to say about why he’s a happy vegetarian with a distaste for big, sloppy corporations like KFC.
 Why did you decide to go vegetarian?
We were doing our record out in Hoboken, and I had decided to stop eating fast food because it’s absolutely disgusting and terrible. I was cooking a little bit more, but I didn’t have a lot of money, so I wasn’t buying meat from the grocery store. I was eating a lot of pasta and a lot of vegetables and fruits, and I noticed that I felt better. I had more energy, I was a more pleasant person, and my attitude was more consistent. I noticed these things and decided to make a conscious effort to avoid meat. I’ve felt great ever since—it’s been about a year now.
What are some foods that you like now that you might not have tried before you went vegetarian?
Mushrooms, all the vegetables, mucha soy products … I’m not a huge fan of tofu, but I don’t mind it. I also eat a lot of nuts. I think that people are brought up to eat a certain way, and fast food is all around. Our entire society promotes an unhealthy way of living—it’s easier and more convenient to eat unhealthy, so there are all these good foods out there that people aren’t getting just because they’re not in front of their face. I’ve been discovering those foods, and they are in front of your face, but you just have to look past the major print and look around a little bit.
What advice would you give someone who’s thinking about going vegetarian and isn't sure how to get started?
When you’re eating out, just take a moment and you’ll see that there are always vegetarian options. Try those meals, and then see how you feel afterwards. There’s a very groggy-type feel to eating a heavy meal with a lot of meat—it kind of weighs you down. A vegetarian meal won’t make you feel overfilled, but good and full and energetic.
What are some of your favorite places to eat when you’re out on the road?
I like Indian food, and I really like Thai food. Panera is great. Got to love Subway, because it’s easy and you can do a veggie sandwich there. Oh geez, what else? You can find Fazoli’s in the Midwest and some Southern areas. It’s like a fast-food pasta place, and you can get pasta without meat sauce and with veggies. It’s quick and easy. Personally, when I’m home, I would rather have vegetables and fruit.
 What does the rest of the band think about your being a vegetarian?
Seth is also a vegetarian. He was doing a lot of the same things with his diet that I was around the same time. I was like, “You know, dude, I think I’m going to go vegetarian and see how it goes.” And he was like, “You know, I think I’m going to try that too.” He was curious, and we both feel better.
You’ve talked a lot about the health reasons for going vegetarian. Are you also familiar with what happens to animals in factory farms?
I am familiar with it, and it’s really disturbing. I can’t get through an entire article. It’s like, “OK, all right, I get the point, and it’s bummin’ me out, man!” So, from my end, all I can do is speak to people and say, “Hey, this is my experience, so inform yourself in any way that you need to.” This whole meat-processing thing is out of control. These animals aren’t treated like living beings, you know? They have thoughts. It’s not cool. I get worked up—I’m sorry.
It’s understandable. What do you think about KFC and other fast-food corporations that treat animals inhumanely?
I definitely don’t support those corporations, and I think the public is unaware of what’s really going on. I’m also a product of pop culture. I have a TV at my house, and it’s on—it’s largely the only way that people are being informed. People need to be informed of what’s really going on! This is basic stuff, you know, come on … why? There’s no point in harming creatures to feed humans.
Are there any other animal issues that are important to you?
I’m not a fan of fur, but that’s not really the hip trend anyway. I think I have a greater issue with corporate corruption and companies that are not keeping themselves in check, which results in the detriment of the human race. I don’t eat fast food, due to its poor standards, and I don’t go to the big corporate stores either. I try to check out the mom-and-pop stuff. I do have iTunes though. I’m sorry—I can’t live without iTunes! But it’s really about whatever you can do to keep a forward-thinking mind. At least, that’s my outlook and perspective.
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