Moneen Makes peta2 Happy

by Lara Sanders

Known for their long tour schedules and even longer song titles, Moneen is a band that makes peta2 happy indeed—not only because their songs are more infectious than the chicken pox but also because vocalist/guitarist Kenny Bridges is a longtime vegetarian, friend of cats, and lover of Gardenburger Riblets!

Dig in and check out the interview …

Do you have any animal companions? Any funny stories you'd like to share about them?

I have two cats. One is big and white and is named Udaskamala (Ooda-ska-mala). The other is a medium-sized black cat with a small head named Meemers. They are about 8 years old now.

Meemers pees on everything my dad owns. She likes me though. Uda, on the other hand, is my boy. He is one of my best friends. There was a story I used to tell about my cat attacking my crotch, thinking that my unit was a little mouse or something, but I told that story during a show once, and it took about 20 minutes and never went anywhere. They almost dropped us for telling such a bad story. So I will skip it.

What do you think is the best way to deal with a company like KFC, which abuses chickens and refuses to change its ways?

The best way? Just stop supporting them. That seems easy enough.

How long have you been vegetarian, and what was it that made you decide to stop eating meat?

I have been veggie for about 12 years. I am not sure what it was exactly that made me a veggie. Maybe a girl, maybe a movement—not really sure. At the time, I was really getting into the hardcore scene in my area, and a lot of bands like 400 Years, Grade, New Day Rising, Monster X, and Anasarca were really into being aware of things around you.

I really opened up to that. The things they were saying about veganism and straight edge just made sense. I have always had a love for animals, and I felt a lot better not eating meat.

What are some of the veg snacks that you absolutely can't live without while on tour?

Well, the Gardenburger Riblets are some of the greatest fake meat things ever invented. I think the aliens brought them down for us.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about going vegetarian but is afraid there won't be anything to eat?

They are obviously crazy. There is dirt and grass everywhere you go.

Are there any other animal rights issues that are important to you?

I am not the kind of guy that picks an issue and attacks it. It is more important to me that people who follow a veggie path do it for the right reasons and are not silly about it. I find there are a lot of people that jump into things that way and don't stick to it in the end.

If you could pick one animal that you most relate to, which one would it be and why?

Some sort of monkey that is really hyper and has little to no attention span.

Do you have any advice for kids who want to get involved with animal rights but don't know how to get started?

Read a lot, and don't be a dick. Nobody likes someone who thinks they know everything about how the world works. Start by working on your own lifestyle, and then conquer the world next.

Start conquering the world today and take the Veg Pledge!  Why wait for tomorrow?