Posted May 27, 2009 by Megan Rondeau
Considering I have my headphones on pretty much all day every day, I’m always on the lookout for new music. One of the best things about my job is discovering new bands that are awesome and that care about animals. So I’m sure you can imagine my glee in discovering self-proclaimed “heart-quaking doom pop” band War Tapes.
peta2 caught up with Matt and Becca of the California quartet at this year’s SXSW festival in Austin, TX. Here they are in their own words …
What prompted you to want to go vegetarian?
Becca: Growing up I always had pets, and animals have always been a really big part of my life. I worked on farms when I was a little kid and I just couldn’t imagine ever killing an animal just to eat it. As people we have the right to make a conscious decision on what to eat … if I can chose to not eat an animal why would I choose otherwise? You don’t eat your dog. You don’t eat your cat. Why would you eat a cow or a pig? It just doesn’t make sense.
Matt: Yeah, I have a much less intellectual answer actually. I think in middle school I got really into Morrissey and that definitely sparked the interest.
What animal issues are close to your heart?
Becca: Pretty much anything involving animal cruelty is really close to our hearts. The over population of domestic animals is definitely a big issue. I’m a really big proponent of adopting your pets. There are so many rescued animals in shelters. There are so many people giving away their animals because they can’t keep them. There’s just so many options rather than going to a pet store where dogs are from puppy mills.
Any thoughts on fur?
Becca: (I’m) definitely anti-fur. It’s disgusting. It’s cool too because I feel like now you can find cool things that are not made of leather. There are a lot of stores that are using plastic synthetic leather for shoes, or canvas, and it looks just as good. There are a lot of good options today, so I think it makes it a lot easier to choose non animal products.
How do you feel about companies that test products on animals?
Becca: I think animal testing in general is barbaric and archaic. I don’t think it needs to exist anymore. It’s just a really cheap way for these companies to get their testing done. They make so much money, I think they could invest in safer ways of testing their products. It just doesn’t make sense and I think it needs to be publicized more.
What advice can you give fans who want to be more involved in animal rights?
Becca: Daily choices you make are really a great way to start. I think it all starts inside, so if you decide that (animal rights is) something that’s important to you, and hopefully it is, I think it’s easy to start vegetarianism everyday. Every menu in every restaurant is going to have a vegetarian option. You can request things be made without meat. It’s really easy and it tastes just as good. Starting where you can is the simplest way, and making those decisions everyday … once you get comfortable with that it’s so much easier to expand upon. You can do research online; you can find local groups …
Matt: There’s definitely some issues where it’s up to you. I learn a lot from Becca and it’s become part of our daily lives.
You can catch War Tapes on tour with VNV Nation this summer and their new album The Continental Divide is available now. You can purchase the album on Amazon or iTunes, but it just so happens that I have 5 copies of their new CD to give away to you! For a chance to win, leave a comment with your favorite song to put on a summer mixtape. The 5 entries with the most creative songs will be chosen by June 2 and notified by June 9.
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peta2 Street Team Coordinator + lover of vegan food, cats, animal rights, Dawson's Creek, and Harry Potter.
Too long to explain here, it's long enough for a novel.
Father loves to farm, be self sustainable, loves to read, he's a antiques/vintage auctioneer, art student, and looks like mr. Rogers. My mother is a Montessori teacher and is amazing with children, all about local organic foods, loves gardening, cooking etc. my sister who is nine years older than me was into indie music and introduced me to all sorts of things at a young age. This all rubbed of on me and from that base I grew into similar things. I'm an INFJ
I love animals about as much as rock, heavy metal, tea, and coffee. Hoping to make a difference and help animals through PETA!!!
I'm tall, a geek, nacho - obsessed, I love sewing and Cath Kidston, also I'm vegetarian (wannabe vegan.)
Jersey girl now I'm all country.
Well let's just say life ain't always beautiful but it's a beautiful ride. I love all my pets and would do anything for them. I have one dog, two cats, a ferret and my babygirl shaymin,(the cutest hedgehog alive) I'm into all different kinds of music. I'm a singer myself and love art.
I want to get into marketing but not have to rely on people which have different morals and worldviews than I do to hire me. While I'm figuring this out, I want to show everyone what I believe in and spur them into action against injustices.
Life On A Tour Bus
I am Angela. When I am not helping animals I am listening to music, reading, or playing video games. My spirit animal is a fox and I love nature. What else is there to know? Want to know anything about me, need advice or anything message me :)
xo
1440 days ago
0
Will Smith – “Summertime”. It absoluately makes me sing and dance in my chair and makes me want to hang with my friends on a warm summer night.
1451 days ago
0
hmmlets c…
i would have to say my top 5 would be:
~Perfect Night by. Haste the Day
~A Boy Brushed Red Living in Black and White by. Underoath
~Crash by. Decyfer Down
~Ocean Waves by. Flyleaf
~Savior by. Disciple
1455 days ago
0
umm… summer reminds me of music, fun and dancing… i would definitely choose:
Never wanted to dance by Mindless Self Indulgence
…
and Dancing Through Sunday by AFI
1455 days ago
0
I must not chase the boys by Play
its kinda forgotten by everyone but still very true lol and my motto for summer hols :$
1455 days ago
0
Foot In Your Mouth by Active Slaughter
One of the best animal friendly vegan bands ever!
1455 days ago
0
the blackout – this is why we cant have nice things.
1456 days ago
0
Missy Higgins – Sugarcane. My favorite singer ever.
1456 days ago
0
i’d say “Obsession is Such an Ugly Word” by Alesana.
=]
1456 days ago
0
I would like a summer mixtape with the song
~Happy by Never Shout Never!
or
~No one Can Touch Us by Sing it Loud
or
~Weightless by All Time Low
and yeah :]
1456 days ago
0
my favorite song ever would be dragonfly by: ziggy marley
he’s a vegan who just came out with a new cd…and not to metion Dragonfly is about respecting all creatures!
1456 days ago
0
Okay, it’s definitely this one:
Blowing In the Wind – Bob Dylan
An oldie, but a goodie, and it asks some very deep questions!!
1456 days ago
0
saturday nights – the misfits
elanor rigby- the beatles
left behind- slipknot
evolution- korn
1456 days ago
0
The song I’d put on a summer mix tape would be Goldfinger’s ‘Behind the Mask’ as it’s quite up-beat and summery-sounding even though it’s about a serious issue. Plus the Ingrid quotes in the song would spark some great discussions.
1456 days ago
0
Unrequitted love by CHASING VICTORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
or The Guillotine by ESCAPE THE FATE!!!!!!!!!!!!