|
They’re new, they’re young and they don’t own any ponies, but they are a club of sorts. New Young Pony Club may have a pretty cool name, but better than that is their music – dark, sexy electronica that smacks of Elastica, late Le Tigre and even sometimes old Madge in her sultriest disco moments. They’ve even been name-checked by bands as diverse as Aussie electro-popsters Cut Copy and indie kingpins Franz Ferdinand. Better by far than all that, however, is the fact that lead singer Tahita Bulmer is a vegetarian, and she more than happily talked to peta2 about the benefits of giving cruelty the old heave-ho and going meat-free. Read on for the ethical insights of one of 2006’s brightest musical hopes – and be sure to check out filthy-but-fun singles “Ice Cream”, “The Get Go” and “Get Lucky”.
What’s the story behind the band’s name?
I always wanted to be in a club or on a team, but I wasn’t very good at sports as a kid, so I didn’t get on any teams then! I loved the idea of “Pony Club” as quirky and kinky and fun, but there was already a band called Pony Club in Ireland. It strikes me that they are not fully exploiting and enjoying the Pony Club name. We are a newer, younger and kinkier Pony Club. You won’t find anyone wearing a duffle coat in our press shots!
What made you go vegetarian?
I always wanted to go vegetarian. I think it’s important to live out your principles. People say “I love animals” – I said it as well – but you have to think about what you are saying and whether you are going to use the opportunity before you to make a stand. How much do you love them? I think being a veggie is the ecologically and morally sound option. I decided it was time to put my money where my mouth was.
Besides vegetarianism, are you interested in any other animal issues?
I am interested in all sorts of animal issues. I wouldn’t wear fur and would try to encourage my friends to avoid doing so and to boycott designers and shops that use or sell it. Likewise, I’m against animal testing and showing animals for profit. One of my saddest moments ever was watching people having their pictures taken with obviously sedated and distressed lions and leopards in a tiny enclosure in Gorky Park. Surely, one of the most important issues must be educating people elsewhere about animal cruelty. If fans understand that their favourite band or artist feels strongly about the issues at hand, and if they have access to the arguments and to media showing animal cruelty and exploitation, then hopefully they can be inspired to make changes in their own lives.
What would you say to someone who finds it hard to stick to their principles in the face of social pressure to conform?
With regard to animal issues in the West, I think that people really have no excuse not to change. We don’t need meat in our diets, and we don’t need to wear fur. In the UK and US, vegetarianism is part of the lifestyle for many people, and there are many food alternatives, so there is plenty of encouragement to get off the meat wagon.
Get off the meat wagon? We couldn’t have said it better ourselves! Now get on over to the message boards and talk it out!
|
