Pipedown, an up-and-coming group from Sacramento, CA, was recently described as "simply put, an excellent punk-rock band." Punknews.org described their music as "darkly melodic."
Brenda: Are you Vegetarian or Vegan?
Vegan
When did you decide to become vegetarian/vegan? Who, how or what motivated you? Why?
Actually my ex-girlfriend turned me on to the vegan lifestyle, As she was living it! This was about 5-6 years ago now. I just saw it as being a great clean way to live.
What were some difficulties you faced when you were becoming veg?
Mostly just the eating out thing. I love cooking so I have no problem when I eat at home. But you find your way after a while. I know where and what I can eat.
Do you have any advice for young vegs today?
Learn to cook. Find the things you like and work with them. Share recipies with veg friends. Have veg potlucks!
How do your friends and family feel about you being vegan? Do they support you? Have you experienced any conflict with your family, friends, and/or the general public about your choice to live a cruelty-free lifestyle? If so, how do you deal with the criticism? How do you handle social activities with non-vegs? Have you received any criticism for being veg?
Of course there is criticism! Any time you live your life a way out side of the norm you will be criticized for it to some extent. My family is pretty good about it. My mom is trying to become vegan, and my grandmother makes me vegan treats all the time! I love her for that!!!
Do you feel society has become more aware of and accepting of vegetarians, vegans and animal rights activists over the years? If so, how? How would you like to see it progress from where it stands now?
Yes, it's getting easier and easier to find vegan goods and supplements in grocery stores, and a lot of restaurants have veg choices on the menu these days. Where I think we are still lacking is in vegan clothing. Geoff Rowley (Vegan Pro Skater) has a line of vegan shoes made by Vans, which I think is totally awesome! But this is just the beginning. We need more people like Geoff to make it a more common alternative.
What are your normal eating habits? How does it differ when you are on the road? Is it difficult to eat on tour?
It is definitely harder to eat well on tour. Supplements are vital! I recommend a small camping stove and grocery stores. Trust me, it makes others jealous on the road!
Is Sacramento veg friendly?
Yes, there are some great stores, and a lot of the restaurants have vegan alternatives. There is also a place called the Sunflower Cafe that has awesome nut burgers, and they also make vegan cookies that are to die for!
How do you get by in life making sure even the little things are cruelty-free? Are there specific cruelty-free companies you prefer?
OK, so this is gonna sound funny, but when it comes to products, Aveda is the only way to go! As far as food, I like Tofutti, Yves Veggie Cuisine, Silk, and you just can't go wrong with organic fruits and veggies! You don't even have to read the label!!!
Do you guys have any companion animals?
Yes, I have a feline friend named China! She rocks!
How has being veg affected your life physically, socially, mentally, and emotionally?
Physically - I'm a whole lot healthier than I was before!
Socially - I'm more conscious of the impact meat, dairy, and clothing industries have had on our lifestyles.
Mentally - Well, I've got a couple screws loose no matter what I eat.
Emotionally - I'm a compassionate person.
What are some of your favorite veg foods and veg restaurants/stores?
Restaurants - Native Foods in Hollywood, Herbivore in San Fransisco
Stores - www.pangea.com
Are any of the other members in Pipedown vegan or vegetarian?
I'm the only vegan, a couple others are veg. All of us enjoy eating vegan!
Have any of your fans become veg because of you?
I don't know. I'd like to think I would have some positive impact, no matter what it might be.
Have you ever talked to your fans about vegetarianism?
Yes, I get asked about it a lot.
Any last words?
I would like to say a special thanks to my new friend Cindy Frey from Belgium!
She is a photographer and also does vegan catering for bands and is definitely a strong force in the vegan movement in Europe! She was an amazing person we met on our tour, plus she made me awesome vegan lasagna and pancakes! Here are some links to her sites!
www.pbase.com/cindy_pictures
http://xtankgirlx.deviantart.com/
www.pbase.com/cindyphotography
--Brenda and her twin sister, Angie, are both vegans and contributors to vegetarianteen.com.
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