FABIO

What was the moment or experience that first pushed you toward veganism?
I was watching a documentary in 1992 about slaughtering horses for meat consumption in Italy and that made something click.
Did your path into veganism come before or after getting into hardcore / straight edge?
It was always hand in hand for me.
Was there a specific band, record, or scene influence that opened that door for you?
Yes. Torgny from Onward introduced me to SXE and the band Insted from OC truly made the difference for me
How did your friends, family, or local scene react when you made that shift?
It was unheard of back home so my choice was perceived as something absolutely exotic.
Was it an immediate commitment, or something you grew into over time?
I started out as vegetarian and then went vegan after about one year. Straight Edge was never a big deal as I never even tried drugs or cigarettes. Quitting beer was no big deal.

For you, how connected are veganism and straight edge—are they inseparable or distinct choices?
Everyone has a different approach. To me self liberation is animal liberation.
Do you see veganism as an extension of straight edge ethics, or its own independent stance?
No, I think they can easily live on separate platforms.
How do you respond to people in the scene who embrace one but not the other?
I don’t judge people. We are all on our own different journeys.

What role did the hardcore/metal scene play in shaping your beliefs?
It made me who I am today. 100%. I even wrote a song called “VEGAN STRAIGHT EDGE SAVED MY LIFE” as it inspired me to start my clothing company Eblood back in the day. It made me meet the mother of my child, it shaped me in ever way possible, aesthetically and ethically.
Do you feel like the scene today is more or less aligned with vegan values than when you started?
It depends. Veganism is now well spread so it’s no big deal to claim either beliefs. Italy had a very strong XVX scene in the early 00s though with so many great bands like Purification, Absence, Reprisal, Sentence and From the Dying Sky.

What kind of impact do you hope your band has on listeners?
It does happen often that kids come up to us saying that our music - our message changed them for the better. Knowing that we can make a choice and give a contribution to someone’s growth is priceless.
Have you ever heard from someone who changed because of your music?
Yes, all the time.
Do you think music can genuinely shift people’s behavior, or just reinforce existing beliefs?
I do believe it 100%. Music saved me and I am sure it saved many other lives out there.
Do you see veganism as inherently political?
Yes, every choice we make is political, whether we believe it or not.
How do you balance music with direct action or activism, if at all?
Well, when I was younger I did take part in hunt sobbing and other stuff that I won’t talk about - but yeah. Direct action sometimes is absolutely necessary.
What issues within the broader movement do you think aren’t being talked about enough?
How to be happy, how to outgrow resentment, how not be divisive.

Looking back, would you approach your message differently?
No. I back everything we did and talked about. Back then nobody cared about animal liberation so we needed to raise our voice super loud to make shit happen.
What keeps you committed when it gets difficult or isolating?
Spirituality, meditation, family.
Where do you see the vegan / straight edge movement going in the next decade?
Hopefully more celebrities will raise awareness. Look at Billie Eilish and what she is doing regarding factory farm and meat consumption. Amazing.
What would you say to someone on the fence about embracing these ideas?
Read and educate yourself. We are priviglied as we can choose not bring so much harm in this world. We won’t be perfect but at least we can make some good choices that stand for justice and compassion for all living beings.

First band that made you think differently:
Insted.
A lyric you’ve written (or heard) that still hits hardest:
“BEHIND MY NEVER ENDING STRUGGLE, BEYOND MY NEVER ENDING STRUGGLE, LIES NOTHING BUT DEEP LOVE”
One misconception about veganism:
That we are too militant. Well, we were. I think our approach is way more inclusive now.
One non-negotiable value:
Harming animals for our own satisfaction is evil. Harming others because of your addiction is just selfishness.
One thing the scene needs to do better:
The hardcore scene is made of human beings. Some of these human beings are incredible people who do incredible things so shout out to those who keep the flame alive.