JACKSON DUICH

What was the moment or experience that first pushed you toward veganism?
I actually was working on a writing discouraging animal testing when I realized what a hypocrite I was. I did my research and swore off meat after being absolutely sickened. Went vegan shortly after.
Did your path into veganism come before or after getting into hardcore / straight edge?
After. I claimed straight edge about 3 years ago and have been into hardcore since I was a kid due to my father.
Was there a specific band, record, or scene influence that opened that door for you?
Totally Earth Crisis, and I think that’s almost always the band that’s gonna be mentioned. Also Ildjarn for me.
How did your friends, family, or local scene react when you made that shift?
I experienced the typical jokes and banter, but overall I’m really thankful to have friends and family that care about and support me.
Was it an immediate commitment, or something you grew into over time?
I was vegetarian before vegan, but only for maybe a few months.

For you, how connected are veganism and straight edge—are they inseparable or distinct choices?
I think they SHOULD be more connected. Alcohol and tobacco industries blatantly exploit animals, so if any vegan turns a blind eye to that I think that’s self-explanatory.
Do you see veganism as an extension of straight edge ethics, or its own independent stance?
It can be both. I view straight edge as a commitment to self-betterment, and veganism to me is not only beneficial for health, but for soul. Obviously though, I’m not vegan for myself. I’m vegan for the animals.
How do you respond to people in the scene who embrace one but not the other?
To anyone who adopts just one, I urge the complimentary.

What role did the hardcore/metal scene play in shaping your beliefs?
I always appreciated nature, but black metal really bridged the gap between a reverence for nature and extreme music for me when I was younger.
Do you feel like the scene today is more or less aligned with vegan values than when you started?
I’ve personally seen a bit more of both ideologies in the scene, but I think veganism in general may be declining. Also straight edge seems to be some sort of trend now to a lot of people. Dropouts are common.

What kind of impact do you hope your band has on listeners?
I’m not in any vegan bands unfortunately, so I just hope people enjoy some brutal music!
Have you ever heard from someone who changed because of your music?
Not yet.
Do you think music can genuinely shift people’s behavior, or just reinforce existing beliefs?
I think it can totally shift people’s behavior. I’ve seen people’s ideologies change directly related to music they like.
Do you see veganism as inherently political?
In a way yes. I think the commodification of living sentient beings should be political, though it’s not really looked at as so.
How do you balance music with direct action or activism, if at all?
I promote veganism when I can, take friends and family to try vegan food, talk to people, make flyers.
What issues within the broader movement do you think aren’t being talked about enough?
For veganism, I think a key issue is bad communication. It’s hard to convince people to change something we view so wrong without feeling upset or unheard.

Looking back, would you approach your message differently?
Not at all.
What keeps you committed when it gets difficult or isolating?
I think of the innocence of the animals, my respect for non-human life, and my commitment to walk the straight edge.
Where do you see the vegan / straight edge movement going in the next decade?
Hopefully it opens up to much more people in the community, though I feel there are more ignorant people attending shows.
What would you say to someone on the fence about embracing these ideas?
I’d always be there for anything they need. If anyone is a part of this - I’m in it with them.

First band that made you think differently:
Earth Crisis
A lyric you’ve written (or heard) that still hits hardest:
“Plunge inside the heart of all your fears, and seek power.”
One misconception about veganism:
It’s dying.
One non-negotiable value:
Spreading the message.
One thing the scene needs to do better:
Dance harder!