JAKUB HLAVÁČEK

***“They also started to understand that I’m vegan because of all the suffering we, as humans, cause to animals.”***

Hey, my name is Jakub. I’m from a small town in the Czech Republic. I play guitar in SCOOP, TCHERT, LIFELIKE, and THE GAUNTLET, and I am vocalist in DREAM WORLD. I also book shows under NO TRAITORS BOOKING and have a radio show about heavy music.

What was the moment or experience that first pushed you toward veganism?
Honestly, it was for health reasons. I stopped playing football at 20, and my weight quickly jumped up from 80 kg to 110 kg. I had high cholesterol and knew I needed to do something. As I researched the benefits of a plant-based diet, I dove deeper into the topic and saw how animal agriculture works, how animals suffer, and how cruel humans can be. Today, I'm vegan for the animals, while still enjoying all the health benefits.
Did your path into veganism come before or after getting into hardcore / straight edge?
It was after getting into hardcore. I am listening to hardcore/metal since 13 and I am vegetarian/vegan from 20 or 21.
Was there a specific band, record, or scene influence that opened that door for you?
If you mean into veganism, I’d say the first band I listened to that talked about animal rights was Youth of Today. When I saw the “No More” music video for the first time, I was disgusted by how people can treat other living beings. YOT is still one of the greatest bands in history.
How did your friends, family, or local scene react when you made that shift?
I think the only small struggles were with my family, as they worried I would miss some nutrients and that it was too dangerous for my health. But everything is fine now because they can see I’m the healthiest person in our family. My blood tests are perfect, even though I’m in training for a marathon and running a lot of kilometers every week. Veganism has only benefits for this lifestyle—my regeneration is so fast, I naturally get plenty of carbs, and there are more and more studies showing that plant-based athletes have higher endurance. They also started to understand that I’m vegan because of all the suffering we, as humans, cause to animals.

Was it an immediate commitment, or something you grew into over time?
I would say it was immediate? I started to be vegetarian overnight and I grew into proud vegan haha.

For you, how connected are veganism and straight edge—are they inseparable or distinct choices?
They are two different choices, but in my eyes, they are closely connected. Straight edge is always a personal choice, but veganism should be an obligation. For me, straight edge is a state of mind where you start thinking differently. At least in my case. I simply can't imagine not thinking about the other beings with whom I share this planet.
Do you see veganism as an extension of straight edge ethics, or its own independent stance?
As I said, they are deeply connected for me because if you are true to yourself through straight edge, you can’t remain indifferent to others. And the suffering of animals is the largest never ending war in this world. I simply couldn't live with the guilt that someone had to die for me.

How do you respond to people in the scene who embrace one but not the other?
I totally respect people in the scene who are not straight edge because it's their own choice and their own life. But for those who aren't vegan, I highly recommend a documentary called 'Svědectví' by Zvířata Nejíme, Czech animal rights organization. It’s about Czech slaughterhouses, and if that movie doesn't change their view on this topic, I don't know whats wrong.

Link to watch for free with English subtitles: HERE

What role did the hardcore/metal scene play in shaping your beliefs?
The biggest. If I hadn't discovered hardcore, I wouldn't be who I am today.

Do you feel like the scene today is more or less aligned with vegan values than when you started?
I think more people in our scene are straight edge now, or they at least quit drinking, but sadly, I've heard about people who aren't vegans anymore. But my feeling is that more people in general are becoming interested in these values.

What kind of impact do you hope your band has on listeners?
First of all, I hope our music can help people in these difficult times. It doesn't matter if it's through our lyrics or “just” as music to help them express their emotions. I hope people can have fun at our shows and, at least for a while, forget about the cruel world around us. We are in this together.
Have you ever heard from someone who changed because of your music?
Yes! When we played in Zurich with Lifelike, there was a person who became straight edge because of our band. We were the first straight edge band she had ever heard. And a few people have also told me that they started bands with their friends because of some of my bands. I’m always so happy when I hear stories like these!
Do you think music can genuinely shift people’s behavior, or just reinforce existing beliefs?
I don't know. I've always thought that you need to have a seed of belief in you or at least some interest in the topics we speak about. But on the other hand I also know people who fell in love with hardcore and punk music only after they discovered the message behind the genre. So probably both ways are possible and every person experiences it differently. The most important thing is that they find their way into the scene.
Do you see veganism as inherently political?
Yes, absolutely. If we are fighting for animal rights, we have to realize that the only people who can make the necessary system changes are politicians. So veganism is, and always will be, a political topic.
How do you balance music with direct action or activism, if at all?
I don't do direct action. The only things I do are sharing stuff on Instagram and speaking through our lyrics, which I guess isn't really direct action. But I have to say, I talk to people about veganism much more nowadays. I don’t know if I’ve actually changed anyones mind, but I’m always surprised by how little people know about the huge amount of suffering that is on their plates or in their fridges.
What issues within the broader movement do you think aren’t being talked about enough?
I see a big problem in buyng animals as pets. There are almost no regulations on keeping animals at home, and it’s incredibly easy to get a dog, a cat, a rabbit, or whatever you want. People need to think much more about their decision to bring an animal home. Do they really have enough time and love to give to that animal? Sadly, many animals suffer as pets simply because their owners didn't think twice.

Looking back, would you approach your message differently?
If I could do anything differently, I would definitely have become vegan much earlier. It’s the most important decision I ever did.

What keeps you committed when it gets difficult or isolating?
When things get tough, my girlfriend, family, and friends are always there for me. I feel so lucky to have such amazing and supportive people in my life. It’s funny because I consider myself an introvert, but when I have a problem, I need to talk about it and feel the support of others. If I were alone, I don’t even want to think about how things would turn out. Friends and love are truly the best things in our lives.

Where do you see the vegan / straight edge movement going in the next decade?
Everyone will be vegan straight edge!!!!
What would you say to someone on the fence about embracing these ideas?
I can say that if someone is already contemplating it, that’s the initial step. I strongly encourage everyone to give it a try, and I’m quite certain that with a clear mind, you can navigate life much more present. You begin to realize that alcohol and other substances merely delay the problems you don’t want to confront or are afraid to address. I say this as someone who used to drink a lot, so my perspective comes from my own experience. I’m still on a journey of self-improvement regarding my mental health, and it feels like an unending path, but it’s gradually getting better with each passing day. Some days are incredibly challenging, but life is inherently difficult, and we must persevere. Additionally, living a cruelty-free life can truly alleviate your mind. It’s an incredible feeling to know that no one has to suffer for your sake.

Final Thoughts:

First band that made you think differently:
Youth Of Today, Protijed
A lyric you’ve written (or heard) that still hits hardest:
If I had to say which lyrics I wrote are my favorite, it would be definitely the ones for “When Freedom Dies.” But since I’m not a very self confident person, it's always hard for me to say that something I did is actually good haha

One misconception about vegan / vegan straight edge:
Vegan straight edge doesn’t make you a better person - but I have a feeling that someone may think that.

One non-negotiable value:
Strength through discipline. These days it’s easy for me to be vegan and straight edge, but I feel that it have also made me much more disciplined in other aspects of my life as well.
One thing the scene needs to do better:
If you’re referring to the Czech Republic, we need more bands and venues that can host shows throughout the country, not just in Prague and other major cities. However, things are improving, and I believe they’ll continue to get better.