MIKE CESARIO

What was the moment or experience that first pushed you toward veganism?
Around the age of 15 when I started getting into hardcore/punk. I had the privilege of being around a good friend of mine, Eric Alberti, who was vegan. I first learned about veganism through him. Then, when I was 16/17 years old, I played a show in Reno where they had vegan food at a house show. I think the band Punch played. I was struck by the unity/inclusivity towards veganism at that show. It was the most punk thing I had experienced at the time.
Did your path into veganism come before or after getting into hardcore / straight edge?
It was after. Hardcore introduced me to it.

Was there a specific band, record, or scene influence that opened that door for you?
My friend Amanda from Reno was vegan (still is, of course). She directly influenced me through the Reno/the Southern California hardcore community. I started by going vegetarian at the time. That opened the door for me, till I met my now wife, Britty, who is vegan. I quickly made the move to veganism, knowing it aligned with the my values.
How did your friends, family, or local scene react when you made that shift?
Once I went vegan, about half the people I knew thought it was cool or were ok with it. The other half were less thrilled, as if it was inconveniencing them. Nothing too dramatic though, since I didn’t eat meat already.
Was it an immediate commitment, or something you grew into over time?
Because vegetarianism was first, I’d say it was over time.

For you, how connected are veganism and straight edge—are they inseparable or distinct choices?
Distinct choices. I would find it hard to believe anyone who is vegan would place straight edge in a similar category. Being straight edge myself, I feel it holds a far less stigma in society compared to veganism because it’s often viewed as a positive thing. “I don’t drink” is often responded to with “that’s awesome, good for you!” Of course, straight edge still holds a valuable place for me. Specifically during the teenage years for peer pressure and feeling a sense of pride towards a general wellbeing. Contrarily, I don’t think Veganism is a personal choice. It suggests you significantly value animal welfare and therefore can unfortunately convey judgment towards non vegans.
Do you see veganism as an extension of straight edge ethics, or its own independent stance?
I may have answered that already on the previous question. Both independent ethics and both good for the world and scene.
How do you respond to people in the scene who embrace one but not the other?
People have the right to make the choices they feel are right for them. That being said, when someone is vegan, I immediately have a different type of respect for them. I love compassion.

What role did the hardcore/metal scene play in shaping your beliefs?
There aren’t many things I feel are more important/cooler than hardcore, punk and metal. It’s what my life has been based on since I was 15. Punk music specifically as an ethic has driven me and continues to drive me to be vegan and participate in vegan culture. I try to do this in a non virtuous or self righteous way. If I make a positive impact on someone, it would be through example and influence but not by forcing or condemning one’s values or choices. If someone likes what I do or wants to be more punk, they’ll go vegan.
Do you feel like the scene today is more or less aligned with vegan values than when you started?
There are more vegan minded people and more acceptance than there was for me when I first got in the scene. I hope that it will continue to go in that direction.

What kind of impact do you hope your band has on listeners?

Punk ethics mostly and not being afraid to do something different.
Have you ever heard from someone who changed because of your music?
I have, but I never expect it.
Do you think music can genuinely shift people’s behavior, or just reinforce existing beliefs?
It absolutely shaped my behavior. It may for someone else. There’s too much good that can come from our music scene and the passion people have towards the music people create.
Do you see veganism as inherently political?
Yes, Just the act itself and the ideology of veganism in a world that’s primarily not is political opposition. I will always want a world where animals are not for human consumption.
How do you balance music with direct action or activism, if at all?
They are both entwined within my identity. If someone wants to know about veganism, I’d love to share.

What issues within the broader movement do you think aren’t being talked about enough?

It’s punk and hardcore to be vegan.

Looking back, would you approach your message differently?
Not really, no. I appreciate when any of my non vegan friends do things to accommodate me. Kindness is really the answer.

What keeps you committed when it gets difficult or isolating?
This may sound pretentious, but I don’t think it’s difficult. The only thing that may be difficult is responding to questions that try to challenge veganism without being outwardly rude in response.

Where do you see the vegan / straight edge movement going in the next decade?
I will always hope for more inclusivity and it to be more “cool” to the people who don’t see it that way now. However, I see it being similar to where it is currently.
What would you say to someone on the fence about embracing these ideas?
I think it’s worth trying, if anyone wants to try it and wants guidance, I can help. It’s one of the best decisions I've ever made.

First band that made you think differently:
Remembering Never
A lyric you’ve written (or heard) that still hits hardest:
“If that’s how you treat an animal, you deserve even worse”
-Left for Dead
One misconception about vegan straight edge:
Unifying people vs ostracizing. Like minded individuals or not.

One non-negotiable value:
Not intentionally harming animals or one another, especially if it’s unnecessary or could be avoided.
One thing the scene needs to do better:
Appreciating selfless acts. Having a microscope on each other doesn’t always help. No one is perfect and if we want a better world for ourselves and others, it would be nice to see the scene be more accepting and less judgmental than it currently is.