Make some noise for compassion: Aftershock artists on going vegan
At this year’s Aftershock music festival in Sacramento, California, Animal Place connected with talented artists who are using their voices (and their choices) to advocate for a kinder world. We asked vegan artists Mike D’Antonio and Adam Vass to share what inspired them to go vegan, how it has shaped their lives, and what advice they have for others looking to make more compassionate choices.
“I feel more empathy towards the world and all its creatures.” -
Mike D'Antonio of Killswitch Engage
Photo by Tom Bejgrowicz
What inspired you to go vegan?
A thought virus got stuck in my head for weeks in the summer of 1991…“why does something have to die just because I want a snack”? It made me think of how frivolous we eat. We can prevent so much sorrow to other beings on the planet by simply rejecting common food philosophies. Although it takes practice, it is an easy, selfless act to participate in for the greater good of the planet.
How has being vegan impacted your life personally and/or professionally?
I feel more empathy towards the world and all its creatures. Being vegan has also made me more decisive in my body’s intake regiments. I also care more about food ingredient labels than I probably should, haha.
What’s your go-to plant-based meal or favorite spot to eat while on tour?
On the west coast I really enjoy VEGGIEGRILL. The food is fresh and fantastic. I will also never turn down a meal at Crossroads Kitchen. Excellent every time. When I am home on the east coast, I really enjoy the Providence Vegan Deli. Great people and great subs.
What message would you share with others who are curious about going vegan or vegetarian?
You may try and fail, but that doesn’t always mean you should give up or give in to convenience. Sometimes the best things are worth the search to find. Relish the fact that you have choices in life - making the correct ones is very empowering.
“It has never been easier to make the ethical choice to go vegan.” -
Adam Vass of La Dispute
Photo by Alyx Vass
What inspired you to go vegan?
The welfare of animals. The treatment (or lack of) especially in the American food industry is cruel and immoral, I just couldn't go on pretending it was fine or I didn't know once I learned as a teenager about factory farming and its awful crimes. I remember reading pamphlets at hardcore shows when I was a teenager that first introduced me to the concept of veganism and animal rights and made the changes to my lifestyle promptly.
What’s your go-to plant-based meal or favorite spot to eat while on tour?
There are so many places around the world now that accommodate vegans, touring is a joy now getting to experience all of them. I love a chikn sandwich as my go-to, I'll almost always order it at a vegan junk food stop, but being vegan has also introduced me to so many amazing cultural food styles. I love getting to find Ethiopian or Szechuan restaurants with vegan options. Smith & Daughters in Melbourne Australia is currently the title holder for my favorite vegan restaurant in the world.
What message would you share with others who are curious about going plant-based?
In 2026, it is really not a difficult change to make. There are so many options at the grocery, at chain restaurants, all over. Plus, if you like to learn like I do, there are so many recipes and resources out there that help you adapt, learn new styles of cooking or what flavors go together, how to meet your protein, fiber, or other dietary goals - it has never been easier to make the ethical choice to go vegan.
This year’s Aftershock music festival gave Animal Place an incredible opportunity to connect music fans with the animals who need our help, and the most meaningful part of these collaborations is the message behind them: our everyday choices can make a difference. As Adam Vass of La Dispute reminds us, “it has never been easier to make the ethical choice to go vegan”. Killswitch Engage’s Mike D’Antonio encourages people to embrace the power that comes with choosing compassion, even when it takes some practice. Whether you're already vegan or curious about making a change, there's no need to do it alone. Explore Animal Place's plant-based recipes, try something new, and take a step toward a kinder food system. Every meal is an opportunity to choose compassion.