ALISSA

VHF: When and why did you go vegan?

ALISSA: I went vegan in 1998 or so. I don’t remember the exact date, it didn’t seem like something I needed to remember because the transition happened so naturally. I was born and raised vegetarian and decided to go vegan when I realized there was no possible way the immense demand for animal products was being met humanely. I decided to research the dairy and egg industries (this was before the internet gave us all the answers instantaneously) and my suspicions were confirmed. It was WAY more difficult to be vegan back then, but focusing on the victims makes it quite easy. I don’t have ANY urges or cravings for animal products whatsoever. Eating the flesh or secretions of an animal is gross and the process of getting these products is even more disgusting.

VHF: Were there any initial challenges or difficulties in making the transition?

ALISSA: The word vegan was not commonplace when I first became vegan. It wasn’t like today where almost everyone knows what it means. Finding something as commonplace as soy milk was very tricky at the time. Finding information was also trickier back then since the global community that the internet provides wasn’t yet flourishing at that point.

VHF: What are the biggest benefits you have noticed?

ALISSA: I live my life un-hypocritically. My actions reflect my beliefs. I sincerely LOVE animals. I am fascinated by them and their existence brings me joy. I don’t need to feel guilty when I eat, I can have a comfortable conscience while enjoying my life. That is a really good feeling. I literally went vegan before even becoming an adult so I’m not sure what life would have been like otherwise.

VHF: Tell us about the histories of your respective careers.

ALISSA: I started my first metal band in 2003 and went through a few of those before landing in Arch Enemy where I am today. I also sing as a guest with Kamelot sometimes. I do a LOT of guest appearances actually, because I love exploring different sides of my voice. I’m probably most known for my death metal vocals but I also enjoy singing rock, blues, jazz, etc.

VHF: What are some of your favorite memories/stories of building your music career?

ALISSA: My career has been full of crazy ups and downs, as I imagine all careers are. I learned about betrayal, but also about loyalty. I learned about selfishness and selflessness all at once. It really is a crazy industry and the people I meet are all fascinating. I really learned that you just have to ride it out.

VHF: How has being vegan affected your artistic projects?

ALISSA: I was really pleased when, upon signing my first record deal, the label actually encouraged me to speak out about animal rights! I was sure they would want to squash that side of me, but it was so intertwined with the lyrics and music that they embraced it. I’m really happy to be in Arch Enemy where we all share the same non-conformist, rebellious beliefs.

VHF: Any favorite foods or recipes to share?

ALISSA: Doyle’s seitan recipe!

VHF: Any tips for a rocking vegan Halloween celebration?

ALISSA: I am really not one to celebrate holidays but Halloween is one that I wish I could celebrate every day. I LOVE everything about Halloween - the costumes, the community aspect of going door-to-door, the pumpkin carving and eating, the spooky aesthetic, etc. Making a vegan Halloween costume is super simple. Lots of theatrical make up companies are cruelty-free, so just check for vegan products (watch out for non vegan ingredients like beeswax or carmine). Make sure you use natural plant-based or synthetic fabrics. Then, enjoy eating vegan pumpkin pie, roasted pumpkin soup, roasted pumpkin seeds, bobbing for apples, lighting candles and freaking out your neighbours! Maybe even go adopt a black cat from your local shelter and give him or her a good home!

VHF: Any new projects readers should look out for?

ALISSA: Yes! I have something really cool brewing right now… keep your eyes peeled for something epic next year…

Workouts: I really like changing up my workout pretty frequently, I get bored easily both physically and mentally. Depending on the season and where I am in the world, I enjoy nice, long jogs outdoors with intermittent sprints. I train at Monster Gym in Montreal when I am there, and I love doing heavy resistance training, although about once a week I will do one workout of super light-weight/super high rep. I also LOVE doing high box jumps, ropes, and general jumping sprints to get my heart rate way up in between weight-training sets. The key really is consistency - you HAVE to get your body active EVERY DAY. A consistently healthy diet is also key - what you don’t eat is just as important as what you do eat. It is totally possible to be an unhealthy vegan with so many high-sugar and high-sodium processed vegan foods available.