Metakix 'Kicks' Animal Abuse

Twelve years after its inception, Metakix rocks harder than ever, especially when it comes to spreading the word about animal rights! Acting on their belief that every aspect of life is connected, band members Viresh, Zomb, Nicky and Sheldon use their fame and their music to promote animal rights among their fans. Metakix recently sat down with petaDishoom to talk about their thoughts on animal rights, wildlife protection and the responsibility we all have to protect animals.

Tell us something about Metakix. How did you come up with the name, and how did the four of you come together to form this band?

Zomb: Metakix is an idea I floated around about 10 years back while I was still in junior college. The idea stabilised in 2000, and the band has been consistent ever since. The name Metakix is a term I coined to refer to constant change – likes and dislikes in a person's lifetime. We released our debut album, Headlines, in 2002. The four of us came together as part of a complete overhaul in 2004. Viresh and Sheldy came in through mutual friends. Nicky responded to an advertisement we had placed and was soon in! From 2004 until now, we have been playing gigs at the frequency of twice a month (which is great in India). We primarily play our own compositions and, as a logical next step, released our second album, Connect & Inspire, on our own label early this year. The album has done exceptionally well with international media, fans and promoters. The video from the album for a song called "You're Bloody Right" is being aired on VH1's Headbangers Ball. I guess people connect with the magic we conjure up when the four of us are playing music together on stage. Our music is a result of mixing thrash metal with Indian ethnic and classical influences. We've been applauded by listeners and critics all over the world for our compositions and arrangements and as well as our lyrics. Lately, the band has been featured or talked about in European and US metal circles and media, with support from some big names like Sepultura and Kreator. At present, we are playing some gigs in India to promote the album and are also working on new material for a third album.

We've heard that you all are animal lovers. Why do you think it's important to support animal protection?

Viresh: I think it is especially important in a country such as India, with the variety of animal life and different habitats found here, to support animal protection. This is from the endangered tiger all the way down to the stray cats and dogs who are so prevalent in Mumbai. The humane and ethical treatment of animals is an important key to environmental protection. Destruction of habitats, poaching, the encroachment of the population in wildlife areas – these are all very important global issues that are found in India that we can have a part in changing. As musicians who have a high profile in areas of Mumbai, we can possibly influence others with these ideas.

Nicky: Humans are here on Earth for a purpose, and so are animals. And I think it's high time we realise that if animals are to be removed from the face of this planet, the extinction of humans is also not too far.

Music is about expression. What do you have to say about animals imprisoned in cages, who cannot even engage in their most natural activities?

Sheldy: I believe humans do not have the right to alter the lives of animals and take them out of their natural habitat for whatever reason – be it an "exotic" pet for medical experimentation or for entertainment in zoos. The animals suffer, and their natural behaviours are forever changed – just as people who are "caged" by society or who otherwise cannot express themselves. As a musician, I am grateful that I have an outlet for expression – something others may not be lucky enough to have.

Nicky: Caging animals is the most gruesome and cowardly behaviour shown by humans. Just in their own interests, people will keep animals caged for their entire lives.

What do you have to say about animals who are forced to perform out of fear of being whipped or beaten, such as animals in circuses?

Viresh: I totally disagree with it. Animals were not put on this Earth for our entertainment – especially when it comes from a place of fear.

Sheldy: "Man is superior" is just a saying, but people who force animals to perform prove that wrong. How can you even think about forcing other living beings to do what you demand them to do? And after all that, these people cry about their fundamental rights. How pathetic can someone be? Animals used in circuses are treated so badly – they are supposed to be roaming wild and free in nature.

Do you think it is important to preserve wild animals' natural habitats? Why?

Viresh: Absolutely – this is important not only for animals but for all aspects of the environment. Clean air and water, healthy plant life, all animals – each segment cannot be ignored.

Nicky: If you were taken out of your house and away from your family, how would you feel? We humans could at least do something if this were to happen to us, but animals can't do anything – they are at the mercy of cowardly people who might put them in cages for the rest of their lives or kill them.

These days, tigers are endangered because they have been killed for their skins. Elephants are killed for their tusks for ivory. What do you have to say about the illegal trade in wild animal products?

Sheldy: I am hopeful that this is changing – people are becoming much more aware of the impact this has on the global environment. I believe it takes educating the consumers as well as the suppliers – the greed that is involved in this could be stopped if the demand stops. Passing laws is not enough. It takes educating those who are struggling to make a living for their families and providing them with alternatives to illegal animal products.

Nicky: "Illegal trade"? Trading in anything that relates to wild animals should not even be called "trade". I bet there are very few people in this world who actually care to watch channels like National Geographic or Animal Planet, which show the plight of these animals. The tiger is considered the national animal of India, but in India, reserves like the Panna tiger reserve are going to be wiped out of all their tigers because some people in other countries will pay a king's ransom for tiger skins.

How did you hear about www.petaDishoom.com? What excited you most about the site?

Nicky: Heard about it from one of my colleagues. The fact that there are people who care so much about animals is what excites me most about this site. Great going!

What would your message be to young people about protecting animals?

Viresh: Teaching them about the importance of each animal in our environment and how everything is connected is important – especially letting them know that they can make a difference, however small they think their contribution might be.

Nicky: It's high time we, the young generation, take some action, because these animals need our help if they are to survive. And always remember not to buy any product that is made of any animal: If the buying stops, the killing will stop too.

Sheldy: A great band by the name of Megadeth has composed a song about this called "Countdown to Extinction". We cover that song at our shows and also have a few thoughtful words to say when we do. People appreciate that.

What are your future plans?

Zomb: Starting next week, we are going on tour in India, headlining various shows and also opening for Sepultura one night. We are really excited about this tour, as nothing of this magnitude has ever been done before by an Indian band. You can read the details here: http://www.myspace.com/metakix. Hope to see you there!