It’s fair to say that Darren Cordeux rocks the casbah, but we think even that would be an understatement! This young lad from the great city of Melbourne is the lead singer in the hugely popular band Kisschasy (but of course you knew that already!). Here’s what you might not know: we are hugely indebted to Daz’s passion and dedication and the hard yards he’s put in speaking up for animals as an Unleashed Ambassador.
It all started for Daz and Unleashed back in ‘07 with the national Kisschasy tour. And since then we’ve been touring with the band handing out info, CDs and hugs all across the country. Check out some of the great photos from their gigs!
But Daz’s dazzling deeds of kindness haven’t stopped there. You might have seen his ad “Chicks Dig Vegetarians” that has been splashed around town. Or maybe his factory farming video exposé that’s been viewed by thousands, and has flooded myspace...
But if you haven’t seen any of the great work Daz has been doing, then it’s time to get back in the loop! And lucky for you we’ve got all those goodies right here for you to have a peak at, along with another interview hot off the press, including Daz’s trademark recipe. So get that apron on, and get reading!
Unleashed: When did you first go veg?
Darren Cordeux: I became a vegetarian over 3 years ago. I went vegan a year later.
Unleashed: What inspired you to take animals off your plate?
Darren Cordeux: It was a culmination of things. I worked in a chicken butcher for a little while and that opened my eyes a bit. I started reading a lot of books and watching documentaries that unveiled the horrors of factory farms. It was a slow process, not an overnight decision.
Unleashed: Did you find it easy to make the switch?
Darren Cordeux: Surprisingly yes, there are so many different food options out there. Before I went veg I rotated about 5 different meals; now I eat foods that I never would have eaten had I not become vegetarian. Plus I learnt how to cook which is a bonus.
Unleashed: What's next for Kisschasy?
Darren Cordeux: At the moment I’m writing the songs for the next Kisschasy record which will be out mid next year. It’s going to be our best record by far and we’re all very excited!!
Unleashed: The song "Factory " absolutely rocks! Was there a particular moment or event that sparked you to write that track?
Darren Cordeux: I think I just saw a documentary called Peaceable Kingdom. It frustrated me but empowered me at the same time.
Unleashed: How about the rest of the band—are they into animals too?
Darren Cordeux: Yes—Joel’s a vegetarian and Sean is vegan. We’re all on the same page when it comes to cruelty to animals.
Unleashed: As a musician you do a lot of travelling. Do you have any tips for other travelling vegans?
Darren Cordeux: Do what you can! Sometimes it can be impossible to get a decent vegan meal from a service station in the middle of the country; it’s not the end of the world if something you eat has milk solids in it. Being “pure” is not worth starving yourself over (and it doesn’t promote a good image for vegans either). Fortunately most places do cater to vegans so these situations are rare.
Unleashed: The time and passion you put into helping animals is very inspiring. What would you say to anyone out there who wants to be like you and help animals, but doesn't know where to begin?
Darren Cordeux: The first thing you can do is change your eating habits, going vegan or vegetarian will save more lives than you would BELIEVE. Join an organisation who dedicates it’s time to protecting animals (which is why I started working with Unleashed). Spread the word about the horrors of animal cruelty that’s happening everywhere in this country as well as the rest of the world. Our biggest tool is education; the more people know about this, the more likely people are to do something about it.
So you’ve seen a lot, but you haven’t seen it all! Daz is a huge inspiration, and there are many more people out there who are giving a voice to animals. Check out what some other guitar slinging heroes had to say. And if you like what you see, make sure you share it with friends: post your fave links on Myspace, Facebook, blogs … wherever.
Then, we promise, the chicks will dig you too!
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Ingredients:
Method:
In a large pot sauté the onion in oil with the spices until translucent. Add tomato paste and stir consistently. Add lentils, chilli powder and slowly stir in vegetable stock. Bring to a boil and then let simmer gently for 45 mins. Serve with brown rice.
Do it for the pigs...
Do it for the chicks...
Do it for the cows...
Do it for the sheep...
Do it for the fish...
Do it for the planet...
Do it for yourself...
