Not too long ago, Jordyn and I sat down with Eric Halvorsen from A Rocket To The Moon. On Your Side, A Rocket To The Moon’s first full-length album, recently had its one year anniversary. Best known for their hit single “Like We Used To”, bassist Eric Halvorsen had a lot to say about vegetarianism, cruelty, and his life, on and off tour.

So, you’re a vegetarian? What exactly is the story behind that?
Well, it’s kind of cliché, but I read a book called “Eating Animals”, and that showed me the light on everything going on in the meat industry. As far as the farming industry goes; I feel that everything needs to change. I think that a lot of people are blind to what is actually going on. Not only is it unhealthy, but they treat their animals horribly. Many people don’t realize that the fishing industry is just as bad. A lot of people go pescetarian, but fish is just as bad. Hatcheries are terrible, because they are unsanitary. First and foremost, I went vegetarian for my own health, and then obviously for animals. It is just a system I do not want to be a part of.

How long has it been?
I started in December, which means it has been about ten months.

Do you have any pets?
Do I have any pets? Personally, no; my sister has a sharpei, Gracie, and we have a cat, Albert, that lives with my mom. One of my best friends also has a sharpei, Lucy. She is the love of my life. She’s kind of like our crew dog. Everyone loves Lucy. The crew and I have thought about getting a Lucy-themed friendship tattoo. Lucy is a complete and total idiot, but she’s so much fun to watch. Everyone’s always like “why would you get a picture of a dog?!” you’re going to be eighty someday” and we’re like “awwh sweet.” Even in eighty years, I know that when I look at that tattoo I’m going to smile.

Is it weird being on tour with Hanson, since they’ve been around for so long? Is it anything like you expected?
Actually, they were the first record I ever bought. When I was in third grade, I got a CD player and bought “Middle of Nowhere”.  It’s funny to think about that, and then be on tour with them.  It’s a very surreal experience. They’re just very chill dudes. They are very humble and down to Earth, so it’s not like we have to deal with any big rock star egos. They’re probably the coolest people to hang around. It’s definitely a great experience.

Right after this tour is over, you’re heading out with All Time Low, right? The venues are supposed to be pretty small, are you excited for this intimate experience?
Yeah, absolutely! I’m pretty sure every show is sold out, which is pretty incredible. The venues are pretty small, but those are my favorite kinds of shows. I’m looking forward to the entire tour; its going to be a good time.

What do you do in your time off? Do you collect anything?
No, I like to ride my bike a lot. I just bought a brand new bike, so I’ve been spending a lot of quality time with it. Of course, I’ve been hanging out with my friends and family too. I live a normal life when I’m not sleeping in a van or a hotel; nothing too crazy.

We had previously heard lots of great things about this band, and some of our staff had even attended a few of their shows prior to the interview. Combined with a fun, light-hearted sound as well as an amazing stage presence, they definitely lived up to our expectations.  So much so that we decided to feature them on the cover of our first ever magazine! Keep a lookout; it should be out sometime next year.