Interview an Artiste: Noah Rickertsen

As part of The Pixel Project‘s “Music For Pixels” campaign, we encourage artistes taking part in any “Music For Pixels” programme, be it as an Artiste of the Month or as a YouTube Cover Carnival contestant, to speak up about why they are using music to say NO to violence against women.

Today, we interview YouTube artiste Noah Rickertsen who submitted his cover of One Directions “Little Things” for our Valentine 2013 YouTube Cover Carnival contest which ended at 9PM EST, 14 March 2013. Noah is one of our 8 semi-finalists.

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292415_472063382804247_1208752424_nNoah Rickertsen is a singer and songwriter from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, USA. Music is his greatest passion. He grew up listening to Eric Clapton, Joe Bonamassa, John Mayer, and many more who influenced his style. He continues to write, perform, and record in the hopes of touring the country. Noah keeps in touch with his fans through Facebook and Twitter, and fans can find his music on iTunes and YouTube.  Keep an eye out for new material very soon!

1. Tell us about yourself and why you decided to take part in the YouTube Cover Carnival.

I decided to take part in this competition in support of saying NO to Violence Against Women and in tribute to the Delhi Gang Rape Victim, Jyoti Singh Pandey and her courageous fight for her life to the very end. I want to use my music to help influence and create change on the issue of violence against women.

2. Why is ending Violence against Women important to you?

Ending violence against women is important to me because I was raised to respect women and treat them like angels. I hear about these terrible things happening regarding violence against women and it really bothers me.  Violence against women makes me mad at the world.  It can feel like our hands are tied and there is nothing we can do to help. This is not true. We have our words, our music, and our prayers to contribute.

3. In your opinion, how does music help in efforts to end violence against women?

Music has been and will always be an inexplicable and miraculous remedy for hurt and pain. I find that music provides comfort in all aspects of life.  And I think music can inspire others to act more than the simple spoken word.

4. In your opinion, how can musicians help encourage people to take an interest in and step up to help stop violence against women?

People respond differently to music and, through it’s inspiration, are more likely to get involved in action because in order for people to act and stand up for a cause, they must feel inspired! This is what music does to people. It connects our souls on a deeper level and gives us a loving compassion for others in these terrible positions.

Interview with an Artiste: Anjeza

As part of The Pixel Project‘s “Music For Pixels” campaign, we encourage artistes taking part in any “Music For Pixels” programme, be it as an Artiste of the Month or as a YouTube Cover Carnival contestant, to speak up about why they are using music to say NO to violence against women.

Today, we interview YouTube artiste Anjeza who submitted her cover of Whitney Houston’s “Greatest Love of All” for our Valentine 2013 YouTube Cover Carnival contest which ended at 9PM EST, 14 March 2013. Angeza is one of our 8 semi-finalists.

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4x6Anjeza is an international multi-talented artiste based in Los Angeles, California, USA.  Her talents include singing, songwriting, acting and dancing; which she can perform in over 6 languages.  Anjeza is in love with music and the idea to make an emotional and financial difference through it.  She has performed in amazing venues around the world such as: Albania, Greece, Italy, Germany, Macedonia, and the USA. Anjeza is currently the CEO of a newly developed non-profit organization “BECHLEM*” that concerns itself with helping children heal the wounds of poverty through love and education.   She keeps in touch with her fans through her social networking sites:  Facebook, Twitter, and Myspace 

 1. Tell us about yourself and why you decided to take part in the YouTube Cover Carnival.

I am a soul and a body that bleeds love and passion to make a difference. I have an extended background in music/acting/dancing and I have always felt that creativity through the arts are the best tools to express yourself, including pain, happiness, injustice, strength, love, inspiration, motivation and so on.  The YouTube Cover Carnival project interested me since there was a humanitarian benefit behind it.  The rape tragedy in India was a devastation to listen to and an inspiration to raise my voice to make a difference by carrying a music image of an independent and strong woman.

2. Why is ending Violence against Women important to you?

We were created from love: to be loved, to walk love, to talk love; and to assist each other in being happy. The expression of power and superiority is a misuse of our blessings. Man was created to be beautiful and strong, while he provided and cared for the woman and his family. On the other hand, woman was created to be beautiful, nurturing, loving, caring and giving. They were perfectly equal in their differences.  Then power, disrespect, pain were introduced…and withered the flower.  The woman now stands restless, alone, afraid, and alert to protect herself…because real men are disappearing from this earth, while beasts are taking their place. It is a paradox to me that a man will ever dare to hurt any woman, emotionally or physically, when it was a woman that brought him to life.

3. In your opinion, how does music help in efforts to end violence against women?

Music inspires. Music entertains. Music heals. Music raises awareness. Music reaches far and deep. Music unites. Music says STOP. Music says GO.  The same way the audience relates to images more then words, the same way music is capable to land in people’s consciousness more then just words.  Living in an expanding and evolving entertainment age, where artists have become powerful leaders and enforcer to bring a difference, it is noticeable that the audience responds better when an artist embraces the cause.  In an interview, Shakira mentioned how the success in her career have made people and goals so much easier to reach, her voice to be heard, and differences to be made. Now she influences political leaders to make a difference and raise awareness.

4. In your opinion, how can musicians help encourage people to take an interest in and step up to help stop violence against women?

People love music. They were born to recognise and perceive music. Every sound is music and comes with a message that is easily perceived by people. For example, birds singing remind someone that spring is coming. Door knocking lets someone know that there is someone on the other side needing something. When melody is added, sound is refined and powerful words honour the song, the audience is capable to receive this gift that can be a great addition to their life.  Music is a conduit to the soul and mind. Audiences have been healed, inspired and encouraged through engagement with song and music. I believe we are in this world for a reason, packed with different blessings and different messages. Blessed be the one who uses blessings to heal and save another.

Interview with an Artiste: Katie Hull

As part of The Pixel Project‘s Music For Pixels campaign, we encourage artistes taking part in any “Music For Pixels” programme, be it as an Artiste of the Month or as a YouTube Cover Carnival contestant, to speak up about why they are using music to say NO to violence against women.

Today, we interview YouTube artiste Katie Hull who submitted her cover of One Direction’s “Little Things” for our Valentine 2013 YouTube Cover Carnival contest which ended at 9PM EST, 14 March 2013. Katie is one of our 8 semi-finalists.

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YoutubeKatie Hull is a 16-year-old musician from the United States, who has been involved with music since she was 6-years-old. She is self-taught and plays many different instruments (guitar, piano, bass, drums, ukulele) and sings. In 2012, Katie opened her YouTube channel and began posting covers of popular songs.

She is multi-talented and does all the production of the music and video in her covers; making her stand out from other artists.  She keeps in touch with her fans on Facebook and her followers on Twitter on a daily basis.

1. Tell us about yourself and why you decided to take part in the YouTube Cover Carnival.

I am a self-taught musician and singer living in the United States.  I have had my covers up on Youtube since 2012.  I first heard about the YouTube cover carnival contest through J. Rice. When I read about the case of Jyoti Singh Pandey, I was horrified to learn about the brutality of the crime. I realized that I wanted to do whatever I could to raise awareness about this cause.  Violence against women is a very serious crime that needs to be stopped through whatever means possible.

2. Why is ending Violence against Women important to you?

Women should never have to endure violent acts. We as humans have the right to live a peaceful life, free of abuse or assaults. More and more stories are making the news about violent acts against women. As more of this occurs, we need to stand together and raise awareness about the reality of what is happening to women around the world.

3. In your opinion, how does music help in efforts to end violence against women?

Music is a universal language. Music can reach out to anyone in the world, no matter their ethnic background. When music has a message to share, it has the power to change lives. The combination of lyrics and music can inspire and allow for many people to hear the message. The more that awareness is raised, the more people will want to take a step in and become a voice for their community.

4. In your opinion, how can musicians help encourage people to take an interest in and step up to help stop violence against women?

Musicians have fans around the world. By spreading the message through music, it allows for the fans to become involved in the cause. Musicians can use their music to help those who cannot use their voice. By spreading the message through such a universal medium, it can make a huge difference for those who are affected. Some of these fans may have personal connections with violence against women, which would strengthen the message and support the need for a change.

Interview with an Artiste: Christian Varela

As part of The Pixel Project‘s Music For Pixels campaign, we encourage artistes taking part in any “Music For Pixels” programme, be it as an Artiste of the Month or as a YouTube Cover Carnival contestant, to speak up about why they are using music to say NO to violence against women.

Today, we interview Columbian YouTube artiste Christian Varela who submitted his cover of One Direction’s “Little Things” for our Valentine 2013 YouTube Cover Carnival contest which ends at 9PM EST, 14 March 2013.

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Sombrero (CB)Cristian Varela is a sixteen-year-old musician from Bogotá, Colombia. He has been playing guitar for the last ten years along with taking voice lessons over the last year. He has been in his rock band for two year and is currently doing covers of songs and working on original compositions.  His dream is to be a great guitarist and singer recognized not only in Columbia but all over the world. I had a rock band for two years.

1. Tell us about yourself and why you decided to take part in the YouTube Cover Carnival.

 I have been reading about the Pixel Project and your work to stop violence against women.  I felt that I could help spread this message through music and one of my covers on youtube.  That is why I decided to submit my video and join the Pixel Project to spread the message to end violence against women.

 2.  Why is ending Violence against Women important to you?

I think it’s important to stop violence against women because my own mother has been a victim of violence and I know with certainty how sad and painful it is to live in this environment.  I am aware that many women in the world are also victims of violence.  I believe that, as a man, I have a duty to spread this message to my friends and family

3.  In your opinion, how does music help in efforts to end violence against women?

Music is the means by which all types of messages are transmitted to all the people of the world. Day by day, millions of people receive messages that convey the music they hear. If, through the music and through different musical genres, I can create and transmit messages to help stop violence against women, then I have accomplished a great contribution.

4.  In your opinion, how can musicians help encourage people to take an interest in and step up to help stop violence against women?

I think that musicians have the ability to convey messages of love and affection with their songs. As musicians, they have some power over their fans that listen to them, and can therefore send messages of encouragement directly to large audiences.

Interview with an Artiste: Tara-Lynn Sharrock

As part of The Pixel Project‘s Music For Pixels campaign, we encourage artistes taking part in any “Music For Pixels” programme, be it as an Artiste of the Month or as a YouTube Cover Carnival contestant, to speak up about why they are using music to say NO to violence against women.

Today, we interview Australian YouTube artiste Tara-Lynn Sharrock who submitted her cover of Whitney Houston’s “Greatest Love of All” for our Valentine 2013 YouTube Cover Carnival contest which ends at 9PM EST, 14 March 2013.

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Tara1Tara-Lynn Sharrock was born in Durban, South Africa, 1986. Her first song was in Zulu at eighteen months old.  In 1992, Tara-Lynn moved with her parents, two brothers, and two sisters, to Australia, where she took part in several talent contests.  Then in 2004, she moved to USA, where she participated in two musicals along with fundraising concerts to support education programs.  In 2009, she returned to Australia, where she continued her music career.  She reached the Top 6 Under 25 Girls category on the X-Factor show in Australia 2011 but  had to withdraw due to visa issues. She loves music, art, science,  rugby union and classic cars.    

 

 1.  Tell us about yourself and why you decided to take part in the YouTube Cover Carnival.

I decided to take part in the Youtube Cover Carnival because violence against women is a very serious, and unfortunately, far too common blight across the world. As women, as musicians, as people, we must unite against such violence and one such way that I can do that is to take part in a competition that has people behind it, helping promoting it, and getting the word out. My voice is the best method I have for sending meaningful messages that will be heard across the world.    

2.  Why is ending Violence against Women important to you?

A very close female relative of mine was raped at age sixteen; she then endured nine years of domestic violence, before finally managing to escape. I witnessed the verbal and emotional abuse that she suffered during those years. She has been free from abuse since.  It was her vow to ‘never be a victim again’ that has inspired in me a strength and a desire to spread a message of love, support, and finding that strength in oneself.  Ending violence against women is so important to me because  I have seen firsthand just how damaging it can be to a person. No one should ever have to live in fear.

3.    In your opinion, how does music help in efforts to end violence against women?    

Music is one of the most, if not the single-most powerful methods by which to send messages of any kind to everyone. It transcends all languages and all borders and connects people on a deep emotional level. It can inspire them to hold one another, laugh with one another, cry with one another. It can move them to act and inspire them to make changes in society that need to be changed – such as stopping violence against women. There are many women and men who do not stand for such violence. All they need is a voice to inspire them, to unify them and give them that little kickstart to act.    

4.   In your opinion, how can musicians help encourage people to take an interest in and step up to help stop violence against women?

Musicians are public figures that have become role models whose fans and supporters look up to them.  Music has the power to transcend all and connects people who might not have been connected otherwise. It is a powerful force against division. Music unites. Musicians have the wonderful opportunity to be the voices of the world, reaching out to thousands of people through Youtube and other social media outlets that they might not have been able to reach otherwise. People are more likely to listen to the emotion and message delivered in a powerful song than they are to anything else. Music moves people and drives them to act; and musicians are the catalysts of that action.

Music For Pixels Interview: Tony Grant of Perilous Landings vzw

The Belgium-based video production company Perilous Landings vzw came to be involved with the Music For Pixels campaign with its founder, Tony Grant, was roped in by Tony O’Malley to produce the music video for his song ‘Nicoletta’ that was selected as one of the five songs on The Pixel Project’s ’16 For 16′ charity digital EP. In this interview, Mr. Grant talks about why he supports the cause to end violence against women and what filmmakers like himself can do to help raise awareness of this human rights issue.

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picasa roskam 16 (1)1. Tell us about Perilous Landings vzw and how you came to be involved with The Pixel Project’s “16 For 16” digital EP under their “Music For Pixels” campaign.

 Tony: Perilous Landings vzw is based in Belgium providing video production services and the creation of multimedia content for distribution on CD-ROM, DVD, Blue-ray and the web as well as producing for broadcast and exhibition. Perilous Landings vzw makes low budget films for cultural and historical groups at the community level.  We offer an affordable “production house” facility to the smaller and and budget restrained organizations and community groups by having “Precious Legends” only charge expenses and equipment costs to a project and a small percentage to help fund Perilous Landings vzw. We combine our artistic and technical skills to produce a product unique to the client and also that makes good business sense for their needs.

My great friend Tony O’Malley brought the “16 for 16” project to my attention.  We both feel that violence against women is a very important topic that is not talked about enough.  We know that abuse to women by men happens on a daily basis and it is very important that they can find support from understanding people who are able to help them. Continue reading