Category Archives: Activism 101

LAUNCH ANNOUNCEMENT: The Pixel Project’s “Sing For Jyoti” YouTube Music Gallery

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m4p_slider-sing-for-jyothi_610 DECEMBER 2013, WORLDWIDE: The Pixel Project, the award-nominated volunteer-led virtual non-profit social enterprise working to end Violence Against Women (VAW) worldwide, is pleased to announce the launch of the Sing For Jyoti YouTube music video gallery on World Human Rights Day 2013. The Sing For Jyoti Project, which was launched in Spring 2013, is an ongoing music campaign which invites music artistes from around the world to contribute their YouTube music videos to an online music gallery to say NO to VAW. The Sing For Jyoti project and gallery is named after Jyoti Singh Pandey, the Delhi Gang Rape Victim, in honour of her courage and strength in fighting for her life to the very end.

Regina Yau, Founder and President of The Pixel Project said: “The Pixel Project created the Sing For Jyoti Project to continue what we began with the Valentine 2013 YouTube Cover Carnival – the building of a fitting musical tribute to Ms. Pandey and women and girls worldwide who have experienced VAW, some of whom lost their lives to violence just as Ms. Pandey did. We are off to a solid start with over 20 music videos which form the basis of the gallery; and we hope that the project will be a positive platform for artistes to help us continue the momentum of the anti-VAW activism her death inspired in communities in India and beyond.”

Interested artistes are encouraged to submit music videos of either original songs or covers that contain inspiring and uplifting lyrics that will lift the spirits of women, girls and VAW survivors in keeping with The Pixel Project’s positive approach to raising awareness about VAW. Participating artistes are also required to include a special awareness-raising message in the “About” section under their submitted video. Ms. Yau said: “Music is a potent force for spreading ideas and messages and we hope that the Sing For Jyoti gallery will be a powerful positive counterpoint to the rampant misogyny and violence expressed through today’s popular music. We look forward to doing so with the support of our YouTube Music Ambassador, AHMIR; and our partner, the Positive Music Association.”

AHMIR will be contributing one of their music videos to the gallery. They said: “We are honoured to our cover of “I Won’t Give Up” to the Sing For Jyoti project. It is our hope that our talents and voices can help spread the anti-VAW message around the world and ensure that Jyoti Singh Pandey will be a symbol of strength, courage and change instead of tragedy.”

Scott Johnson, the Founder of the Positive Music Association, said: “The Positive Music Association is pleased to participate in the Sing For Jyoti project because violence against women is an uncomfortable yet critical issue that affects all of us, either directly or indirectly. What better way to raise awareness of it than through the international language of music, especially Positive music. If the human species is to survive, it is essential that women all over the world are treated with kindness and respect, and are empowered to contribute fully to the evolution of humanity.”

To visit the Sing For Jyoti music video, go here.

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To learn more about the Sing For Jyoti project, go here.

For further information about Music For Pixels campaigns by The Pixel Project, please contact the Music For Pixels campaign team – music4pixels@thepixelproject.net or music4pixels@gmail.com

About the Music For Pixels Campaign (http://music4pixels.thepixelproject.net)

Music For Pixels ThumbnailMusic For Pixels, a campaign by The Pixel Project, is the first music-based social media campaign to exclusively collaborate with YouTube artistes speaking up to prevent and stop VAW through music video PSAs while raising funds for the cause via digital music downloads. All funds raised from song proceeds donated by artistes in 2013 will go towards supporting the Celebrity Male Role Model Pixel Reveal campaign in benefit of the USA’s National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, The Pixel Project and various anti-Violence Against Women nonprofits worldwide.

About The Pixel Project (www.thepixelproject.net)

Pixel Project ThumbnailThe Pixel Project is a complete virtual, volunteer-led global 501(c)3 nonprofit organisation whose mission is to raise awareness, funds and volunteer power for the cause to end violence against women using social media and new technologies. Their first project is the Celebrity Male Role Model Pixel Reveal campaign which aims to turbo-charge global awareness about VAW using social media while raising US$1 million by getting a global audience to collectively unveil a million-pixel mystery collage of Celebrity Male Role Models at US$1 per pixel.

About AHMIR (www.youtube.com/ahmirTV)

AHMIR_YouTube_LogoAs featured in Us Weekly, Billboard, Vibe.com and AOL Entertainment, AHMIR is the #1 Most Popular R&B Group on YouTube with over 70 million video views and comments by celebrities such as Ryan Seacrest, Ashton Kutcher, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, Perez Hilton, P!nk and more. The group has used their success to bring awareness to charity organisations including Lucy’s Love Bus, Haiti Relief Fund, American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, YMCA, The Pixel Project, and Kevin Youkilis Hits for Kids. Their cover video of P!nk’s “Perfect” was named one of the top Anti-Bullying PSA’s by The Huffington Post. AHMIR is now signed to Robbins Entertainment and have just released their debut single entitled “WAR” to Top 40 radio nationwide. “WAR” is available now for purchase on iTunes.

About the Positive Music Association (http://www.PositiveMusicAssociation.com)

New PMA logoThe Positive Music Association is an international membership organisation dedicated to promoting Positive music artists and Positive music as a distinct genre of music. Positive music is defined as lyric-based songs with universal, life-affirming messages. Positive music can inspire, heal, uplift, empower, energize, unite and enlighten as we create and awaken to a more peaceful, sustainable and healthy world that works for everyone. Founded in 2003, the PMA has over 350 members in over 12 countries and growing. For more information, contact Scott@PositiveMusicAssociation.com.

ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sing For Jyoti Project – A Music Video Gallery saying NO to Violence Against Women

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m4p_slider-sing-for-jyothi_618 March 2013: The Pixel Project, the award-nominated volunteer-led virtual non-profit social enterprise working to end Violence Against Women (VAW) worldwide, is pleased to announce the launch of their fourth Music For Pixels campaign initiative – The Sing For Jyoti Project. The project invites artistes from around the world to contribute their YouTube music videos to an online music gallery to say NO to VAW. The project and gallery is named after Jyoti Singh Pandey, the Delhi Gang Rape Victim, in honour of her courage and strength in fighting for her life to the very end. The Sing For Jyoti tribute gallery will be unveiled on World Humanitarian Day (19 August 2013).

Regina Yau, Founder and President of The Pixel Project said: “The Pixel Project created the Sing For Jyoti Project to continue what we began with the Valentine 2013 YouTube Cover Carnival – the building of a fitting musical tribute to Ms. Pandey. We are off to a solid start with the 10 contest videos which are the basis for the gallery; and we hope that the project will be a positive platform for artistes to help us continue the momentum of the anti-VAW activism her death inspired in communities in India and beyond.”

From 18 March to 18 July 2013, artistes are encouraged to submit music videos of either original songs or covers that contain inspiring and uplifting lyrics that will lift the spirits of women, girls and VAW survivors in keeping with The Pixel Project’s positive approach to raising awareness about VAW. Participating artistes are also required to include a special awareness-raising message in the “About” section under their submitted video. Ms. Yau said: “Music is a potent force for spreading ideas and messages and we hope that the Sing For Jyoti gallery will be a powerful positive counterpoint to the rampant misogyny and violence expressed through today’s popular music. We look forward to doing so with the support of our YouTube Music Ambassador, AHMIR; and our partner, the Positive Music Association.”

AHMIR will be contributing one of their music videos to the gallery. They said: “We are honoured to put together a music video for the Sing For Jyoti project.  It is our hope that our talents and voices can help spread the anti-VAW message around the world and ensure that Jyoti Singh Pandey will be a symbol of strength, courage and change instead of tragedy.”

Scott Johnson, the Founder of the Positive Music Association, said: “The Positive Music Association is pleased to participate in the Sing For Jyoti project because violence against women is an uncomfortable yet critical issue that affects all of us, either directly or indirectly. What better way to raise awareness of it than through the international language of music, especially Positive music. If the human species is to survive, it is essential that women all over the world are treated with kindness and respect, and are empowered to contribute fully to the evolution of humanity.”

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For further information, please contact the Music For Pixels campaign team – music4pixels@thepixelproject.net  or music4pixels@gmail.com 

About the Music For Pixels Campaign (http://music4pixels.thepixelproject.net)

Music For Pixels ThumbnailMusic For Pixels, a campaign by The Pixel Project, is the first music-based social media campaign to exclusively collaborate with YouTube artistes speaking up to prevent and stop VAW through music video PSAs while raising funds for the cause via digital music downloads. All funds raised from song proceeds donated by artistes in 2013 will go towards supporting the Celebrity Male Role Model Pixel Reveal campaign in benefit of the USA’s National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, The Pixel Project and various anti-Violence Against Women nonprofits worldwide.

About The Pixel Project (www.thepixelproject.net)

Pixel Project ThumbnailThe Pixel Project is a complete virtual, volunteer-led global 501(c)3 nonprofit organisation whose mission is to raise awareness, funds and volunteer power for the cause to end violence against women using social media and new technologies. Their first project is the Celebrity Male Role Model Pixel Reveal campaign which aims to turbo-charge global awareness about VAW using social media while raising US$1 million by getting a global audience to collectively unveil a million-pixel mystery collage of Celebrity Male Role Models at US$1 per pixel.

About AHMIR (www.youtube.com/ahmirTV)  

AHMIR_YouTube_LogoAs featured in Us Weekly, Billboard, Vibe.com and AOL Entertainment, AHMIR is the #1 Most Popular R&B Group on YouTube with over 70 million video views and comments by celebrities such as Ryan Seacrest, Ashton Kutcher, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, Perez Hilton, P!nk and more. The group has used their success to bring awareness to charity organisations including Lucy’s Love Bus, Haiti Relief Fund, American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, YMCA, The Pixel Project, and Kevin Youkilis Hits for Kids. Their cover video of P!nk’s “Perfect” was named one of the top Anti-Bullying PSA’s by The Huffington Post. AHMIR is now signed to Robbins Entertainment and have just released their debut single entitled “WAR” to Top 40 radio nationwide. “WAR” is available now for purchase on iTunes.

About the Positive Music Association (http://www.PositiveMusicAssociation.com)

New PMA logoThe Positive Music Association is an international membership organisation dedicated to promoting Positive music artists and Positive music as a distinct genre of music. Positive music is defined as lyric-based songs with universal, life-affirming messages. Positive music can inspire, heal, uplift, empower, energize, unite and enlighten as we create and awaken to a more peaceful, sustainable and healthy world that works for everyone. Founded in 2003, the PMA has over 350 members in over 12 countries and growing. For more information, contact Scott@PositiveMusicAssociation.com.

ANNOUNCEMENT: The Pixel Project and the Positive Music Association – Partnering to Bring Positive Music to the Forefront of Anti-Violence Against Women Activism

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Positive Music Association

6 March 2013: The Pixel Project, the award-nominated global volunteer-led virtual non-profit social enterprise working to end Violence Against Women (VAW) worldwide, is proud to announce a brand new partnership with the Positive Music Association (PMA). The Pixel Project and the PMA will be collaborating together on various programmes and projects under The Pixel Project’s ‘Music For Pixels’ campaign.

Music For Pixels ThumbnailRegina Yau, Founder and President of The Pixel Project, said: “Music is a powerful tool for raising awareness about difficult human rights issues such as VAW because it helps break the silence surrounding the violence by educating while entertaining. This is why we created the ‘Music For Pixels’ campaign as the first social media driven anti-VAW music campaign that uses YouTube music videos as a platform for YouTube, independent and up-and-coming artistes worldwide to use uplifting songs to empower women, girls and survivors and to say NO to VAW. Partnering with the PMA is a natural fit because they are committed to using positive music to help change the world for the better. We look forward to working with PMA members in the years to come.”

Scott Johnson, Founder of the PMA said: “We’re honoured to be partnering with the Pixel Project to help bring awareness to the global issue of violence against women. Music is a universal language that can move people in a way words alone cannot. Positive, life-affirming music can inspire both women and men to unite in taking a stand for treating women everywhere with kindness and respect.”

The first collaboration between The Pixel Project and the PMA is the Valentine 2013 YouTube Cover Carnival in honour of the Delhi Gang Rape victim, Jyoti Singh Pandey. The contest is currently running until 9PM EST, 14 March 2013 and PMA artistes are invited to join artistes worldwide in submitting covers of One Direction’s “Little Things” or Whitney Houston’s “Greatest Love of All” for the contest. More collaborative projects for 2013 will be announced over the coming months.

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For further information, please contact Regina Yau or Joy Syiem – music4pixels@thepixelproject.net

About The Pixel Project (www.thepixelproject.net)

Pixel Project ThumbnailThe Pixel Project is a complete virtual, volunteer-led global 501(c)3 nonprofit organisation whose mission is to raise awareness, funds and volunteer power for the cause to end violence against women through innovative, powerful viral campaigns across various online and virtual channels including social media. Their first project is to turbo-charge global awareness about VAW using social media while raising US$1 million for the U.S.A.’s National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, The Pixel Project and other anti-Violence Against Women nonprofits by getting a global audience to collectively unveil a million-pixel mystery collage of Celebrity Male Role Models at US$1 per pixel.

About the Positive Music Association (http://www.PositiveMusicAssociation.com)

New PMA logoThe Positive Music Association is an international membership organisation dedicated to promoting Positive music artists and Positive music as a distinct genre of music. Positive music is defined as lyric-based songs with universal, life-affirming messages. Positive music can inspire, heal, uplift, empower, energize, unite and enlighten as we create and awaken to a more peaceful, sustainable and healthy world that works for everyone. Founded in 2003, the PMA has over 350 members in over 12 countries and growing. For more information, contact Scott@PositiveMusicAssociation.com.

“16 For 16” Digital EP Artiste Interview: Sarah Carpio

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Sarah Carpio is a Mexican independent singer/songwriter. At the age of 7 she began piano lessons; then her dad taught her to play the guitar. By the time she was 12 years old she was writing her own songs and playing the drums. Her unique music style and lyrics are full of energy and have opened opportunities for her to perform at Art Galleries, Bars and urban events. Her music has taken her to Mexico, USA, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Canada and Spain. Her message? Hope, Love, Faith and FREEDOM.

1. Tell us about “Break Free” – what or who inspired you to write the song?

The lyrics are from my good friend the Poet for Freedom Meg Nezaj. While reading I could picture every word, and I wanted to add the intention to it by placing the words on the right places and giving the interpretation of the feeling women facing and surviving violence have – a feeling of desperation and then a feeling of relief because somebody heard their cry for help.

2. You took part in the Fall 2012 YouTube Cover Carnival earlier this year and now you have contributed your song “Break Free” to the  What makes you so supportive of The Pixel Project’s “Music For Pixels” campaign?

I’m honoured to be part of The Pixel Project’s campaigns because they are taking action in giving a voice and support to women that are being hurt. I believe I can use my music to support and raise awareness.

3. Apart from Music For Pixels, you are also an active participant in the Global Freedom Concerts that raise awareness about human trafficking and slavery (which is also a type of gender-based violence) What drives you to share the your musical gifts in aid of this difficult cause?

I think that using my music to do something else than just singing – having a cause – is really powerful. I can make the sound of freedom heard in every place I perform or where my songs are played. Being part of Global Freedom Concerts has also given me a platform to keep on growing in influence and having an awesome team of freedom fighters all over the world with the same cause. We are a big family who supports and cheers for each other.

4. In your opinion, why can music break through taboos better than simple conversation and how can we use music to start the conversation?

Because music it’s an universal language, it opens peoples ears and can reach their minds and hearts, that’s why I like to sing about hope, faith, love and freedom.

5. What would you say to musicians who are unsure about whether to get involved with difficult causes such as Violence Against Women?

Having a cause to sing for – raising your voice for someone who doesn’t have a voice – is the best thing you can do. Music changes, people change, but a cause stays and affects positively not only this generation but the ones coming up behind us. We are leaving a legacy and saying NO MORE!

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Give someone an empowering musical gift:

Searching for something empowering and uplifting for someone in need of extra encouragement and good vibes? Check out our “16 For 16” digital EP featuring 5 songs aimed at lifting the spirits and empowering survivors of Violence Against Women worldwide via all major online music stores including iTunes, Amazon, Google Music, Spotify and many more. Prices range from US$4.95 to US$6.45 depending on region and retailer and 100% of the proceeds go towards keeping The Pixel Project’s programmes and projects running. The EP will be available for download until 28 February 2013. Just click on the buttons below to be taken to the EP’s download page in your preferred online music store:

Music For Pixels Partner Interview: Mike and Michelle Stevens from Lost Monkey Studio

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1. Tell us about Lost Monkey Studio and how you came to partner with The Pixel Project on music campaigns such as the YouTube Cover Carnival and how you are helping with the campaigns.

Mike and Michelle: One of our label artists wrote a song that represents hope and new life for women who are suffering or have suffered violence. He really wanted to donate the proceeds of this song to help end violence against women, and we ended up finding The Pixel Project. All of the hard work, motivation and passion Regina and her team have shown, has made us proud to be partnering with them. Lost Monkey Studio has since worked on the Youtube Cover Carnival campaign with Music for Pixels, and donated studio time, mixing/mastering and production for the winners of that contest. Continue reading →

Music for Pixels Partner Interview: Nick Dunn of Horus Music

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Horus Music is one of The Pixel Project’s campaign partners. They sponsor online distribution and licensing services for songs and albums/EPs for The Pixel Project’s Music for Pixels campaign. Company founder Nick Dunn shares his thoughts with us about working with The Pixel Project and using music in the effort to end violence against women.

Since the age of 7, Nick has been involved in music, learning to play the electronic organ and then trumpet and piano.  Nick successfully passed three grade eight examinations with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and participated in many orchestras, jazz bands, brass bands and wind bands.  Having studied three degrees at the University of Huddersfield, (Music, Music Education and Master of Arts in Orchestral Conducting) Nick went on to teach and examine music.  A successful period teaching music did not give Nick the fulfillment he searched for so he went on to become his own boss and started work within the music industry, beginning with learning the ropes and managing artistes.  Being in the music industry has given Nick the opportunity to broaden his knowledge of music and the world, meet exciting and very dedicated people, help a lot of people around the world, and experience something different every day.

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1. Tell us about Horus Music and how you came to partner with The Pixel Project on music campaigns such as the YouTube Cover Carnival and how you are helping with the campaigns? 

When I was growing up, my family was always involved with raising money for various charities so doing something for someone else has always been a part of my life.  I was also in the scouting movement so you not only got involved with lots of things, but you promise to think of others and it’s been something I have kept even out of scouting as it’s a positive thing to live by.  My wife is also active in charity work and for myself when I went through a bad patch there were people there to help me get back on my feet, so I really do understand the importance of the good work people do. Continue reading →

“16 For 16” Digital EP Interview: Tony O’Malley

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Tony O’Malley is a singer and piano player in the soul tradition who formed the legendary groove band Kokomo. Although he has worked with pop creators 10CC, Motown’s Martha Reeves & the Vandellas and played on a numerous albums including Bob Dylan’s ‘Desire’, these days Tony prefers to concentrate on recording and performing his own music at http:tonyomalley.bandcamp.com

1. How did you come to know about The Pixel Project? Tell us why you decided to take part in The Pixel Project’s “16 For 16” Digital EP.

I’d sent ‘Nicoletta’ to mutual friend Deeyah*, who forwarded the song to The Pixel Project. Once accepted, we were more than happy to participate with Regina Yau and her team.

Editor’s note: Deeyah is a prominent musician, women’s rights activist and founder of AVA Projects working to end the scourge of Honour Killing.

2. What inspired you and Marty Townsend to write “Nicoletta”?

We wrote the song after hearing that a good friend had been brutally beaten and abused by her baby’s father.

3. Violence Against Women is usually pigeonholed as a women’s issue and it can be an uphill task getting men and boys involved in stopping the violence. Why is ending Violence against Women important to you as a man?

It’s important to me as a person. Continue reading →

“16 For 16” Digital EP Artiste Interview: The Other People

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The Other People were formed in July 2004 in Mumbai, India. They are known to audiences for their exciting performances and adding an original twist to every song they perform. T.O.P has opened for the international artistes including Saving Abel, Michael Learns to Rock, DJ Edward Maya, DJ Diamond, Lacuna Coil and Bedouin Soundclash; and have performed alongside Pop sensation Jay Sean. The band is currently expanding their repertoire of original songs and is in the process of recording their debut album. They are also the winners of The Pixel Project’s Fall 2012 YouTube Cover Carnival contest.

1. Congratulations on winning the Grand Prize in the Fall 2012 YouTube Cover Carnival contest! How does it feel to win while helping the cause to end Violence Against Women?

Thank You! It’s the best feeling The Other People have had in 8 years of being together. Just being able to work with The Pixel Project to help raise awareness baout Violence against Women is a privilege in itself and having won the grand prize in the contest makes it even more worthwhile. Now in our own small way, we can hopefully contribute to bringing an end to violence against women the world over.

2. With 1 in 3 women worldwide facing gender-based violence in their lives, pretty much everybody would know a woman or girl who has faced some form of violence. In fact, India has been voted as the worst country for women among the G20 countries. Has any of the members of The Other People been affected by or witnessed Violence Against Women and how has that help shape your attitude towards women and girls?

Hearing of such incidents and actually witnessing them is not the same. We have been fortunate not to have witnessed these violent acts against women first hand; however, it is something we read and hear about daily – the daily news is all about rape, acid attacks and women being beaten up. We hope never to witness such atrocities and try our best to educate people through the cause we are supporting. Continue reading →

“16 For 16” Digital EP Interview: Pete Ahonen

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Pete Ahonen, an East Bay native / singer-songwriter — pairs his blend of ‘alt-country / folk-rock’ with an incredible knack for storytelling, a unique voice and raw, honest delivery that draws the listener in and makes them feel like they’re witnessing something real… something special. When you see Pete perform, you definitely get the impression that he’s not just playing the music — he is the music. Pete’s  first full-length release recently launched in November – 2012 through Lost Monkey Records.

1. Tell us why you decided to take part in The Pixel Project’s “16 For 16” Digital EP.

Your heart and your music together have a way of becoming stagnant if you’re just thinking about yourself all the time. You see all these musicians who make a lot of money, who have big record contracts, and who are just too self focused. I believe that we weren’t created this way – we were made to give pieces of ourselves back to others and I hope this song can do that in some way.

2. What inspired you to write “A Day Will Come”?

I was watching a documentary about human trafficking and one of the stories in particular really got to me. Basically a woman was kidnapped and sold into sexual slavery. When the authorities had presumed her dead, her husband didn’t give up and continued searching for her. He finally rescued her after 7 years, and all the obstacles and personal hell she had to face in the aftermath were both humbling and inspiring.  “A Day Will Come” was inspired by her story, but it’s not necessarily just about that. It’s really a metaphor that’s meant to reach people on many different levels. Continue reading →

“16 For 16” Digital EP Artiste Interview: AHMIR

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1. AHMIR has been The Pixel Project’s YouTube Music Ambassador since you started as their “Artiste of the Month” back in April 2012. Since then AHMIR has been actively involved with The Pixel Project on the Fall 2012 YouTube Cover Carnival and now, the “16 For 16” digital EP. What makes you so supportive of The Pixel Project and their “Music For Pixels” campaign?

Sing-Sing: We are supportive of The Pixel Project and their “Music for Pixels” campaign because their stance on violence against women aligns directly with ours. For a number of years we have discussed ways of using our platform, as artistes, to bring awareness to this issue. Once we got word of The Pixel Project, we jumped at the opportunity to collaborate with them in support of their campaign. Continue reading →