The “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” Interview – Kevin Mileski

As part of  The Pixel Project’s 30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” project in support of the Celebrity Male Role Model Pixel Reveal campaign, we talk to the artistes who have participated in the project about why they are using their music to speak out and to say NO to violence against women. 

Our fifteenth featured artiste is Kevin Mileski. Kevin is a singer-songwriter currently residing near Chicago, Illinois. With five full-length albums, eight major compilations, and over a thousand live performances, he has made a name for himself throughout the US and Europe. Kevin has performed at some of the nation’s greatest acoustic venues and has licensed many of his compositions to major recording artists and television. He is currently working on his next album to be released late 2014. He is honoured to be a part of The Pixel Project’s Music For Pixels campaign and “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” project.

Kevin contributed his song, “Where’s Your Conviction” to the “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” campaign in support of the Celebrity Male Role Model Pixel Reveal campaign that in benefit of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and The Pixel Project. Donate at just US$1 per pixel to reveal the mystery Celebrity Male Role Models and help raise US$1 million for the cause while raising awareness about the important role men and boys play in ending violence against women in their communities worldwide. Donations begin at just US$10 and you can donate here.

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Kevin Mileski

Tell us about yourself and why you decided to take part in The Pixel Projects 30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days project.

I was approached with the 30/30/30 project and thought it to be wonderful. I’m rarely asked to be a part of something for which I believe in so whole-heartedly. This is one of those causes. I’ve seen enough violence to ALL and find myself specifically disturbed by the violence towards women and children.  This is something I could do that had the potential to actually help.

Why is ending violence against women important to you?

I wish it didn’t exist.  I wish it was never a thought for resolution of anything; but it does exist and there are people who believe this is how you “fix” a problem. When I was younger, my mom was dating a man who obviously hit her. Although she never admitted it, I knew this to be the case. It’s important to me to know that, if a woman as strong as my mom couldn’t admit it was happening, what is happening to other women who aren’t as strong? It’s scary. It starts a cycle of violence that never ends and I refuse to sit back and watch it happen.

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

Music’s power is stronger than we know. It has the power to help people come together. It helps people relate.  Particularly in the case of an artist who has taken a risk in writing a tough topic, you’ll see the supporters of music come together. Music is poetry and as such, a wonderful outlet. Although the definition of music is different for individual people, the affect and effect are very much the same.

What actions can music artistes take to help end violence against women?

We have the power of the microphone.  We have the power of the ability to make people listen. We have the power to stop the sound, stop the singing, start the sound, start the singing.  We have the unique ability to make ourselves characters – characters who people can relate to. We are the sounding board and the relationship that can show people how ridiculous and unnecessary this violence is. We can take a picture of you and show you what you look like. You just hear it instead.

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The “Music For Pixels 2014” charity digital album is available from 1 April 2014 – 1 April 2015 as a companion to the “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” campaign. The album features a selection of 12 positive and empowering songs from the campaign by artistes including  Adam Web, AHMIR, AJ Rafael, Bob Sima, Courtney Jenae, Debbie Reifer, Delaney Gibson, Ellis, Macy Kate, Mary Sholz, Pete Ahonen, and Troy Horne

The album is the perfect and affordable gift for music lovers and for celebrating special occasions such as birthdays and Mother’s Day. It is available for download worldwide via major online music retailers including iTunes and Amazon.com. 100% of the album proceeds will benefit The Pixel Project to help keep their anti-Violence Against Women campaigns, projects, and programmes running.

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