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.
2. “The Rose” is the cover song AHMIR did as “Artiste of the Month” back in April and it is now on the “16 For 16” digital EP. Why did you pick “The Rose” as your song for this year’s “Music For Pixels” programmes and what song would AHMIR be doing for the campaign next year?
Big Mike: This year we chose the song “The Rose” as it represents the love and precious nature of a woman. When you think of a rose – with the adequate amount of attention, care sunlight and water it brings almost instant beauty to any decor. Women are such strong beings and they bring about perhaps the most precious gift of all – Life. Women can accomplish great things by themselves. In addition, when they have someone to love and support their growth from adversity to lofty accomplishment she is at her best.
Flowers are to be cherished and given as a sign of comfort and love in much the same fashion AHMIR longs for the day when women everywhere are seen and held for the prized people that they truly are.
As for our selection for next year, we have a couple of selections in mind. The question is what new energy and emotion can AHMIR breathe into a given song so that it touches and inspires in a new dynamic way. I guess that’s a long way of saying – wait and see!!!
3. 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. Has any of the members of AHMIR been affected by or witnessed Violence Against Women and how has that help shape your attitude towards women and girls?
KC: As a youth and adolescent, I witnessed domestic violence in my home between my grandparents, mother and stepfather.
Growing up, the situation caused me to feel unsafe, have truancy challenges and take on the parental role for my younger siblings. I grew up with the notion that violence was not only tolerated, but accepted in my family. However, as I reached my teen years and watched the females in my family life battle this now violent addiction that had seemed to be passed down. I began to realise just because a person is physically stronger than you, does not give them the right to enforce their will against you.
I understand how a man treats a young woman early on in life will affect them for the rest of their life. It is important that we as men teach our young men how to be a man and treat women properly. The better we treat women will result in better mothers, sisters, aunts, wives and most importantly a better person. As an adult I am now more sensitive to violence of any kind, but especially towards females.
4. Violence Against Women is a very difficult issue to talk about but with so many lives at stake, we all have a responsibility to speak up about it. In your opinion, why can music break through taboos better than simple conversation and how can we use music to start the conversation?
Mr Jones: The power of melody and harmony has the ability to compliment the sentiment behind just words. Words can definitely be powerful, but music only helps to amplify whatever message is being communicated. Music is a powerful, powerful tool. Unfortunately, it’s a tool that is often used to convey messages that aren’t crucial to human growth.
5. What would you say to musicians who are unsure about whether to get involved with the cause to end Violence Against Women?
Violence Against Women is probably one of the most widespread issues around the world, but often hidden and not given the attention it deserves. There are so many victims who are afraid or embarrassed to step forward. Unfortunately, this just leads to an increasing number of incidents with no end in sight.
Musicians have a captive audience who listen to the words sung in their songs. The songs move your mind and soul to laugh, cry, dance, etc. Therefore, musicians should feel it a privilege to use their unique talents to help raise awareness to end violence against women. You don’t need to change the world, but you have a special platform to perhaps help one young woman out there who is crying inside with pain and feeling hopeless. You can help be that beacon of light to show them that there are supporters and people who care and want you to be a survivor.
The Pixel Project is a special organisation with an amazing team lead by Regina Yau. If you have the opportunity to join them, you can be sure that your efforts will be heard around the world and that you WILL make a difference. As a musician, isn’t that what it’s all about – touching people around the world with your music?
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Give back while giving joy this Christmas:
Searching for an affordable gift that is both empowering and uplifting for someone in need of that extra encouragement and good vibes this Christmas? 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. Just click on the buttons below to be taken to the EP’s download page in your preferred online music store:
