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 US-based group Straight To Number Six Foothill who submitted their Rock-tinged cover of Kelly Clarkson’s “Dark Side” for our Fall 2012 YouTube Cover Carnival.

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Straight to Number Six Foothill was established for the single purpose of producing this music video. Our members all have professional careers by day while the love of music keeps us actively pursuing performance dates by night. Our members are: Helena Levin (Vocals), lead vocalist for “The Six” band. Michael Luethold (Guitar / Bass), lead guitar player for the progressive rock band ‘Straight To The Moon”. Harold “Spike” Jones (Drums), drummer for the Southern California country rock band “The Foothill Billy Band”. John Torres (Guitars) producer and rhythm guitar player for “The Six” band.

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

We were first notified of the contest by a good friend of John Torres, who is active in championing organisations that work to stop violence against women and children. She felt the contest was an opportunity for the band to “be heard” and benefit a very worthy cause. With only a week’s notice the band was hastily assembled, entering the studio without benefit of any prior rehearsals.

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

Domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and the violence of poverty emphasised by the radical attacks on poor women and children all result from society’s attitudes toward women and efforts to “keep women in their place.” Until we, as a global society eliminate violence based on gender, we can never achieve true human equality.

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

Since the early ’60s, music has been at the forefront of spreading the word about gender equality. As awareness evolved, music and musicians have become more dynamic or vocal in efforts to raise awareness about violence against women. One of the best examples is Tina Turner, who suffered the violence first hand. For decades she has used her celebrity to promote awareness about violence against women.

Because of its ability to reach a worldwide audience, music delivers a message to literally billions of people who are influenced by the artiste and will subsequently be anxious to support their cause.

 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 a long history of championing causes that alleviate world suffering. Whether as individual artistes or bands performing on the “Big stage”, musicians have tirelessly devote their time to causes. By providing a venue or platform from which the message can be delivered, musicians, using their popularity, will articulate the message to their fan base who are eager to listen and will participate. Provide the outlet to a musician, and they will deliver with enthusiasm.