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 →
1 August 2012: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 launch their Fall 2012 YouTube Cover Carnival competition offering up-and-coming music artistes on YouTube and beyond an opportunity to boost their careers while using their talents to say NO to VAW.
Regina Yau, Founder and President of The Pixel Project said: “Music For Pixels is a music campaign focused on collaborating with YouTube artistes to raise awareness about VAW through music video PSAs while raising funds for the cause via digital downloads. TheYouTube Cover Carnival is one of the campaign’s programmes. With 1 in 3 women worldwide having VAW, we hope the double incentive of career-boosting prizes while raising awareness of the violence which may well affect (or have affected) the women in their lives will inspire artistes to take part in the competition.”
The song selected for participants to cover isKelly Clarkson’s ‘Dark Side’. Ms Yau said: “Kelly Clarkson is a positive role model whose songs are empowerment anthems for women and girls worldwide. We selected ‘Dark Side’ because of its poignant yet positive lyrics which many survivors of violence against women can relate to. It is about accepting and loving people for who they are.”
The competition kicks off on 1 August and the submission period runs from 1 August – 21 August 2012 and the selection process includes semi-finals and finals. 10 semi-finalists will be announced on 1 September 2012 and the public will be given 10 days to vote for 5 finalists. The top three winners will be announced on 14 September 2012. The semi-finalists and final winners will be selected by The Pixel Project as well as the Music For Pixels YouTube Music Ambassador, AHMIR, Lost Monkey Studio and Horus Music who are generously donating their services and swag as prizes.
The Grand Prize Winner receives a comprehensive package worth at least US$1400 including: Free production, mixing and mastering of one of his or her original songs courtesy of Lost Monkey Studio; Placement of their song on Lost Monkey’s catalogue for TV/Film licensing; Free distribution of their song by Horus Music; Having their winning cover of ‘Dark Side’ produced, mixed, mastered and included in The Pixel Project’s year-end digital EP (and the promotional campaign for the EP). The winning music video will also be featured on AHMIR’s YouTube homepage for 3 days together with a video foreword from AHMIR. With almost 350,000 subscribers (and rising) viewing AHMIR’s channel daily, this would be a significant boost for the profile of the Grand Prize Winner.
For more information on how to submit your cover of “Dark Side”, visit our submission page.
For more information about the prizes available, check out our prize listings.
To learn more about the campaign and your eligibility, visit our FAQ page.
Music 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 the portion of the song’s proceeds donated by artistes in 2012 will go towards the Celebrity Male Role Model Pixel Reveal campaign in benefit of the USA’s National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and other anti-Violence Against Women nonprofits.
The 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 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.
AHMIR is the #1 MOST POPULAR R&B GROUP on YouTube with over 60 million video views and comments by celebrities such as Ryan Seacrest, Ashton Kutcher, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, Perez Hilton, Pink, and more. The group has used their success to bring awareness to several charity organizations including Lucy’s Love Bus, Haiti Relief Fund, American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, Words Matter, YMCA, Kevin Youkilis Hits for Kids, and The Pixel Project. Their cover video of Pink’s “Perfect” was named one of the top Anti-Bullying PSA’s by The Huffington Post. AHMIR is now signed to Robbins Entertainment (distributed by RED / Sony Music).
Horus Music is a 360 degree music company based in Leicester, UK, specialising in music distribution, publishing and management. They are a one stop shop for getting your music on sale in online stores and subscription services worldwide, including: iTunes, Amazon MP3, Spotify, Deezer, Nokia, Napster, eMusic, Google Music, YouTube, Vevo, Myspace Music, HMV Digital, Zvooq, Simfy, 7Digital, Rhapsody and many more. They can also provide physical distribution throughout the UK.
Lost Monkey is a 16-track Pro Tools studio in Hayward serving artists and bands seeking a comfortable environment in which to produce broadcast-quality sounds. The studio is owned and operated by Bay Area drummer Mike Stevens, who drew upon his experiences working in the area’s most venerable studios to open Lost Monkey in 2010. Lost Monkey is currently also building a solid roster of immensely talented West Coast artists who are working hard towards becoming some of the most seminal musicians in the world.
1. Why did you decide join The Pixel Project and support the cause to end violence against women?
We all individually and as a group have always felt strong about holding women in high regard and that women should never be disrespected by words or physical abuse. So when we were approached by founder Regina Yau and her team we felt that they were truly dedicated to building a worldwide movement to end violence against women and we naturally felt inspired by their strategies to use social media and music to create a call to action to stop violence against women. We felt honoured and blessed to be invited to help with their movement.
2. How did you come to be one of the ‘Music For Pixels’ artistes?
Regina had written to us and provided a very passionate & detailed proposal to be a Music For Pixels’ artist. We had no hesitation and truly embraced becoming a part of this campaign.
3. How did “The Rose” come to be chosen as the song AHMIR contributed to the campaign?
“The Rose” is such a classic song that has transcended generations because of its beautiful lyrics and emotional sentiment that tugs at your heart strings. We felt that if we could use such a powerful song to carry this message that it would resonate well with audiences today, both young and old, and most importantly for future generations.
4. AHMIR does extensive charity work – what inspires you, as a YouTube artiste, to use your music to make the world a better place?
Through YouTube, we understand we have become role models to many people. Realising that millions of people are watching and listening to our music, we know that we can influence and make a difference to many people all over the world. This ability to touch people through YouTube at any time and any where is what truly inspires us. We have worked hard and feel very blessed to have the platform to do this.
5. As YouTube’s #1 R&B group, how and why do you think music can and should be an important part of awareness-raising and advocacy work?
Music is an integral part of people’s lives every day whether it’s the radio on the way to work, listening to music in the shower, or even significant events like weddings. Music affects your mental state and moves your soul so it’s only fitting that music should be used to carry important messages such as stopping violence against women.
6. As partners/sons/brothers, in what ways do you think men can help prevent, stop and end violence against women?
Simply treat yourself as a role model. If you act and treat women with respect, we know it will affect others and how they live their life and deal with certain situations. Secondly, as a man you should step up to an abuser and let them know that their actions are unacceptable and see what’s needed to get them to stop whether it be treatment or law enforcement. Finally, you should protect victims or potential victims. Create a safe haven for them and let them know you are there to stop the abuse.
In our previous campaign update, we collected, collated and shared some of the most touching quotes from survivors of violence against women in response to ‘The Rose’.
Today, we present a selection of quotes from AHMIR’s fans who have been inspired by the song to speak up to say NO to violence against women and we hope it inspires you to do the same*:
*Please note that we have reproduced these quotes in their authentic entirety to preserve the voice of the commentator.
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“Why would a man hit a woman. Do they not understand a woman brought them in this world. A woman helped them when they were down and depressed. A woman fed them and put clothes on their back. A woman loved them for who they are. That woman never did them wrong. Yet they still manage to hit a woman.”– cranker619
“This is INCREDIBLE, guys! MUCH RESPECT to you All, for an awesome musical talent, and the Amazing Cause that you STAND up to support!”– Tdblaisdell77
“Like this if u want to Stop Violence Against Women everywhere.”– Hunter45c
“I love the way you all use your voices to raise awareness. You inspire me, thanks!”– westlife2cfc
“There’s only one thing to say – thank you.”– Jordybrett
“Shared and liked !!! 😀 Hope many peoble will use a few minutes to hear this .. 😀 Make a Change…”– Alexander9guitar
“The best thing about you guys isn’t your amazing talent, it’s the fact that you use your talent for good. You use your talent and influence to help others. You don’t do it as a publicity stunt, you do it because you care. If these ‘celebrities’ that have so much influence spent even a fraction of their time doing what you do instead of partying, I smile to think about the place this world might be. Even if you start supporting a cause I disagree with, I’ll respect you for standing for something.”– twilightbonekeeper
“Of course you guys did great.. Much respect for singing for a positive cause.. You guys are always doing charities and stuff. It shows a lot for your character. Love the cover.”– Fu2retroublez
“wow just wow not only the song but the pixelproject too and you suppourting it 😀 I NEARLY CRIED THATS HOW MUCH IT TOUCHED ME AND STILL DOES!!! (i´t just does dont ask why pwease xD) women fight for what’s right! don`t do the mistake and keep it on the low!! i love AHMIR !!”– seaeable
“*Sending out warm healing wishes and gentle hugs to everyone here who needs them* and all my love to Ahmir. We are so blessed to have been graced with your talent. You brought tears to my eyes your voices.” – SweetiePai
“BEAUTIFUL SONG. I LOVE THIS GROUP TRULY AMAZING. ALTHOUGH I’VE NEVER BEEN RAPED MY HEART GOES OUT TO ALL OF THE VICTIMS, SURVIVORS, & THEIR FAMILIES. YOU ARE NEVER ALONE GOD HAS YOU. BLESSINGS TO ALL.”– envymybeauty
And last but not least:
“Beautiful! Someone send this to Chris Brown.”– Nawsteth
When we created the Music For Pixels campaign, we started by asking ourselves:
What if YouTube artistes and YouTube music fans got together to make the world a better place for women and girls worldwide?”
We genuinely had no idea what sort of response we would get from survivors, supporters, fellow anti-Violence Against Women nonprofits and activists, and the general public.
All we knew is that music would be a very powerful way to amplify the message we wanted to send out and we hoped that it would also prove to be an equally powerful way for the message to reach into the hearts and minds of the vast global online community out there.
And so together with our first ever Music For Pixels artiste, YouTube’s #1 R&B group, AHMIR, we released the music video PSA of their cover of ‘The Rose’ with fingers crossed and breath held…
More importantly, we were proven right as the comments section under the video exploded and survivors, supporters and AHMIR fans alike posted their thoughts about the video.
Here is a selection of the most striking comments from survivors inspired to speak up and share their stories*:
* Please note that we have reproduced these quotes in their authentic entirety to preserve the voice of the commentator.
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“As a survivor of domestic violence, thanks for the support Ahmir. Beautiful song, brought tears to my eyes.” – Swoon17
“This song touched me. I am the 1 of 5 victims. At age 10, I was raped 5 times by the same guy.. I didn’t know what was gong on because I cracked my head open. At age 18, every memory came to me like a speeding bullet… threatened to kill me if I said anything… 15 years later I’m able and blessed to share and to save a life.. please don’t hesitate to say something… I’m very glad that you guys sung a beautiful song that reaches out to people, and someone like me and anyone else who’s been through it, can reach out and speak without being afraid of anything and can save a life. Thank you guys so much! Much love and respect. God Bless you guys with such a beautiful talent.” – lilsnowbunny23
“This really touches me. when I was 11 a guy was pressuring me to do things with him I didn’t want to do. I kept saying no and he beat me every time, even coming up behind me while I was leaving and choking me with a shoe lace. I have a scar on the side of my neck because of the burn from shaking my head back and forth, trying to get him off of me. No one can touch my face because of him and it hurts because the guy I’m with now is trying to help me recover when it’s just way too hard for me.” – ForeverLove6354
“I love anything Ahmir does and to do a song for this cause makes me love them even more. Like most of you, I too was a victim of rape at a young age and I didn’t recover until I was older. After recovery, I helped other young girls who were also victims, they just needed someone to trust, talk to, and to be there for them. After I was brutally raped I didn’t have anyone so I tried to take my life multiple times, luckily I didn’t succeed. The word needs to be put out so thanks guys for helping!” – hbarden18
“Thank you for raising funds and awareness for this cause. I am a domestic violence survivor. Without the programs available at the time of my need, my family and I wouldn’t be here. More money and awareness is needed. The effects of this life experience not only affect the wife, it affects the children with lifelong psychological effects for all, including the husband. Thank you AHMIR for using your voices to help raise awareness for the voiceless women and children of domestic violence.” – AJsFight4Life
“I love this!!! My mother was a victim at one point in her life. Thanks so much!!! Keep singing!! Love you guys.” – saxtaylor96
“This is amazing. <3 Been abused by my parents and ex boyfriends. Physical and emotional. Been through depression. But I’m moving on now – therapy & an amazing boyfriend. And I guess.. Even though YouTube is full of strangers, this kinda music makes me able to share.”– Bab3girlX
“BEAUTIFUL!! It’s awsome you guys are trying to make a different!! Wish I had the courage to do something.. my brother abused me for four years and my parents never believed me.. now I just live in silent pain and being afraid to get a boyfriend.. It’s such a blessing to know you guys are doing everything you can to stop that.”– kiplasy
Thousands of viewers of the music video PSA of The Rose will have seen the portraits of 6 survivors of violence against women who courageously and generously allowed us to include their picture in the video, knowing that a global audience will see their faces and note their signs that they are survivors and wonder about the stories behind their hard-won smiles. Our sixth and final story features Elizabeth Warfield Smith, a survivor of rape and stalking who currently volunteers on The Pixel Project’s Twitter Tag Team.
I have been a victim of both rape and stalking as a teenager. I was also a victim of a family that chose not to believe me. I chose to have my photo in Ahmir’s music video PSA of “The Rose” to let every woman out there know that there is a way to smile, thrive, and love again.
Music is a language that everyone understands, though it may impact us differently as individuals. I also would like people to know that after the healing you can take one more step to reach out and help other women that need your hand or shoulder or hug, either virtually or in person. I am truly blessed to be able to show every one that watches the video that love is possible and I hope you can see that love in my eyes and smile. The Pixel Project is here for you and the young men of AHMIR prove that there are many others that are willing to help you in any way possible. Make love your first proiority and everything will fall into place.
Thousands of viewers of the music video PSA of The Rose will have seen the portraits of 6 survivors of violence against women who courageously and generously allowed us to include their picture in the video, knowing that a global audience will see their faces and note their signs that they are survivors and wonder about the stories behind their hard-won smiles. Our fifth story features Kathleen Milliken, a survivor and co-founder of Spa Fundraiser which helps causes and nonprofits focused on women and children to raise funds.
Music is a medium that crosses cultures, and has a large audience that spans the world. In allowing The Pixel Project to show my picture I hope to show that domestic violence can affect many no matter our age, race, religion or economic status.
My image is also to show support for those women fighting for their freedom where-ever in the world they may be, so as they may be able thrive and live a life without fear. That each and every women is worthy of peace. I survived and have made changes to live a life free of violence, and hope that others can find their way, as I have, to smile again and shine a light for those caught in the dark.
Thousands of viewers of the music video PSA of The Rose will have seen the portraits of 6 survivors of violence against women who courageously and generously allowed us to include their picture in the video, knowing that a global audience will see their faces and note their signs that they are survivors and wonder about the stories behind their hard-won smiles. Our fourth story features Catherine Tanner Pierce, a survivor and co-founder of Spa Fundraiser which helps causes and nonprofits focused on women and children to raise funds.
It is important to me to help bring awareness to domestic violence. As a child living through domestic violence was very scary. No one talked about it. Sometimes we have a picture in our head of what someone who is a victim of domestic violence looks like and it can be very different that what you imagine.
I wanted to share my picture for the Music For Pixels campaign to help people see what a face of a domestic violence victim looks like. It could be a neighbour, friend or co-worker. You just never know that’s why we all have to be advocates to end domestic violence.
Thousands of viewers of the music video PSA of The Rose will have seen the portraits of 6 survivors of violence against women who courageously and generously allowed us to include their picture in the video, knowing that a global audience will see their faces and note their signs that they are survivors and wonder about the stories behind their hard-won smiles. Our third story features Kathleen Milliken, a survivor and founder of Project Empowerment and Climb For Empowerment:
Let not the pain of the past define who you are, but what you’ve made yourself because of it. Like many, I had a choice and fled abuse many years ago. I chose to rebuild my life and start again from scratch. I’m a firm believer that all healing and empowerment begins from within.
Music is a powerful tool to help heal the wounds from the past, to help bring peace into our hearts. My hope is that something as simple as sharing my picture with The Pixel Project’s Music for Pixels campaign will inspire others to choose their own path and find their way to heal from abuse.
With the Music For Pixelscampaign entering its 4th week with over 50,000 views of The Rose by our first featured artiste – AHMIR, YouTube’s number one R&B group, we would like to say A HUGE THANK YOU to the following Pixel Project partners, anti-Violence Against Women nonprofits and Facebook pages for their support for the campaign and for helping us get the word out on their Facebook pages (and in some cases, on their blogs and on Twitter) as we work towards our goal of 1 million views and downloads!
Be sure to click on their names to check out their Facebook pages – they are listed according to category and in alphabetical order below!
1. Tell us why you decided to take part in The Pixel Project’s “16 For 16” Digital EP.
