Category Archives: Blog

Music For Pixels Interview: Tony Grant of Perilous Landings vzw

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The Belgium-based video production company Perilous Landings vzw came to be involved with the Music For Pixels campaign with its founder, Tony Grant, was roped in by Tony O’Malley to produce the music video for his song ‘Nicoletta’ that was selected as one of the five songs on The Pixel Project’s ’16 For 16′ charity digital EP. In this interview, Mr. Grant talks about why he supports the cause to end violence against women and what filmmakers like himself can do to help raise awareness of this human rights issue.

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picasa roskam 16 (1)1. Tell us about Perilous Landings vzw and how you came to be involved with The Pixel Project’s “16 For 16” digital EP under their “Music For Pixels” campaign.

 Tony: Perilous Landings vzw is based in Belgium providing video production services and the creation of multimedia content for distribution on CD-ROM, DVD, Blue-ray and the web as well as producing for broadcast and exhibition. Perilous Landings vzw makes low budget films for cultural and historical groups at the community level.  We offer an affordable “production house” facility to the smaller and and budget restrained organizations and community groups by having “Precious Legends” only charge expenses and equipment costs to a project and a small percentage to help fund Perilous Landings vzw. We combine our artistic and technical skills to produce a product unique to the client and also that makes good business sense for their needs.

My great friend Tony O’Malley brought the “16 for 16” project to my attention.  We both feel that violence against women is a very important topic that is not talked about enough.  We know that abuse to women by men happens on a daily basis and it is very important that they can find support from understanding people who are able to help them. Continue reading →

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 →

LAUNCH ANNOUNCEMENT: The Pixel Project’s First “16 For 16” Charity Digital EP

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25 November 2012: The Pixel Project is proud to present their first annual 16 For 16 charity digital EP featuring songs from YouTube and other independent artistes from around the world saying NO to violence against women (VAW) while raising funds for The Pixel Project. The EP is launched on the International Elimination of Violence Against Women Day as both a Music For Pixels programme as well as a part of The Pixel Project’s year-end 16 For 16 campaign in honour of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence.

The 16 For 16 digital EP is the third Music For Pixels programme to kick off in 2012. Regina Yau, Founder and President of The Pixel Project said: “Music For Pixels mainly concentrates on working with YouTube artistes. However, since we started the campaign, we have also been contacted by artistes who do not have a presence on YouTube but are keen to use their music to speak out against VAW. We developed the EP as a platform for showcasing their anti-VAW music via YouTube and digital downloads.”

The EP includes 5 artistes from around the world. Each artiste has created a music video PSA of their song in the Music For Pixels format which includes artiste statements against VAW and key global VAW statistics. The EP is headlined by AHMIR – YouTube’s #1 R&B group and The Pixel Project’s YouTube Music Ambassador. Other participating artistes are: Pete Ahonen – a Folk-Rock singer-songwriter and Lost Monkey Records artiste from California, USA; Sarah Carpio – a Pop singer-songwriter and anti-human trafficking activist from Mexico; The Other People – a Pop-Rock band from India and winner of The Pixel Project’s Fall 2012 YouTube Cover Carnival; and Tony O’Malley – a Jazz-Pop singer-songwriter and pianist from the UK.

Ms Yau said: “Music is one of the most powerful ways of spreading important social justice messages that would be difficult to talk about otherwise. With VAW being a taboo topic in many cultures and communities, we and the artistes on board this EP hope that this collection of 5 songs will inspire listeners worldwide to break their silence and take action to stop VAW in their communities. The songs are specially selected or written to boost the spirits of women and girls who have experienced and survived VAW and to bring a little hope in their lives over the year-end holiday season when incidences of VAW (especially domestic violence and female genital mutilation) spike.”

This limited edition EP is available from 25 November 2012 to 28 February 2013 from major digital retailers worldwide including iTunes and Amazon. With prices ranging from US$4.95 to US$6.45 depending on region and retailer, it is an affordable way for the global online community to give to the cause. Thanks to the pro bono distribution services of Horus Music and the generosity of the participating artistes, 100% of the proceeds will go towards supporting the development of The Pixel Project’s Celebrity Male Role Model Pixel Reveal campaign that is currently in beta mode and is scheduled for launch in 2013. The Pixel Reveal campaign aims to raise US$1 million in benefit of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, The Pixel Project and other anti-VAW nonprofits around the world.

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For further information, visit the “16 For 16” digital EP introduction page and FAQ page.

  • To buy the digital EP on iTunes (US$6.45), click here (also available on iTunes worldwide – just adjust your country of origin when buying).
  • To buy the digital EP on Amazon.com (US$4.95), click here.

For any further inquiries, please contact The Pixel Project team at info@thepixelproject.net.    

About The Pixel Project (www.thepixelproject.net)

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.

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

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. The campaign currently comprises 3 distinct programmes including Artiste of the Month, the YouTube Cover Carnival contest and the 16 For 16 digital EP.

Interview With An Artiste: Malissa Alanna

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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 Barbados-based artiste Malissa Alanna who submitted her cover of Kelly Clarkson’s “Dark Side” for our Fall 2012 YouTube Cover Carnival.

Malissa Alanna was born and raised on the Island of Barbados. At 9 years old she penned her first song. She has concentrated on the country/pop genre, something unusual for a teenager born and raised in the Caribbean! However, with her strong, versatile voice, she can sing just about anything. Malissa Alanna has excelled in jazz dancing and martial arts, attaining the rank of Senior Black Belt, and is known for her relentless drive and effervescent personality.

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

I am Malissa Alanna. I was born and raised in the Island of Barbados, which is a beautiful coral Island in the Caribbean. I am a singer, songwriter and producer and despite my country’s love of calypso and reggae, I am a country artist and have been  making significant strides, particularly recently.

I spend a tremendous amount of time reading and watching movies, and it has come to my realisation that domestic violence against women is one of the most common causes of unnatural death among women across the world. Although I personally have not had to endure the obvious emotional and physical anguish that those for whom this is a reality must face on a day to day basis, I have adopted this cause as one of my key causes (along with the fight against HIV/AIDS) as I develop as an artist and hope to use my platform as an opportunity to address these profound issues. I have also learned that there are often instances where my two causes become one as women are, in many cases, beaten and forced to have unprotected sex with men, and contract the HIV Virus. Looking at the bigger picture, my music must be used in every way to help those who have to face this kind of suffering in their lives.

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2. Why is ending violence against women important to you?

Ending violence against any human being or any living thing is important to me. However, women nurture and carry life, and the love I have received from my mother throughout the course of my lifetime has had a profound impact on my development, and has shaped who I am. I could never imagine how devastating it must be for children in particular to witness their mothers being abused. As a teen myself, I could only imagine the horror any young lady who is trapped in an abusive relationship must go through. And so I believe all young ladies should enjoy the freedom and consistent love with which I have been blessed from the men in my life – my father, extended family, and friends. I think it is important for everyone to enjoy this life we have been blessed with and not wake up each day in fear of pain or torture.

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

Throughout the years music has played a powerful part in the perception of violence against women. We have seen Tina Turner overcome her struggles with abuse to triumph and become one of the most successful recording and performing artistes in history. We have also seen the disastrous impact abuse has had on Rihanna (who is also from Barbados). I think it is important to target music consumers who represent a vast majority of the world’s population, to sensitise them about the reality of domestic violence and to give those who are in abusive situations the courage to tell someone and get help.

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 are among the world’s most powerful people, particularly in this era of YouTube, Twitter, Facebook etc. Musicians can use that vast reach and social presence to send direct messages to their fans and supporters to push for the end of violence against women. Their lyrical content can also be used by sending positive messages.

Interview With An Artiste: ToRi-LyNN

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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 YouTube artiste ToRi-LyNN who submitted her cover of Kelly Clarkson’s “Dark Side” for our Fall 2012 YouTube Cover Carnival.

ToRi-LyNN (born Tori-Lynn Jones) is a teen triple threat in the entertainment world. She began dancing at the age of three and has since made her mark as an aspiring pop artist. She has performed at many charity events across Florida and has also released two singles: Labyrinth of Love and Nobody But Me. Her family, manager Cheryl Steele, and vocal coach Anita Wilson have been major influences in her artistic career, but her biggest inspiration has been her younger brother Glenn who is battling a very rare genetic disease called cystinosis. She dedicated Labyrinth of Love to him and hopes to use her music to spread the word about this rare, life-threatening, and incurable disease.

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

My name is ToRi-LyNN. I am 15 years old and I’m from Boca Raton, Florida.  I am speaking out and taking a stand about a cause that is very near and dear to my heart right now. Recently, I was introduced to The Pixel Project’s YouTube Cover Carnival contest that I had not really been that familiar with until I really got involved with what it was about. I have been involved with a lot of charity work and projects, such as: Relay For Life, Dan Marino’s Walk For Autism, cystinosis, which is a very rare genetic disease that my brother, Glenn, has. However, I have never been involved with the cause to end violence against women, and now that I’ve learned more about it and had the wonderful opportunity of being introduced to The Pixel Project, I am very happy to be a part of it.

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

Knowing that 1 out of 3 women and even young girls my age suffer through such terrifying situations as this really makes me want to help out and do something about it! Everyone should take a stand and speak out against violence against women & girls, because NO ONE should ever have to suffer, be humiliated & most of all be a victim of such a horrible crime! I am trying to reach out to as many people as possible for a good reason and a great cause: VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN! I truly believe in this cause and want to help to try & STOP this! I have entered into The Pixel Project’s YouTube Cover Carnival contest to help promote this cause and would love the whole world’s help in getting people involved. I would like to be one of many spokespersons for a great cause such as this. If we all come together and stand up to violence against women and girls, the world would be a much better place to live in.

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

Music makes the world go around! In my opinion, music is something that hits home with people as far as getting your emotion and feelings out there. The lyrics of a song can be very strong and will draw an audience’s attention. I think music is the best way to get your point across, even better than someone just standing there making a speech. Music not only makes a statement with its lyrics, but it also entertains people and gets them to listen.

4. In your opinion, how can musicians help encourage people to take an interest in and step up to help stop violence against women?

In my opinion, people are always more likely to take a lot more interest in listening to someone with status, especially a celebrity. It’s just human nature. With that being said, half of your battle is taken care of as far as how a musician can help encourage people to take an interest in and step up to help stop violence against women. The majority of the people in this world love music and the people who sing it. That is a BIG incentive right there because people love to hear artistes sing and when something like a cause or a campaign to help comes into play, people are all the more interested. It inspires most people and makes them want to get involved, especially if it’s a musician who has made a direct impact on them or their lives.