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 UK-based YouTube artiste Jess Greenbergwho submitted her acoustic cover of Kelly Clarkson’s “Dark Side” for our Fall 2012 YouTube Cover Carnival.
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Jess Greenberg has been playing the guitar for around seven years, but has sung and loved music for as long as she can remember. She has always really enjoyed performing, which led her to share some videos on YouTube. Now having been invited to take part in the Cover Carnival, she is grateful for the opportunity to use something she loves to be part of such a great cause.
1. Tell us about yourself – Why did you start sharing your music on YouTube and why you decided to take part in the YouTube Cover Carnival.
I’ve always loved playing the guitar and singing, and I’ve always enjoyed performing. I think I started sharing videos on YouTube because I liked the idea of being heard by people I didn’t know. I wanted to see what people thought of me and try to improve as a musician.
I wanted to take part in the Cover Carnival because it was an opportunity to be part of something new for me, and to be part of such an important cause.
2. Why is ending Violence Against Women important to you?
Going to a girls’ school, the importance of the rights and empowerment of women has been a major subject for me. Violence against women is a terrible abuse of human rights and it shocks me that it is still such a prevalent issue and is affecting so many women even in our current day and age. I’m honored to have the opportunity to be part of such a brilliant cause.
3. In your opinion, how does music help in efforts to end violence against women?
For me, music is way of expressing yourself. Music can help to convey the message to end violence against women, bring together peoples’ emotions and raise awareness.
4. In your opinion, how can musicians help encourage people to take an interest in and step up to help stop violence against women?
There are so many musician that I look up to, as do millions of people around the world. Musicians can help by using their platform to reach the people that listen to their music and convey important messages such as ending violence against women.
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 Mexican artiste, Sarah Carpio who submitted her acoustic cover of Kelly Clarkson’s “Dark Side” for our Fall 2012 YouTube Cover Carnival which she learned and recorded within just 48 hours.
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Sarah Carpio is a Mexican independent singer/songwriter. At the age of 7 she began piano lessons, then her dad taught her to play the guitar. By the time she was 12-years-old she was writing her own songs and playing the drums. Her unique music style and lyrics are full of energy and have opened opportunities for her to perform at Art Galleries, Bars and urban events. Her music has taken her to Mexico, USA, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Canada and Spain. Her message? Hope, Love, Faith and FREEDOM.
1. Tell us about yourself and why you decided to take part in the YouTube Cover Carnival.
I’m a singer/songwriter who has decided to use her talent to make a stand, raise awareness and funds in the fight against human trafficking. I like being a voice for the voiceless and to sell my music to raising money so victims can be rebuild their lives and get back on their feet at PROJECT HOPE.
I decided to be part of The Pixel Project’s Fall 2012 You Tube Cover Carnival because it’s my way to say “STOP the violence and abuse against women!” I think music it’s a powerful tool to share, love, hope, faith and freedom. Plus I love the song and it has a great message.
2. Why is ending Violence Against Women important to you?
Ending violence against women is so important because it’s so common in the society today and it’s wrong: It destroys lives, couples and families. I believe that in every women there is a lot of potential and when they’re in this kind of situation, they can’t see themselves as what they really are or what they can become in the future.
3. In your opinion, how does music help in efforts to end violence against women?
As I said, music it’s a great way to be heard anywhere! In music there’s no limit because it’s a universal language. It is powerful tool when used to take a stand and talk about convictions. People hear the songs and will link the song and the singer to the cause, motivating peoples to make a difference right where they are. Music can also speak to them about what they’re worth and all the potential they have.
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Excited to begin using music to enhance your efforts to stop violence against women? Why not start by taking part in The Pixel Project’s Fall 2012 YouTube Cover Carnival competition featuring Kelly Clarkson’s “Dark Side” to say NO to violence against women while getting a chance to win the Grand Prize Package which includes free song production, free digital distribution and being featured on the YouTube homepage of YouTube’s #1 R&B group, AHMIR.
The competition ends at 9PM EST on 31 August 2012.
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 Mumbai-based The Other People who have submitted their R&B tinged cover of Kelly Clarkson’s “Dark Side” for our Fall 2012 YouTube Cover Carnival.
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The Other People were formed in July 2004 and in the last eight years, they have performed at scores of venues, concerts and private events across the country. Playing a varied range of popular covers, this six-member band has been making waves at clubs, concerts and private events across India and internationally. The Other People are known to bring about an original twist into each track that never fails to surprise the audience. The band is now expanding their list of original songs and in the process of recording their debut album
1. Tell us about The Other People and why you decided to take part in the YouTube Cover Carnival.
The Other People is a six member band and with our enthusiastic music performances we believe we can transcend boundaries. Music is our passion, and through this we believe we can help reach out to people and raise our voices in unison and make this world a better place.
The YouTube Cover Carnival is therefore, a perfect platform for us to reach out to people not only in India, but also to a wider global audience and hopefully spread awareness about Violence against Women amongst others.
2. Why is ending Violence against Women important to you?
Violence in any form is unacceptable and SHOULD be condemned in any and every society. There is never a reason for women to be discriminated against or attacked in any way. Women are the heart and soul of this world – they are hardworking, loving, and compassionate. Women are above all our mothers who bring new life into this world and violence against them is a crime.
3. In your opinion, how does music help in efforts to end violence against women?
Music is a powerful medium with a vast reach. Simple melodies and lyrics can convey messages through songs which in turn, help spread awareness. Music conveys feelings, emotions and pain. Music is a universal language, it cuts across all barriers. Everyone listens to music in some form or the other; hence we strongly believe that music is a great medium to help spread awareness and educate people.
4. How can musicians help encourage people to take an interest in and step up to help stop violence against women?
Musicians over the years have been doing their bit for social reform, right from John Lenon, Bob Dylan, and Tracy Chapman to the modern day mavericks. Musicians when they come together can change the world. Concerts for causes have changed so many lives and bought together so many people for a cause. We musicians have the power to bring these social causes the attention they require, whether it is in the form of writing songs, holding concerts or campaigns or any other means. Musicians get messages across through music which is a medium EVERYONE accepts the world over.
We can be the instruments of Change!
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Excited to begin using music to enhance your efforts to stop violence against women? Why not start by taking part in The Pixel Project’s Fall 2012 YouTube Cover Carnival competition featuring Kelly Clarkson’s “Dark Side” to say NO to violence against women while getting a chance to win the Grand Prize Package which includes free song production, free digital distribution and being featured on the YouTube homepage of YouTube’s #1 R&B group, AHMIR. The competition ends at 9PM EST on 31 August 2012.
From Bob Dylan protesting for peace to Bruce Springsteen railing against Wall Street, music has always been a powerful medium for raising public awareness about the important issues of the day. Indeed, music is the original viral messaging tool as songs were one of the main ways of keeping cultural and political messages alive and thriving in communities through the generations.
Music is often able to say what we cannot directly raise in polite conversation and somehow makes taboo topics more palatable for many communities and cultures. Often, music serves as a potent force for introducing ideas that catalyse change and making sure they stay and blossom in our minds using catchy rhymes, irresistible hooks and toe-tapping rhythm. An excellent example is Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” which champions the LGBT cause by wrapping the message about accepting people regardless of gender or sexual orientation within a hummable tune and sing-along lyrics.
Today, the power of music to tell stories and communicate powerful messages has been greatly enhanced by radio, film and television. With the coming of the Internet and social networking sites such as YouTube, Vimeo and MySpace, the ability of music to effect change has been further amplified as anyone with an instrument, some musical talent and a webcam recorder can record themselves on their laptop and upload their songs for the world to hear.
For the cause to end violence against women and other difficult human rights issues, music and musicians are a crucial part of giving the cause a voice that will be heard. This is because, more often than not, it is difficult to get people talking about it but a song may be just the positive trigger needed to get the conversation going.
Whether you are a musician or a music fan or an activist who loves music, here are 5 ways you can use music to help propel the cause to end violence against women and other humanitarian issues:
Musical Activism Idea 1: Get Songwriting! If you are a songwriter, take up the challenge of writing songs that talk about violence against women and other human rights issues and that gives a voice to survivors of violence and abuse. And it needn’t be all doom and gloom – some of the most well-known songs out there such as “Man in the Mirror” and “Big Yellow Taxi” prove that songs about social justice issues can be as catchy as any other song.
Musical Activism Idea 2:YouTube It! Whether you are a budding or seasoned musician, get on YouTube to perform your songs for social change… or select songs about social justice to cover. With low-cost or free sound recording and video editing programmes easily available now, there is no excuse not to get online and get music vlogging!
Musical Activism Idea 3: Get The Competition Going! If you are a nonprofit, consider running a music competition requiring contestants to also carry your message of social change in their music as part of their participation. This can be a YouTube competition such as The Pixel Project’s YouTube Cover Carnival contest or a songwriting competition or even a live performance competition a la The Voice.
Musical Activism Idea 4: Soundtrack Your Campaign! Whether you are a grassroots group, an activist or a nonprofit, make music an integral part of your campaign be it using appropriate songs to buoy up spirits during your protest march, creating an anthem for your cause or including selling music downloads as part of your fundraising activities.
Musical Activism Idea 5: Go live! From Band Aid to Live 8 to Global Freedom Concerts, concerts have been a staple for raising awareness and fundraising for causes ranging from famine in Africa to Human Trafficking. So organise local musicians to hold concerts or short performances to help raise funds and awareness for your cause.
Excited to begin using music to enhance your efforts to stop violence against women? Why not start by taking part in The Pixel Project’s Fall 2012 YouTube Cover Carnival competition featuring Kelly Clarkson’s “Dark Side” to say NO to violence against women while getting a chance to win the Grand Prize Package which includes free song production, free digital distribution and being featured on the YouTube homepage of YouTube’s #1 R&B group, AHMIR.
The competition ends at 9PM EST on 31 August 2012.
From We Are The World to Man In The Mirror, musicians, singers and songwriters have proven again and again that music is one of the most powerful ways of conveying messages about causes and issues. Some music artistes like Bono and Bob Geldof have even become as famous for their activism as they are for their music. Others, like the late, great Whitney Houston, sang inspirational songs that motivate all of us to be better people and to give back to our communities and those who need us.
Here are 10 celebrity musicians/singers/songwriters who have either previously or are currently raised awareness and funds for the cause to end violence against women.
It’s time to stop violence against women. Together.
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Music Celebrity Anti-VAW Campaigner 1 – Annie Lennox
International superstar and passionate, life-long women’s rights campaigner, Annie Lennox is renowned for her charity work, campaigning and advocacy on women’s rights. In April 2010 Annie signed a letter to UK government officials urging them to make a pledge an end global violence against women and make it a foreign policy priority.
In 2008, she presented a series of investigative reports of widespread violence against women in Africa, she commented:“Violence against women threatens the lives of more young women than cancer, malaria or war. It affects one in three women worldwide. It leaves women mentally scarred for life, and it is usually inflicted by a family member.”
In addition, Annie has also campaigned tirelessly for HIV/AIDS awareness and the links between sexual violence against women and the prevalence of the disease in Africa.
Music Celebrity Anti-VAW Campaigner 2 – Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera – vocal prodigy, international superstar and the only female judge on The Voice, – and her mother experienced domestic violence at the hands of her father and frequently sought refuge in women’s shelters while she was growing up.
Aguilera has spoken publicly about the abuse she and her mother suffered at the hands of her father, Fausto Aguilera, and in one song she wrote that’s on the album, Stripped, “I’m Okay,” she describes a little girl “living in a war that she called home.”
Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Debi Nova is a major star in her native Costa Rica. When she is not making music, Nova is a passionate advocate for ending violence against women and girls, including as the Youth Champion for the UN Secretary-General’s global UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign.
Nova said: “I was in a relationship that was violent. It took me about two years to speak about it. I got out, because thankfully I have a great support system in my family. The reason I decided to join [Say NO – UNiTE] is that a lot of people don’t have this kind of support. I wanted to let them know that they are not alone… The first step is to speak out, and speak up. The minute you let it outside yourself, things start changing. I would encourage all women and girls going through violence to tell a friend, a parent, a teacher or someone they trust. ”
Deeyah, a critically acclaimed music producer and prize winning human rights activist, was born in Norway to immigrant parents of Pashtun and Punjabi descent. Deeyah is known for her outspoken support of women’s rights, freedom of expression and peace.
She started her career in music as a singer but eventually stopped performing due to dangerous pressures on her, she now produces projects that give a voice to others, combing her passions for art and activism. No longer in front of the camera, she aims to speak more powerfully from behind it; she is currently producing ‘Killing In The Name Of’ a documentary addressing the challenges Europe faces as ‘honour based crimes’ continue to grow within ethnic immigrant communities.
In 2011, Deeyah founded AVA, an NGO born from her deep passion and dedication to support, engage, strengthen and amplify the voices of women and young people and to shed light on human rights violations against women.
McBride explained that educating girls and women on domestic violence is something she works on at home with her own daughters, stating: “A lot of teenage girls will be first dating and they’ll think, ‘Oh he doesn’t want me to see my friends. He just wants me all to himself. Isn’t that sweet?’ Or ‘Oh, he’s just being protective. Isn’t that sweet?’ And then it turns into something else and it’s controlling. They don’t recognize that until it’s too late. So it’s an ongoing education that you have to give young girls, I think.”
Music Celebrity Anti-VAW Campaigner 6 – Michael Bolton
In 1993, Grammy Award winning singer Michael Bolton established the Michael Bolton Foundation (now Michael Bolton Charities) to assist women and children at risk from the effects of poverty as well as emotional,physical, and sexual abuse.The foundation has provided over US$3.7 million in funding to local and national charities.
Senegalese Hip Hop artiste, Sister Fa, is a strong and vocal advocate for the end to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), having experienced it herself.
The wish to sensitise the population of her home country was the driving force behind her Education sans Excision (Education without Cutting) tour. In 2010, she toured for the second time after 2008 very successful with her band through Senegal for three weeks. In cooperation with the NGO Tostan, she achieved that the inhabitants of her home village Thionck Essyl now officially abandoned this practice of cutting the young girls.
For her tireless work to better the situation of the woman and girls in her homeland Senegal, Freedom To Create recognised Sister Fa with an award.
Music Celebrity Anti-VAW Campaigner 8 – Tim McGraw
Tim McGraw is not only a country music superstar, he is also a man with great integrity and commitment to ending violence against women.
Working with his wife, Faith Hill, he has helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for battered women’s shelters in Tennessee. In August 2010, he received the True Ally Award at the 2010 Men Stopping Violence Annual Awards Ceremony.
Music Celebrity Anti-VAW Campaigner 9 – Tina Turner
Possibly one of the most famous celebrity survivors of domestic violence, Tina Turner suffered physical, mental and sexual abuse at the hands of Ike Turner until she left him with just 36 cents in her pocket after a particularly vicious assault in Dallas, Texas. When they divorced, all she fought for was her stage name and rebuilt her career as an international superstar on the back of that name and hard work.
Turner, while not actively involved with any anti-Violence Against Women charity or campaign, has done what most domestic violence find hardest to do – she wrote a brutally honest autobiography recounting the years of abuse she faced at the hands of her ex-husband. Her story was turned into a critically acclaimed movie which many now list as one of the movies to watch to raise awareness about domestic violence.
Multiple Grammy Award winner Tori Amos is also a rape survivor. In June 1994, Amos co-founded RAINN, The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, a toll-free help line in the US connecting callers with their local rape crisis center.
Amos was seen as unlocking the silence of her assault through her music; thus “Unlock the Silence” went on to become a year-long campaign for RAINN when Amos became a national spokesperson for the organisation. By the summer of 2006, RAINN had received its one millionth caller and the organization’s success has led to it ranking in “America’s 100 Best Charities” by Worth, and one of the “Top 10 Best Charities” by Marie Claire.
Amos said: ”Healing takes courage, and we all have courage, even if you have to dig a little.”
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If you are not a musician, why not download ‘The Rose’ to help spread awareness about Violence Against Women? Proceeds go to The Pixel Project’s Celebrity Male Role Model campaign in aid of the USA’s National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and other anti-VAW nonprofits.
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 July 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 announce the first YouTube Music Ambassador and two new partnerships that will take the Music For Pixels campaign (http://music4pixels.thepixelproject.net) from strength to strength.
YouTube’s Number One most popular R&B group AHMIR, the campaign’s first ‘Artiste of the Month’ who kicked off Music For Pixels in April 2012 has been appointed as The Pixel Project’s first YouTube Music Ambassador due to their commitment to the cause. In addition to donating the proceeds raised from download sales of The Rose to The Pixel Project for life, AHMIR will be working with the Music For Pixels team on various aspects of the campaign including the YouTube Cover Carnival, speaking out about VAW as male role models and recruiting other YouTube artistes to the campaign.
AHMIR said: “We feel very blessed and honoured to be working alongside The Pixel Project team as the first YouTube Music Ambassadors in raising awareness to end violence against women. We are excited about the many opportunities to use our social platform to help this important campaign.”
The Pixel Project also welcomes two music companies on board as campaign partners. The first is Horus Music in the UK with whom The Pixel Project has signed a 3-year pro bono agreement to distribute all Music For Pixels music to major digital channels for downloading including iTunes, Amazon and Spotify. Horus Music will also be handling the licensing/royalty payment processes for any cover music used by the campaign, thanks to their membership with The Harry Fox Agency, the premier mechanical licensing agent and provider of rights administration services and the largest aggregator in the U.S. 100% of the net proceeds of all campaign music distributed via Horus Music will be donated to The Pixel Project.
Nick Dunn, Founder and CEO of Horus Music said: “We are very excited to be working with The Pixel Project, a nonprofit that does so much good work around the globe for those in society who still have to struggle daily with sexism, inequality and medieval attitudes. Music is one language that can unite the world and bring joy to all so we’re especially proud to be able to help ensure the artistes working with The Pixel Project can have their music heard around the world and make a difference to many lives, those who discover the artistes and to those who will benefit from the work of The Pixel Project.”
The second is San Francisco, California-based Lost Monkey Studio which handles up-and-coming independent U.S. West Coast artistes and brings with them more than 20 years of recording and music management experience. As part of their partnership with The Pixel Project for the Music For Pixels campaign, Lost Monkey will be donating a range of music-related prizes such as Music Production, Mixing, Mastering and TV/Film Licensing Submission for YouTube Cover Carnival winners to inspire musicians all over the world to take part in the campaign to use their musical talent to say NO to VAW. Lost Monkey artiste, Pete Ahonen, will also be collaborating in an upcoming Music For Pixels online fundraiser, details of which will be announced later this year.
Mike and Michelle Stevens, Co-founders of Lost Monkey Studio said: “We are pleased to be collaborating with The Pixel Project and deeply believe in what they are working towards. Music is something that feeds the soul. We all have our own personal soundtracks to life, and they help us, heal us and make us stronger. Lost Monkey is deeply honoured to be a part of the mission to end Violence Against Women.”
Regina Yau, Founder and President of The Pixel Project, said: “The Pixel Project and our Music For Pixels team is looking forward to working closely with AHMIR, Horus Music and Lost Monkey Studio over the next 12 months and beyond. We are pleased that all three share our strong belief that music is a powerful and positive tool that gets people aware of the importance of stopping VAW while promoting healthy non-violent relationships and personal empowerment, particularly when it is easily shareable through social media and other online channels. Together, these collaborations will strengthen the Music For Pixels campaign and its mission to encourage hope and courage in survivors while inspiring men, women and youth to work together to end violence against women in whatever capacity they can, wherever they are in the world.”
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 completely 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 to turbo-charge global awareness about VAW using social media while raising US$1 million for the U.S.A.’s National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and other anti-Violence Against Women nonprofits 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.
The first ever Music For Pixels song is YouTube’s #1 R&B band AHMIR’s cover of ‘The Rose’ – the song about hope, love and surviving tough times that was first made famous by Bette Midler.
When asked why they selected ‘The Rose’ as their contribution to the campaign, AHMIRexplained: “‘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.
In honour of the launch of ‘The Rose’ music video and to help raise awareness about Violence Against Women,The Pixel Projectinvited musicians to submit a YouTube music video of their cover of ‘The Rose’ for our first YouTube Cover Carnival.
We had 5 brave souls step up to sing their very personal versions of ‘The Rose’ as a way of saying NO to violence against women straight from their hearts and they are listed below in alphabetical order and will shortly be added to our soon-to-come YouTube Cover Carnival Gallery.
(Want to join our next YouTube Cover Carnival to use your musical skills to say NO to violence against women? More details will be announced soon!)
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Music For Pixels YouTube Cover Carnival Artiste 1: Anjeza
Albania-born and Los Angeles-based Singer/Songwriter/Actress/Dancer/Model/Writer/Humanitarian Anjeza who actively uses her music to speak up against human trafficking immediately said ‘yes’ when our Music For Pixels Campaign Co-Coordinator, Gia Ibarra, invited her to record her version of ‘The Rose’ for the campaign. Here is Anjeza’s modern version of the song*:
*Trigger warning: There is literal imagery in this music video that may be disturbing to recovering survivors.
Music For Pixels YouTube Cover Carnival Artiste 2: Dante Deo
Dante Deo is a huge AHMIR fan and budding singer-songwriter who responded to AHMIR’s call for submissions for the YouTube Cover Carnival. Here is his take on ‘The Rose’:
Music For Pixels YouTube Cover Carnival Artiste 3: Donna
Donna is a survivor of Domestic Violence who says: “My guitar playing is a little rusty even though I have been playing almost all my life, the singing I think is OK but the recording quality not the best, the thing is I just want to add my VOICE to this important cause and worthy project that needs people to speak out, sing out, and do everything possible to end domestic violence.”
Music For Pixels YouTube Cover Carnival Artiste 4: Gail Whitmore
Here is what Gail Whitmore had to say about why she submitted her a cappella version of ‘The Rose’:
“As the Human Jukebox I perform from a list of 2,000 songs whatever theaudience hollers out at me. The songs range from opera to rock togospel to rap to musicals to TV commercials. We have a lot of fun.
As Gail Whitmore I am a dedicated human rights activist. I have beenworking with V-Day and HollaBack! for years and am honored to be doingthis for The Pixel Project now when so many voices are needed in somany different ways.”
Music For Pixels YouTube Cover Carnival Artiste 5: William Kiley Smith
William Kiley Smith says: “Violence is humiliation Violence is hate. Humiliation and hate are control. And we all know control of another human mentally or physical is slavery, let my people go, get up stand up however you want to say it take a stand and get passionate about something so serious and unneeded as fear and hate at the hands of someone who calms love for you but declares war.”
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
Jess Greenberg has been playing the guitar for around seven years, but has sung and loved music for as long as she can remember. She has always really enjoyed performing, which led her to share some videos on YouTube. Now having been invited to take part in the Cover Carnival, she is grateful for the opportunity to use something she loves to be part of such a great cause.
