Category Archives: YouTube Cover Carnival

ANNOUNCEMENT: And the Winners of the Valentine 2013 YouTube Cover Carnival Winners Are…

Posted on by

31 March 2013: 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 and warmly congratulate the three top winners of their Valentine 2013 YouTube Cover Carnival competition as selected by our all-star panel of judges – AHMIR, Ali Brustofski, J Rice and Lisa Lavie:

The Grand Prize Winner is Noah Rickertsen from the USA with his simple and elegant acoustic arrangement of “Little Things”. Noah will receive a comprehensive package worth at least US$3,000 including: Free production, mixing and mastering of one of their original songs courtesy of So So Def producer Mike Kalombo; A collaboration with J Rice; Placement of 3 songs on Lost Monkey’s catalogue for TV/Film licensing; and having his winning cover of ‘Little Things’ included in The Pixel Project’s year-end “16 For 16” charity digital album. His winning cover will also be featured on the YouTube homepage of The Pixel Project’s YouTube Music Ambassador – YouTube’s Number One R&B band, AHMIR  – for 3 days together with a video foreword from AHMIR.

YoutubeThe Second Prize Winner is Katie Hull, also from the USA who submitted a lovely, laidback cover of “Little Things”. She will receive a prize package as follows:

  • 2 original songs from her repertoire placed in Lost Monkey Studio’s licensing catalogue for potential TV/Film placement.
  • 1 autographed AHMIR CD and one AHMIR t-shirt.

Tara1The Third Prize Winner is Tara-Lynn Sharrock from the Australia with her powerful rendition of Whitney Houston’s “Greatest Love of All”. She will receive a prize package as follows:

  • 1 original song from the her repertoire placed in Lost Monkey Studio’s licensing catalogue for potential TV/Film placement.
  • 1 autographed AHMIR CD OR one AHMIR t-shirt.

Regina Yau, Founder and President of The Pixel Project said: “The YouTube Cover Carnival competition is one of our Music For Pixels campaign’s programmes designed to get YouTube artistes on board the cause to stop VAW. This is our second YouTube Cover Carnival and we are very pleased to see the level of support there is out there for the cause. YouTube artistes from 8 countries took part in the competition to help us spread our message about stopping VAW worldwide and 1,652 people voted in our 5 finalists from which we selected the final winners. Our next YouTube Cover Carnival will be in August 2013 and we hope that the competition will continue to grow and develop into a major global online platform for up-and-coming artistes from YouTube and beyond to say NO to VAW.”

———————————————————————————————————-

For further information, please contact:

The Music For Pixels campaign team – music4pixels@thepixelproject.net 

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

Music For Pixels ThumbnailMusic 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 song proceeds donated by artistes in 2013 will go towards supporting the Celebrity Male Role Model Pixel Reveal campaign in benefit of the USA’s National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, The Pixel Project and various anti-Violence Against Women nonprofits worldwide.

About The Pixel Project (www.thepixelproject.net)

FB LogoThe 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 using social media and new technologies. 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 AHMIR (www.youtube.com/ahmirTV)  

AHMIR_YouTube_LogoAs featured in Us Weekly, Billboard, Vibe.com and AOL Entertainment, AHMIR is the #1 Most Popular R&B Group on YouTube with over 70 million video views and comments by celebrities such as Ryan Seacrest, Ashton Kutcher, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, Perez Hilton, P!nk and more. The group has used their success to bring awareness to charity organisations including Lucy’s Love Bus, Haiti Relief Fund, American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, YMCA, The Pixel Project, and Kevin Youkilis Hits for Kids. Their cover video of P!nk’s “Perfect” was named one of the top Anti-Bullying PSA’s by The Huffington Post. AHMIR is now signed to Robbins Entertainment and have just released their debut single entitled “WAR” to Top 40 radio nationwide. “WAR” is available now for purchase on iTunes.

About Ali Brustofski (http://www.youtube.com/user/AllisonBrustofski)

Ali Brustofski - 1_compressedcroppedAli Brustofski is a 19 year old singer/songwriter from Oakland, NJ. She was a finalist on “The Next” on the CW Network this fall, and won the 2011 Z100 Hometown Hero Award. Ali won the prestigious NY Songwriters Circle “Young Artist Award” in November, 2009 and she’s been writing and recording original songs and covers ever since.  At 10, Ali performed with Nick Jonas in the “Sound of Music”, and she was the voice of Piper O’Possum for Nick Jr. on Nickelodeon from 2003 to 2007.  Recently, Ali has been working with talented producers to develop her own distinctive sound and record her first EP. Her single “Rewind” was used on “The Voice” and in promos for “iCarly” on Nickelodeon.

About J.Rice (http://www.youtube.com/jriceproductions)

J Rice black jacket red mic_compressedcroppedJ Rice grew up listening to artists like Take 6, Boyz II Men, Brian Mcknight, Wynton Marsalis, Kenny G and many other R&B/Jazz greats. His parents taught him to work for everything he wanted and at about age 11 he was running a paper route to pay for his first trumpet. Later in high school he started taking his singing seriously and built his own studio in his bedroom. One day he started a YouTube channel and has since grown to over 170,000 subscribers and over 30,000,000 views. J is now working on producing and writing his own material for his 4th independent album along with writing and producing for other artists.

About Mike Kalombo (http://www.youtube.com/user/KlassicMaster)

KALOMBO MEDIA (PNG)Mike Kalombo is a music producer, songwriter and filmographer, best known for his music production on some of the most viral videos on YouTube. Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, he now resides in the United States. He has worked with both YouTube stars and music industry moguls, like Jermaine Dupri and quickly became one of the most sought after producers in the industry. Labeled the Quincy Jones of the digital era, he has collaborated with artistes such as Lisa Lavie, Sha Sha Jones, Destorm, Da Brat, Jenna Marbles , Ahmir, Erika David, Traphik, Shane Dawson, Alphacat, Wax and many more.

About Lisa Lavie (http://www.youtube.com/lisalavie1)

PROMO2aLisa Lavie is a Canadian singer and songwriter originally from LaSalle, Québec. Lavie is known for using the Internet to independently promote her music and concerts. Lavie’s vocals have appeared on soundtracks of major motion pictures, and her independently produced debut album “Everything or Nothing” was released on iTunes in 2008. Lavie has received national television coverage for her vocals, and for her production of the charity collaboration video “We Are the World 25 for Haiti (YouTube Edition).” She was chosen as a vocalist for Yanni’s 2010-2011 tours of South, Central, and North America.

About Lost Monkey Studio (www.lostmoneystudio.com)

lostmonkey-logo-arcLost 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.

Interview an Artiste: Noah Rickertsen

Posted on by

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 YouTube artiste Noah Rickertsen who submitted his cover of One Directions “Little Things” for our Valentine 2013 YouTube Cover Carnival contest which ended at 9PM EST, 14 March 2013. Noah is one of our 8 semi-finalists.

________________________________________________________________________

292415_472063382804247_1208752424_nNoah Rickertsen is a singer and songwriter from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, USA. Music is his greatest passion. He grew up listening to Eric Clapton, Joe Bonamassa, John Mayer, and many more who influenced his style. He continues to write, perform, and record in the hopes of touring the country. Noah keeps in touch with his fans through Facebook and Twitter, and fans can find his music on iTunes and YouTube.  Keep an eye out for new material very soon!

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

I decided to take part in this competition in support of saying NO to Violence Against Women and in tribute to the Delhi Gang Rape Victim, Jyoti Singh Pandey and her courageous fight for her life to the very end. I want to use my music to help influence and create change on the issue of violence against women.

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

Ending violence against women is important to me because I was raised to respect women and treat them like angels. I hear about these terrible things happening regarding violence against women and it really bothers me.  Violence against women makes me mad at the world.  It can feel like our hands are tied and there is nothing we can do to help. This is not true. We have our words, our music, and our prayers to contribute.

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

Music has been and will always be an inexplicable and miraculous remedy for hurt and pain. I find that music provides comfort in all aspects of life.  And I think music can inspire others to act more than the simple spoken word.

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

People respond differently to music and, through it’s inspiration, are more likely to get involved in action because in order for people to act and stand up for a cause, they must feel inspired! This is what music does to people. It connects our souls on a deeper level and gives us a loving compassion for others in these terrible positions.

Interview with an Artiste: Anjeza

Posted on by

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 YouTube artiste Anjeza who submitted her cover of Whitney Houston’s “Greatest Love of All” for our Valentine 2013 YouTube Cover Carnival contest which ended at 9PM EST, 14 March 2013. Angeza is one of our 8 semi-finalists.

_________________________________________________________________________

4x6Anjeza is an international multi-talented artiste based in Los Angeles, California, USA.  Her talents include singing, songwriting, acting and dancing; which she can perform in over 6 languages.  Anjeza is in love with music and the idea to make an emotional and financial difference through it.  She has performed in amazing venues around the world such as: Albania, Greece, Italy, Germany, Macedonia, and the USA. Anjeza is currently the CEO of a newly developed non-profit organization “BECHLEM*” that concerns itself with helping children heal the wounds of poverty through love and education.   She keeps in touch with her fans through her social networking sites:  Facebook, Twitter, and Myspace 

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

I am a soul and a body that bleeds love and passion to make a difference. I have an extended background in music/acting/dancing and I have always felt that creativity through the arts are the best tools to express yourself, including pain, happiness, injustice, strength, love, inspiration, motivation and so on.  The YouTube Cover Carnival project interested me since there was a humanitarian benefit behind it.  The rape tragedy in India was a devastation to listen to and an inspiration to raise my voice to make a difference by carrying a music image of an independent and strong woman.

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

We were created from love: to be loved, to walk love, to talk love; and to assist each other in being happy. The expression of power and superiority is a misuse of our blessings. Man was created to be beautiful and strong, while he provided and cared for the woman and his family. On the other hand, woman was created to be beautiful, nurturing, loving, caring and giving. They were perfectly equal in their differences.  Then power, disrespect, pain were introduced…and withered the flower.  The woman now stands restless, alone, afraid, and alert to protect herself…because real men are disappearing from this earth, while beasts are taking their place. It is a paradox to me that a man will ever dare to hurt any woman, emotionally or physically, when it was a woman that brought him to life.

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

Music inspires. Music entertains. Music heals. Music raises awareness. Music reaches far and deep. Music unites. Music says STOP. Music says GO.  The same way the audience relates to images more then words, the same way music is capable to land in people’s consciousness more then just words.  Living in an expanding and evolving entertainment age, where artists have become powerful leaders and enforcer to bring a difference, it is noticeable that the audience responds better when an artist embraces the cause.  In an interview, Shakira mentioned how the success in her career have made people and goals so much easier to reach, her voice to be heard, and differences to be made. Now she influences political leaders to make a difference 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?

People love music. They were born to recognise and perceive music. Every sound is music and comes with a message that is easily perceived by people. For example, birds singing remind someone that spring is coming. Door knocking lets someone know that there is someone on the other side needing something. When melody is added, sound is refined and powerful words honour the song, the audience is capable to receive this gift that can be a great addition to their life.  Music is a conduit to the soul and mind. Audiences have been healed, inspired and encouraged through engagement with song and music. I believe we are in this world for a reason, packed with different blessings and different messages. Blessed be the one who uses blessings to heal and save another.

Interview with an Artiste: Katie Hull

Posted on by

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 YouTube artiste Katie Hull who submitted her cover of One Direction’s “Little Things” for our Valentine 2013 YouTube Cover Carnival contest which ended at 9PM EST, 14 March 2013. Katie is one of our 8 semi-finalists.

________________________________________________________________________

YoutubeKatie Hull is a 16-year-old musician from the United States, who has been involved with music since she was 6-years-old. She is self-taught and plays many different instruments (guitar, piano, bass, drums, ukulele) and sings. In 2012, Katie opened her YouTube channel and began posting covers of popular songs.

She is multi-talented and does all the production of the music and video in her covers; making her stand out from other artists.  She keeps in touch with her fans on Facebook and her followers on Twitter on a daily basis.

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

I am a self-taught musician and singer living in the United States.  I have had my covers up on Youtube since 2012.  I first heard about the YouTube cover carnival contest through J. Rice. When I read about the case of Jyoti Singh Pandey, I was horrified to learn about the brutality of the crime. I realized that I wanted to do whatever I could to raise awareness about this cause.  Violence against women is a very serious crime that needs to be stopped through whatever means possible.

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

Women should never have to endure violent acts. We as humans have the right to live a peaceful life, free of abuse or assaults. More and more stories are making the news about violent acts against women. As more of this occurs, we need to stand together and raise awareness about the reality of what is happening to women around the world.

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

Music is a universal language. Music can reach out to anyone in the world, no matter their ethnic background. When music has a message to share, it has the power to change lives. The combination of lyrics and music can inspire and allow for many people to hear the message. The more that awareness is raised, the more people will want to take a step in and become a voice for their community.

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

Musicians have fans around the world. By spreading the message through music, it allows for the fans to become involved in the cause. Musicians can use their music to help those who cannot use their voice. By spreading the message through such a universal medium, it can make a huge difference for those who are affected. Some of these fans may have personal connections with violence against women, which would strengthen the message and support the need for a change.

Interview with an Artiste: Christian Varela

Posted on by

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 Columbian YouTube artiste Christian Varela who submitted his cover of One Direction’s “Little Things” for our Valentine 2013 YouTube Cover Carnival contest which ends at 9PM EST, 14 March 2013.

_______________________________________________________________________

Sombrero (CB)Cristian Varela is a sixteen-year-old musician from Bogotá, Colombia. He has been playing guitar for the last ten years along with taking voice lessons over the last year. He has been in his rock band for two year and is currently doing covers of songs and working on original compositions.  His dream is to be a great guitarist and singer recognized not only in Columbia but all over the world. I had a rock band for two years.

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

 I have been reading about the Pixel Project and your work to stop violence against women.  I felt that I could help spread this message through music and one of my covers on youtube.  That is why I decided to submit my video and join the Pixel Project to spread the message to end violence against women.

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

I think it’s important to stop violence against women because my own mother has been a victim of violence and I know with certainty how sad and painful it is to live in this environment.  I am aware that many women in the world are also victims of violence.  I believe that, as a man, I have a duty to spread this message to my friends and family

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

Music is the means by which all types of messages are transmitted to all the people of the world. Day by day, millions of people receive messages that convey the music they hear. If, through the music and through different musical genres, I can create and transmit messages to help stop violence against women, then I have accomplished a great contribution.

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

I think that musicians have the ability to convey messages of love and affection with their songs. As musicians, they have some power over their fans that listen to them, and can therefore send messages of encouragement directly to large audiences.

Interview with an Artiste: Tara-Lynn Sharrock

Posted on by

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 Australian YouTube artiste Tara-Lynn Sharrock who submitted her cover of Whitney Houston’s “Greatest Love of All” for our Valentine 2013 YouTube Cover Carnival contest which ends at 9PM EST, 14 March 2013.

—————————————————————————————————————

Tara1Tara-Lynn Sharrock was born in Durban, South Africa, 1986. Her first song was in Zulu at eighteen months old.  In 1992, Tara-Lynn moved with her parents, two brothers, and two sisters, to Australia, where she took part in several talent contests.  Then in 2004, she moved to USA, where she participated in two musicals along with fundraising concerts to support education programs.  In 2009, she returned to Australia, where she continued her music career.  She reached the Top 6 Under 25 Girls category on the X-Factor show in Australia 2011 but  had to withdraw due to visa issues. She loves music, art, science,  rugby union and classic cars.    

 

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

I decided to take part in the Youtube Cover Carnival because violence against women is a very serious, and unfortunately, far too common blight across the world. As women, as musicians, as people, we must unite against such violence and one such way that I can do that is to take part in a competition that has people behind it, helping promoting it, and getting the word out. My voice is the best method I have for sending meaningful messages that will be heard across the world.    

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

A very close female relative of mine was raped at age sixteen; she then endured nine years of domestic violence, before finally managing to escape. I witnessed the verbal and emotional abuse that she suffered during those years. She has been free from abuse since.  It was her vow to ‘never be a victim again’ that has inspired in me a strength and a desire to spread a message of love, support, and finding that strength in oneself.  Ending violence against women is so important to me because  I have seen firsthand just how damaging it can be to a person. No one should ever have to live in fear.

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

Music is one of the most, if not the single-most powerful methods by which to send messages of any kind to everyone. It transcends all languages and all borders and connects people on a deep emotional level. It can inspire them to hold one another, laugh with one another, cry with one another. It can move them to act and inspire them to make changes in society that need to be changed – such as stopping violence against women. There are many women and men who do not stand for such violence. All they need is a voice to inspire them, to unify them and give them that little kickstart to act.    

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 public figures that have become role models whose fans and supporters look up to them.  Music has the power to transcend all and connects people who might not have been connected otherwise. It is a powerful force against division. Music unites. Musicians have the wonderful opportunity to be the voices of the world, reaching out to thousands of people through Youtube and other social media outlets that they might not have been able to reach otherwise. People are more likely to listen to the emotion and message delivered in a powerful song than they are to anything else. Music moves people and drives them to act; and musicians are the catalysts of that action.

Interview With An Artiste: Adam Stanton

Posted on by

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 Canadian YouTube artiste Adam Stanton who submitted his cover of One Direction’s “Little Things” for our Valentine 2013 YouTube Cover Carnival contest which ends at 9PM EST, 14 March 2013.

———————————————————————————————————-

IMG_0003870SMALLAdam Stanton grew up in the small town of Greely, Ontario, Canada. Though his background as a youth revolved around athletics, he has spent the last 15 years devoting his life to music. From performing throughout the United States with his band OFFLIMITZ in his late teens, to recording with 15-time Grammy-winning producer David Foster, Adam has built a career that is rich with musical knowledge and experience. Although singing and performing have always come first, Adam also writes music for himself and others. His blend of cover songs and original music have been the driving force in his career and he plans to collaborate with other artistes in the near future. Adam has grown his reach as an artist to 7.6 million YouTube video views and over 43,000 subscribers. He also keeps in touch with his 11,000 Facebook fans and 3,600 Twitter followers on a daily basis. 

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

I am a singer-songwriter with a lifelong passion of making music. Whether I’m releasing a new cover song on my YouTube channel, or recording and releasing original material, your best bet would be to find me in the studio working on a new tune. Music changes lives. We would all have a massive void in our lives without it. The only thing better than making music, is putting it to good use and helping to make a positive difference in the world we live in. This is why I decided to participate in The Pixel Project’s YouTube Cover Carnival. When it comes to raising awareness about ending violence towards women, you can count me in. The horrific event that claimed the life of Jyoti Singh Pandey should not go unnoticed. Nor should the countless other incidences that most of us will never even hear about. We must all do our part. This is why I am proud to be involved with The Pixel Project’s fight to end violence against women.

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

It is common sense that nobody should have to endure pain and suffering at the hands of an abuser. When a person or people decide to abuse a woman in a verbal, physical, or sexual manner, they are completely violating that woman’s rights to living a peaceful and violent free life. Nobody should live in fear. Nobody should have their body abused or violated. Nobody should be treated as the weaker sex. My mother and sister are two of the most important and loving women in my life. I can’t imagine them having to endure what other women around the world have to experience every day. We must put an end to violence against women.

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

Unfortunately, sometimes words are not enough to make a difference. But the power of music is one of the greatest forces we know of. Words and lyrics put to song seem to cut straight to a person’s core, and often make them analyse their own emotions and perceptions of the topic at hand in a more genuine and emotional way. When artists get together to make a change the world seems to listen. Music raises awareness. Music helps raise funding. Music just helps, and music will help to bring an end to violence against women.

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 make music for their fans and supporters. And it’s those same fans that bring awareness to the world of their favorite musician’s message. Fans listen. Fans care. Fans are on our side. It is often our responsibility as musicians to bring topics and issues to the forefront of our listener’s ears. When I am involved in raising awareness about ending violence against women, my fans are there to listen, learn, and hopefully pass the message along. It is our global responsibility to take charge here. It is absolutely true that one person can make a change. And if that one person can influence many others, we’re on the right track.

Music For Pixels Partner: Mike Kalombo of Kalombo Media

Posted on by

Meet Mike Kalombo, founder of Kalombo Media and one of our partners for the Music For Pixels campaign who has generously donated a production session for the Grand Prize Winner of the Valentine 2013 YouTube Cover Carnival. Mike is a music producer, songwriter and filmographer, best known for his music production on some of the most viral videos on YouTube. Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, he now resides in the United States. He has worked with both YouTube stars and music industry moguls, like Jermaine Dupri and quickly became one of the most sought after producers in the industry. Labeled the Quincy Jones of the digital era, he has collaborated with artistes such as Lisa Lavie, Sha Sha Jones, Destorm, Da Brat, Jenna Marbles , Ahmir, Erika David, Traphik, Shane Dawson, Alphacat, Wax and many more. 

Mike recently took a bit of time out of his busy schedule to talk to us about why he supports the cause to end violence against women.

—————————————————————————————————————-

Mike Kalombo_compressed1. Tell us about what you do and how you came to be sponsor the production prize for The Pixel Project’s Valentine 2013 YouTube Cover Carnival contest

I`m  a music producer, signed under Jermaine Dupri’s Record label So So Def, and CEO and Founder of KALOMBO MEDIA. I believe in the message behind this project, it can never be said enough.

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

As a husband, father, and son, I couldn’t imagine any harm coming to the women in my life, and wouldn’t wish any on all the women around the world.

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

Music is an international language, a language that any culture can understand. I feel like music speaks to the soul.  With a positive message in   there, it has the power to reach millions of people around the world.

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

They can start by doing something about it themselves first. Like the great Michael Jackson says in “Man in the Mirror”, change has to start with you. When others see you do something about it, they can get inspired to contribute to the efforts.

5. In your opinion, how can we encourage young men and boys to take an interest in and step up to help stop violence against women?

Leading by example is a great way to do this. Actions speak louder than words.

—————————————————–

Interested in participating in the Valentine 2013 YouTube Cover Carnival? Find out more here.

Not an artiste but still want to support our work? Give back while giving joy:

Searching for an affordable gift for Valentine’s Day that is both empowering and uplifting for someone in need of that extra encouragement and love? Check out our “16 For 16” digital EP featuring 5 songs aimed at lifting the spirits and empowering survivors of Violence Against Women worldwide via all major online music stores including iTunes, Amazon, Google Music, Spotify and many more. Prices range from US$4.95 to US$6.45 depending on region and retailer and 100% of the proceeds go towards keeping The Pixel Project’s programmes and projects running. Just click on the buttons below to be taken to the EP’s download page in your preferred online music store:

LAUNCH ANNOUNCEMENT: The Valentine 2013 YouTube Cover Carnival – A Musical Tribute to the Delhi Gang Rape Victim, Jyoti Singh Pandey

Posted on by

Carousel Slide-011 February 2013: After a promising first YouTube Cover Carnival in 2012, The Pixel Project, the award-nominated volunteer-led virtual non-profit social enterprise working to end Violence Against Women (VAW) worldwide, is pleased to launch their second YouTube Cover Carnival contest which runs from 1 – 28 February 2013 in conjunction with the Valentine’s Day season. The Valentine 2013 YouTube Cover Carnival is dedicated to the Delhi Gang Rape Victim, Jyoti Singh Pandey, in honour of her courage and strength in fighting her attackers and her injuries to the very end.

Regina Yau, Founder and President of The Pixel Project said: “The Pixel Project has decided to make our Valentine 2013 YouTube Cover Carnival a musical tribute to Ms. Pandey because we believe that her death should not be in vain. We hope that the songs we have chosen for up-and-coming YouTube artistes from all over the world to cover in memory of Ms. Pandey will be a positive way of continuing the momentum of the anti-VAW activism her death inspired in communities in India and beyond.” Continue reading →

Music for Pixels Partner Interview: Nick Dunn of Horus Music

Posted on by

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.

————————————————————————————————–

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 →