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.

As a music company and business we see far too often an imbalance and injustice between gender. Having met the founder of The Pixel Project and the exciting projects she was planning, it seemed like a very sensible way of continuing with our ethos of helping others; doing something positive to make the world a better place.  We are working hard to build ourselves up so don’t have the ability to give lots of money away. However we were able to make a real contribution to The Pixel Project by making our resources and contracts available.

2. Why is ending Violence Against Women an important cause for you?

It’s not just Violence Against Women that is important to us; it’s ending violence towards anyone.  Going beyond that, it’s violence between states and religions and if we can contribute something to help in bringing about peace in the world, no matter how small, it’s valuable and could have a positive effect globally. In today’s society many are still inward-looking and don’t have a caring attitude to the feelings of others and because of a lack of communication, understanding and compassion, it causes all these problems globally.  Let’s do something to change that.

3. Horus Music currently works with many talented artistes. In your opinion, how can artistes help in the fight to end violence against women?

Music is a global language that is accessible to anyone regardless of where they are.  If even people cannot understand the lyrics because of the language barrier they can hopefully understand the videos and the message that goes with the music.  Singing along to great tunes helps. Even if it’s sung in a different language, it can help people as they may look up the lyrics and their meaning.  In my book this is one of the most enjoyable ways of learning a language.

The anti-violence message is powerful and will bring a lot of attention to an artist or band as it’s a great story and very relevant in today’s world.  Journalists are often looking for powerful stories when an artiste approaches them for publicity, so this is one great angle to get that press support.  This way, you have an artiste getting a platform to spread the word about their music and the message about Violence Against Woman or any other person continues to get amplified with the message that people of this world are not going to keep tolerating such actions.

4. Why do you think more artistes should get on board music-based campaigns to raise awareness about Violence Against Women?

It’s a no brainer really. By getting onboard with these campaigns, you’re showing the world that you care, you have a conscience and you’re not going to tolerate inequality or violence.  Additionally for the artist you’re going to get exposure to a global audience at no real cost to you.  Playing in a local bar will give you a small number of fans, but playing to a global stage could give you more fans than you ever thought was possible.

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?

There is a danger that young men and boys will consider all this to be ‘girl’s stuff’, not manly and fear society will look down upon them as weak individuals.  What should be demonstrated to them, via role models in their local area, region or famous people, is that they are the strong ones, the ones in control, the ones people respect, and it’s the ones who cannot control their temper that are the weak people that society dislikes.

Additionally music is cool. Most people enjoy making music or being involved with music so taking part in something musical is a fun way of getting the message across.  We should not be limited to just music either; there are many arts and let’s even look at the disciplines of self-defense courses such as karate, judo or even boxing as an example – they work on self-control and losing control is a sign of weakness.  We are all influenced from an early age so if you are brought up in an atmosphere of violence, then it’s likely this will be a part of your life.  I believe the education sector should look at teaching people techniques on how to relax, how to be calm and be in control of yourself from an early age; it may just save a lot of problems for future generations.

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Give back while giving joy:

Searching for an affordable gift that is both empowering and uplifting for someone in need of that extra encouragement and good vibes to kick off the new year? 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: