The “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” Interview – Troy Horne

Posted on October 7, 2014 by Suloshini Jahanath

As part of The Pixel Project’s 30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” project in support of the Celebrity Male Role Model Pixel Reveal campaign, we talk to the artistes who have participated in the project about why they are using their music to speak out and to say NO to violence against women.

Our twenty-sixth featured artiste is Troy Horne. Musician Troy Horne has starred in the Broadway show RENT, NBC’s The Sing Off, the ION Networks Firebrand TV, and he has written music for the film Thug Angel – A Tupac Shakur Documentary. Troy has appeared on Starsearch, on multiple records as a lead and background singer, and has toured the world. These global musical experiences and relationships grew a desire in Troy to create positive music that makes everybody’s lives better.

Troy contributed his song “Miracles”, to the “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” campaign in support of the Celebrity Male Role Model Pixel Reveal campaign that in benefit of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and The Pixel Project. Donate at just US$1 per pixel to reveal the mystery Celebrity Male Role Models and help raise US$1 million for the cause while raising awareness about the important role men and boys play in ending violence against women in their communities worldwide. Donations begin at just US$10 and you can donate here.

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Tell us about yourself and why you decided to take part in The Pixel Project’s “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” project.

Why did I want to be a part of the Pixel Project? Well, there are a couple of reasons, but the main reason is that I believe in the betterment of the human community and a higher human consciousness.

What does that mean? It means I hope that together we can learn how to love and care for each other in a way that makes this, our global community, one of compassion and non-violence.

Why is ending violence against women important to you?

Ending violence against all people is important to me. I am for ending violence, period. I feel like any effort or energy devoted to peace is an effort and energy that I want to be a part of.

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

In my opinion, music, media, and all forms of human expression can help us move towards peace if directed in that way. The important thing is to provide the world with more messages of peace and happiness through music and art. I am honoured to be a small part of that shifting in human consciousness.

What actions can music artistes take to help end violence against women?

I think that artists, by creating art with a message of peace and compassion, can add to the collective thought process on how the world can and should be. It is our duty as thought custodians to mould and shape the collective human consciousness towards one of peace and compassion, and I am grateful to be a part of a group devoted to doing that.

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The “Music For Pixels 2014” charity digital album is available from 1 April 2014 – 1 April 2015 as a companion to the “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” campaign. The album features a selection of 12 positive and empowering songs from the campaign by artistes including Adam Web, AHMIR, AJ Rafael, Bob Sima, Courtney Jenae, Debbie Reifer, Delaney Gibson, Ellis, Macy Kate, Mary Sholz, Pete Ahonen, and Troy Horne.

The album is the perfect and affordable gift for music lovers and for celebrating special occasions such as birthdays and Mother’s Day. It is available for download worldwide via major online music retailers including iTunes and Amazon.com. 100% of the album proceeds will benefit The Pixel Project to help keep their anti-Violence Against Women campaigns, projects, and programmes running.

The “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” Interview – Tori-Lynn

Posted on September 23, 2014 by Suloshini Jahanath

Our twenty-fifth featured artiste is ToRi-LyNN (born Tori Lynn Jones) has performed for many live audiences as a young aspiring pop artist. Her most recent performances have been at Sun Life Stadium in front of 17,000 people for Dan Marino’s Walk For Autism, the grand opening game for the newly built Marlins Park Stadium with invitation from Gloria and Emilio Estefan, and Camp Jam where she has performed for as many as 6,000 kids. She has also gained exposure being seen performing at various venues and events for the South Florida & Dade County Fairs, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, and many American Cancer Society Relay For Life charity events. Her involvement with Relay For Life has also earned her an award entitled, “Certificate of Appreciation”, in recognition for her commitment, dedication and support for the 2011 Relay For Life, which was presented to her at Florida Memorial University.

Tori-Lynn has debuted two of her own original singles, “Labyrinth of Love” & “Nobody But Me“. Some of her major influences and support have been her family, close friends, and most importantly, her fans. However, Tori-Lynn’s biggest influence and inspiration has been her younger brother, Glenn, who battles a very rare genetic disease called Cystinosis, for whom she had dedicated her first single, “Labyrinth of Love” to. She hopes to be well known enough to the whole world one day to help spread the word about this rare life threatening, incurable disease, and to help people be aware and support this cause. Tori-Lynn believes that determination and hard work is the key to success, and she’s ready to share her talent with the world. Follow Tori-Lynn on Facebook and Twitter, or check out her videos on YouTube.

Tori-Lynn contributed her cover of Sara Bareilles’s “Brave”, to the “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” campaign in support of the Celebrity Male Role Model Pixel Reveal campaign that in benefit of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and The Pixel Project. Donate at just US$1 per pixel to reveal the mystery Celebrity Male Role Models and help raise US$1 million for the cause while raising awareness about the important role men and boys play in ending violence against women in their communities worldwide. Donations begin at just US$10 and you can donate here.

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Tell us about yourself and why you decided to take part in The Pixel Project’s “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” project.

My name is ToRi-LyNN. I am a 17 year old up and coming artist who lives in the South Florida area. I’ve performed for many live audiences as a young aspiring pop artist. My most recent performances have been with Tunes For Tots in raising funds for the Make A Wish Foundation, Sun Life Stadium in front of 17,000 people for Dan Marino’s Walk For Autism, the grand opening game for the newly built Marlins Park Stadium with invitation from Gloria and Emilio Estefan, and Camp Jam where I’ve performed for as many as 6,000 kids. I have also gained exposure being seen performing at various venues and events for the South Florida and Dade County Fairs, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, and many American Cancer Society Relay For Life charity events.

As you can see, I have done many different charity events and have shown my support, as an artist, for many different organisations. This is who I am, and this is what I love to do. I have decided to take part in the Pixel Project because I feel strongly for the cause, and truly believe in what they are trying to accomplish.

Violence against women needs to end! I hear far too many women and teen age girls going through this, and I want to help take a stand against it. It’s an outrage to me, and it just needs to stop!

Why is ending violence against women important to you?

This is important to me because I hear way too much of this going on with women and teenage girls. I have also had a couple of my friends go through some sort of violent act, whether it be mental or physical abuse. I see the way teenage boys are treating girls today, and it’s as though they are not as respectful as they should be. I feel if it starts with them being disrespectful, it will just escalate from there.

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

Music ALWAYS sends a message, and I feel it’s the best way to get our point across. People listen to music every day, and in my eyes, it is the best way to voice out your emotions for everything and anything in life.

What actions can music artistes take to help end violence against women?

Many actions can be taken and accomplished with music to help end violence against women. Music is the soundtrack of our lives. Music says it all in such a way that people want to listen over and over again. Music expresses our feelings and gets our point across worldwide. Music always makes a difference and voices out our emotions in what we are trying to say and do. So with that being said, I feel music is the most productive way to promote a cause and get results.

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The “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” Interview – Teri Rambo

Posted on September 16, 2014 by Suloshini Jahanath

Our twenty-fourth featured artiste is Teri Rambo. Part confessor, part philosopher and all heart, Teri Rambo writes and sings with bittersweet transparency, disarming sincerity and a wink of good humor. Teri’s distinct vocal sound was featured in the Barrymore award-winning production of In the Next Room or the vibrator play (2011 – Wilma Theater, Philadelphia PA). Her song Say Something won an Honorable Mention in the 2012 New England Songwriting Competition. Teri’s debut album, Say Something, released 12/13/13, represents the best of two decades’ original writing. Follow Teri on Facebook or check out her videos on YouTube.

Teri contributed her song, “Gone Too Soon” to the “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” campaign in support of the Celebrity Male Role Model Pixel Reveal campaign that in benefit of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and The Pixel Project. Donate at just US$1 per pixel to reveal the mystery Celebrity Male Role Models and help raise US$1 million for the cause while raising awareness about the important role men and boys play in ending violence against women in their communities worldwide. Donations begin at just US$10 and you can donate here.

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Tell us about yourself and why you decided to take part in The Pixel Project’s “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” project.

I am a singer/songwriter and mom to an eight year old girl. Naturally, I oppose any kind of violence toward women and girls and was honoured to be included in the 30/30/30 project! If my song softens even one heart or inspires one person into action to protect the rights of women, what a gift to the world!

Why is ending violence against women important to you?

Needless to say, women and girls deserve the respect and human rights afforded to men and boys. Every oppressor has a mother to whom he owes his life. Violence against or control of women is the ultimate insult and injustice. The world is in need of so much healing and defending the rights of women and girls is a fine place to start.

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

Music has a way of touching hearts and inspiring action…it is a language that is often able to penetrate where words alone cannot. Music helps people to feel, connect and relate, and this is a powerful tool for spreading the message of anti-violence while honouring women and girls.

What actions can music artistes take to help end violence against women?

As artists, we can donate our music, time and talent to organisations that benefit women and girls. We can dig deeply and create work that brings people together and helps us relate to each other. As a female artist, just by sharing my music with the world, I can inspire other women and girls to let their lights shine and share their hearts and truths with the world.

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The “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” Interview – Shane Cooley & Paulo Franco

Posted on September 9, 2014 by Suloshini Jahanath

Our twenty-third featured artistes are Shane Cooley and Paulo Franco.

Shane grew up in rural Virginia, where he soon found solace in music. By the time he was 13, he was already performing live. After graduating with a BA in English at The College of William and Mary, he took to the road, booking his own tours solo and in collaboration with other artists across the United States. Shane also did a tour in Europe, covering Germany, The Netherlands and England. In September he re-located from Virginia to the Austin, Texas, where he’s always making music. Follow Shane on Facebook or check out his videos on YouTube.

Paulo is a Richmond, Virginia based singer/songwriter, whose music has been featured on radio stations in Richmond, WNRN in Charlottesville, and Hampton Roads, VA. His music draws heavily from influences like Steve Earle, the Gram Parsons inspired music of the Rolling Stones, and The Grateful Dead. The music tells tales of love and loss, introspection and redemption, and the journey that is life itself. Head on over to Paulo’s website for more information.

Shane and Paulo contributed his song, “Married In A Black Dress” to the “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” campaign in support of the Celebrity Male Role Model Pixel Reveal campaign that in benefit of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and The Pixel Project. Donate at just US$1 per pixel to reveal the mystery Celebrity Male Role Models and help raise US$1 million for the cause while raising awareness about the important role men and boys play in ending violence against women in their communities worldwide. Donations begin at just US$10 and you can donate here.

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Tell us about yourself and why you decided to take part in The Pixel Project’s “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” project.

Shane: I’ve been writing songs and making music most of my life, and have pretty much been on the road since I graduated college in 2010. I grew up in rural Virginia, and recently I re-positioned myself in Austin, TX, where I am putting finishing touches on my upcoming solo album. I met my friend Paulo Franco when I was spending time in Richmond, and we recently released an EP of co-writes, including “Married in a Black Dress,” which we chose to use as our contribution to the 30/30/30 Campaign.

Paulo and I both believe in the power of song, and I’ve seen music perform miracles on many occasions throughout my travels. We hope our small contribution to this cause inspires and uplifts. Violence against anyone is senseless, and we are in an era that has no excuse for not being self-aware of right and wrong.

Why is ending violence against women important to you?

Shane: I personally support this campaign to end violence against women because I feel like it is my duty as an artist to report the human condition. I don’t underestimate the power of art and song, and I hope this project not only reaches its goals, but that it reaches women everywhere with inspiration and empowerment.

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

Shane: I’m more convinced than ever that those who create can have a world of influence on others. Art doesn’t have to be blatant to affect someone, but the message has to be there. I write about a variety of things, but what my songs mean to me doesn’t matter nearly as much as the interpretations others draw from them. We artists tend to be intimidated by things like the music industry and the games within, but when it comes down to it, touching the life of someone in need is more important than any record deal. Keep making art for the humanity of it… that’s why it exists in the first place.

What actions can music artistes take to help end violence against women?

Shane: There is too much beauty in the world to sit back and allow the ugly to reign. I commend every artist who is involved in this for their empathy and strength to take action.

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The “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” Interview – Pete Ahonen

Posted on August 26, 2014 by Suloshini Jahanath

Our twenty-second featured artiste is Pete Ahonen. Pete is an East Bay native / singer-songwriter — pairing his blend of ‘alt-country / folk-rock’ with an incredible knack for storytelling. Pete says: “When I was a kid , maybe just 5 years old, I was obsessed with this little push-button guitar. It only played ‘twinkle twinkle little star’ but every time I hit that button I felt like Jimi Hendrix! My mom gave me the guitar that she used to mess around with in high school and the obsession is still going! I’ve played everything from intense studio sessions, to festivals, to Jam bands… My favorite moments in life are being part of the music while its happening. Its almost like your not playing music, but you are the music!” To find out more about Pete, follow him on Facebook.

Pete contributed his song, “Picture In My Pocket” to the “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” campaign in support of the Celebrity Male Role Model Pixel Reveal campaign that in benefit of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and The Pixel Project. Donate at just US$1 per pixel to reveal the mystery Celebrity Male Role Models and help raise US$1 million for the cause while raising awareness about the important role men and boys play in ending violence against women in their communities worldwide. Donations begin at just US$10 and you can donate here.

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Tell us about yourself and why you decided to take part in The Pixel Project’s “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” project.

I am a songwriter from the Bay Area, California. I originally wanted to be a part of the pixel project because I’d written a song pertaining to slavery and hoped it could be used in some way to help.

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.

Why is ending violence against women important to you?

Violence against women is far too accepted in our male dominated culture – people are affected everywhere, they’re scared and full of fear. I see it all the time, in my neighbourhood. People do things because it was done to them. If you see it in your house when you’re growing up, it’s so easy to continue that trend in your life. You’re not even conscious of it. If you’re living your life in fear, you’re not being all that you could be; you’re not doing what you could be doing, because you’re afraid. It steals your potential, it steals your right to love and be loved in the way you’re meant to. It’s not a predestined thing though, and the cycle can be undone. We can be whoever we want to be in life. It’s in the way we live, the way we are and the way we treat other people.

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

Everywhere around the world women in particular are victims of violence of some form. We need to give people the right information, skills and opportunities to take action when women’s rights are violated or compromised. With music, there’s a way to reach people that you may not normally reach, I mean, everyone listens to music. Music can help end violence because the words and melodies can influence and challenge the soul.

What actions can music artistes take to help end violence against women?

Artists and performers should carry their strong anti -violent messages to the ears of the people who follow them… and word spreads like wildfire. You want all people to have access to this information. It affects all walks of life to different degrees. Musicians can help because they have an outlet that others don’t have, and when people hear music that they relate to, it confirms how they feel and gives them hope or brings some fight back in them. If you can create a song that brings a shot of vigour into the life of somebody who needs it, in my opinion, you’ve done your job.

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Music For Pixels

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Tag Archives: 30 For 30

The “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” Interview – Troy Horne

The “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” Interview – Tori-Lynn

The “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” Interview – Teri Rambo

The “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” Interview – Shane Cooley & Paulo Franco

The “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” Interview – Pete Ahonen