ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sing For Jyoti Project – A Music Video Gallery saying NO to Violence Against Women

Posted on March 18, 2013 by regina

18 March 2013: The Pixel Project, the award-nominated volunteer-led virtual non-profit social enterprise working to end Violence Against Women (VAW) worldwide, is pleased to announce the launch of their fourth Music For Pixels campaign initiative – The Sing For Jyoti Project. The project invites artistes from around the world to contribute their YouTube music videos to an online music gallery to say NO to VAW. The project and gallery is named after Jyoti Singh Pandey, the Delhi Gang Rape Victim, in honour of her courage and strength in fighting for her life to the very end. The Sing For Jyoti tribute gallery will be unveiled on World Humanitarian Day (19 August 2013).

Regina Yau, Founder and President of The Pixel Project said: “The Pixel Project created the Sing For Jyoti Project to continue what we began with the Valentine 2013 YouTube Cover Carnival – the building of a fitting musical tribute to Ms. Pandey. We are off to a solid start with the 10 contest videos which are the basis for the gallery; and we hope that the project will be a positive platform for artistes to help us continue the momentum of the anti-VAW activism her death inspired in communities in India and beyond.”

From 18 March to 18 July 2013, artistes are encouraged to submit music videos of either original songs or covers that contain inspiring and uplifting lyrics that will lift the spirits of women, girls and VAW survivors in keeping with The Pixel Project’s positive approach to raising awareness about VAW. Participating artistes are also required to include a special awareness-raising message in the “About” section under their submitted video. Ms. Yau said: “Music is a potent force for spreading ideas and messages and we hope that the Sing For Jyoti gallery will be a powerful positive counterpoint to the rampant misogyny and violence expressed through today’s popular music. We look forward to doing so with the support of our YouTube Music Ambassador, AHMIR; and our partner, the Positive Music Association.”

AHMIR will be contributing one of their music videos to the gallery. They said: “We are honoured to put together a music video for the Sing For Jyoti project. It is our hope that our talents and voices can help spread the anti-VAW message around the world and ensure that Jyoti Singh Pandey will be a symbol of strength, courage and change instead of tragedy.”

Scott Johnson, the Founder of the Positive Music Association, said: “The Positive Music Association is pleased to participate in the Sing For Jyoti project because violence against women is an uncomfortable yet critical issue that affects all of us, either directly or indirectly. What better way to raise awareness of it than through the international language of music, especially Positive music. If the human species is to survive, it is essential that women all over the world are treated with kindness and respect, and are empowered to contribute fully to the evolution of humanity.”

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For further information, please contact the Music For Pixels campaign team – music4pixels@thepixelproject.net or music4pixels@gmail.com

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

Music For Pixels, a campaign by The Pixel Project, is the first music-based social media campaign to exclusively collaborate with YouTube artistes speaking up to prevent and stop VAW through music video PSAs while raising funds for the cause via digital music downloads. 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)

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 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)

As 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 the Positive Music Association (http://www.PositiveMusicAssociation.com)

The Positive Music Association is an international membership organisation dedicated to promoting Positive music artists and Positive music as a distinct genre of music. Positive music is defined as lyric-based songs with universal, life-affirming messages. Positive music can inspire, heal, uplift, empower, energize, unite and enlighten as we create and awaken to a more peaceful, sustainable and healthy world that works for everyone. Founded in 2003, the PMA has over 350 members in over 12 countries and growing. For more information, contact Scott@PositiveMusicAssociation.com.

Interview With An Artiste: Adam Stanton

Posted on March 10, 2013 by regina

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.

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Adam 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.

ANNOUNCEMENT: The Pixel Project and the Positive Music Association – Partnering to Bring Positive Music to the Forefront of Anti-Violence Against Women Activism

Posted on March 6, 2013 by regina

6 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 a brand new partnership with the Positive Music Association (PMA). The Pixel Project and the PMA will be collaborating together on various programmes and projects under The Pixel Project’s ‘Music For Pixels’ campaign.

Regina Yau, Founder and President of The Pixel Project, said: “Music is a powerful tool for raising awareness about difficult human rights issues such as VAW because it helps break the silence surrounding the violence by educating while entertaining. This is why we created the ‘Music For Pixels’ campaign as the first social media driven anti-VAW music campaign that uses YouTube music videos as a platform for YouTube, independent and up-and-coming artistes worldwide to use uplifting songs to empower women, girls and survivors and to say NO to VAW. Partnering with the PMA is a natural fit because they are committed to using positive music to help change the world for the better. We look forward to working with PMA members in the years to come.”

Scott Johnson, Founder of the PMA said: “We’re honoured to be partnering with the Pixel Project to help bring awareness to the global issue of violence against women. Music is a universal language that can move people in a way words alone cannot. Positive, life-affirming music can inspire both women and men to unite in taking a stand for treating women everywhere with kindness and respect.”

The first collaboration between The Pixel Project and the PMA is the Valentine 2013 YouTube Cover Carnival in honour of the Delhi Gang Rape victim, Jyoti Singh Pandey. The contest is currently running until 9PM EST, 14 March 2013 and PMA artistes are invited to join artistes worldwide in submitting covers of One Direction’s “Little Things” or Whitney Houston’s “Greatest Love of All” for the contest. More collaborative projects for 2013 will be announced over the coming months.

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For further information, please contact Regina Yau or Joy Syiem – music4pixels@thepixelproject.net

About The Pixel Project (www.thepixelproject.net)

The Pixel Project is a complete virtual, volunteer-led global 501(c)3 nonprofit organisation whose mission is to raise awareness, funds and volunteer power for the cause to end violence against women through innovative, powerful viral campaigns across various online and virtual channels including social media. Their first project is 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, The Pixel Project 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.

About the Positive Music Association (http://www.PositiveMusicAssociation.com)

Music For Pixels Partner: Mike Kalombo of Kalombo Media

Posted on February 4, 2013 by regina

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.

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1. 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.

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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 February 1, 2013 by regina

1 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 January 3, 2013 by regina

Horus Music is one of The Pixel Project’s campaign partners. They sponsor online distribution and licensing services for songs and albums/EPs for The Pixel Project’s Music for Pixels campaign. Company founder Nick Dunn shares his thoughts with us about working with The Pixel Project and using music in the effort to end violence against women.

Since the age of 7, Nick has been involved in music, learning to play the electronic organ and then trumpet and piano. Nick successfully passed three grade eight examinations with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and participated in many orchestras, jazz bands, brass bands and wind bands. Having studied three degrees at the University of Huddersfield, (Music, Music Education and Master of Arts in Orchestral Conducting) Nick went on to teach and examine music. A successful period teaching music did not give Nick the fulfillment he searched for so he went on to become his own boss and started work within the music industry, beginning with learning the ropes and managing artistes. Being in the music industry has given Nick the opportunity to broaden his knowledge of music and the world, meet exciting and very dedicated people, help a lot of people around the world, and experience something different every day.

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1. Tell us about Horus Music and how you came to partner with The Pixel Project on music campaigns such as the YouTube Cover Carnival and how you are helping with the campaigns?

When I was growing up, my family was always involved with raising money for various charities so doing something for someone else has always been a part of my life. I was also in the scouting movement so you not only got involved with lots of things, but you promise to think of others and it’s been something I have kept even out of scouting as it’s a positive thing to live by. My wife is also active in charity work and for myself when I went through a bad patch there were people there to help me get back on my feet, so I really do understand the importance of the good work people do. Continue reading →

“16 For 16” Digital EP Interview: Tony O’Malley

Posted on December 27, 2012 by regina

Tony O’Malley is a singer and piano player in the soul tradition who formed the legendary groove band Kokomo. Although he has worked with pop creators 10CC, Motown’s Martha Reeves & the Vandellas and played on a numerous albums including Bob Dylan’s ‘Desire’, these days Tony prefers to concentrate on recording and performing his own music at http:tonyomalley.bandcamp.com

1. How did you come to know about The Pixel Project? Tell us why you decided to take part in The Pixel Project’s “16 For 16” Digital EP.

I’d sent ‘Nicoletta’ to mutual friend Deeyah*, who forwarded the song to The Pixel Project. Once accepted, we were more than happy to participate with Regina Yau and her team.

Editor’s note: Deeyah is a prominent musician, women’s rights activist and founder of AVA Projects working to end the scourge of Honour Killing.

2. What inspired you and Marty Townsend to write “Nicoletta”?

We wrote the song after hearing that a good friend had been brutally beaten and abused by her baby’s father.

3. Violence Against Women is usually pigeonholed as a women’s issue and it can be an uphill task getting men and boys involved in stopping the violence. Why is ending Violence against Women important to you as a man?

It’s important to me as a person. Continue reading →

“16 For 16” Digital EP Artiste Interview: The Other People

Posted on December 20, 2012 by regina

The Other People were formed in July 2004 in Mumbai, India. They are known to audiences for their exciting performances and adding an original twist to every song they perform. T.O.P has opened for the international artistes including Saving Abel, Michael Learns to Rock, DJ Edward Maya, DJ Diamond, Lacuna Coil and Bedouin Soundclash; and have performed alongside Pop sensation Jay Sean. The band is currently expanding their repertoire of original songs and is in the process of recording their debut album. They are also the winners of The Pixel Project’s Fall 2012 YouTube Cover Carnival contest.

1. Congratulations on winning the Grand Prize in the Fall 2012 YouTube Cover Carnival contest! How does it feel to win while helping the cause to end Violence Against Women?

Thank You! It’s the best feeling The Other People have had in 8 years of being together. Just being able to work with The Pixel Project to help raise awareness baout Violence against Women is a privilege in itself and having won the grand prize in the contest makes it even more worthwhile. Now in our own small way, we can hopefully contribute to bringing an end to violence against women the world over.

2. With 1 in 3 women worldwide facing gender-based violence in their lives, pretty much everybody would know a woman or girl who has faced some form of violence. In fact, India has been voted as the worst country for women among the G20 countries. Has any of the members of The Other People been affected by or witnessed Violence Against Women and how has that help shape your attitude towards women and girls?

Hearing of such incidents and actually witnessing them is not the same. We have been fortunate not to have witnessed these violent acts against women first hand; however, it is something we read and hear about daily – the daily news is all about rape, acid attacks and women being beaten up. We hope never to witness such atrocities and try our best to educate people through the cause we are supporting. Continue reading →

“16 For 16” Digital EP Interview: Pete Ahonen

Posted on December 13, 2012 by regina

Pete Ahonen, an East Bay native / singer-songwriter — pairs his blend of ‘alt-country / folk-rock’ with an incredible knack for storytelling, a unique voice and raw, honest delivery that draws the listener in and makes them feel like they’re witnessing something real… something special. When you see Pete perform, you definitely get the impression that he’s not just playing the music — he is the music. Pete’s first full-length release recently launched in November – 2012 through Lost Monkey Records.

1. Tell us why you decided to take part in The Pixel Project’s “16 For 16” Digital EP.

Your heart and your music together have a way of becoming stagnant if you’re just thinking about yourself all the time. You see all these musicians who make a lot of money, who have big record contracts, and who are just too self focused. I believe that we weren’t created this way – we were made to give pieces of ourselves back to others and I hope this song can do that in some way.

2. What inspired you to write “A Day Will Come”?

I was watching a documentary about human trafficking and one of the stories in particular really got to me. Basically a woman was kidnapped and sold into sexual slavery. When the authorities had presumed her dead, her husband didn’t give up and continued searching for her. He finally rescued her after 7 years, and all the obstacles and personal hell she had to face in the aftermath were both humbling and inspiring. “A Day Will Come” was inspired by her story, but it’s not necessarily just about that. It’s really a metaphor that’s meant to reach people on many different levels. Continue reading →

“16 For 16” Digital EP Artiste Interview: AHMIR

Posted on December 6, 2012 by regina

1. AHMIR has been The Pixel Project’s YouTube Music Ambassador since you started as their “Artiste of the Month” back in April 2012. Since then AHMIR has been actively involved with The Pixel Project on the Fall 2012 YouTube Cover Carnival and now, the “16 For 16” digital EP. What makes you so supportive of The Pixel Project and their “Music For Pixels” campaign?

Sing-Sing: We are supportive of The Pixel Project and their “Music for Pixels” campaign because their stance on violence against women aligns directly with ours. For a number of years we have discussed ways of using our platform, as artistes, to bring awareness to this issue. Once we got word of The Pixel Project, we jumped at the opportunity to collaborate with them in support of their campaign. Continue reading →

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