Tag Archives: Dark Side

Interview With An Artiste: Malissa Alanna

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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 Barbados-based artiste Malissa Alanna who submitted her cover of Kelly Clarkson’s “Dark Side” for our Fall 2012 YouTube Cover Carnival.

Malissa Alanna was born and raised on the Island of Barbados. At 9 years old she penned her first song. She has concentrated on the country/pop genre, something unusual for a teenager born and raised in the Caribbean! However, with her strong, versatile voice, she can sing just about anything. Malissa Alanna has excelled in jazz dancing and martial arts, attaining the rank of Senior Black Belt, and is known for her relentless drive and effervescent personality.

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

I am Malissa Alanna. I was born and raised in the Island of Barbados, which is a beautiful coral Island in the Caribbean. I am a singer, songwriter and producer and despite my country’s love of calypso and reggae, I am a country artist and have been  making significant strides, particularly recently.

I spend a tremendous amount of time reading and watching movies, and it has come to my realisation that domestic violence against women is one of the most common causes of unnatural death among women across the world. Although I personally have not had to endure the obvious emotional and physical anguish that those for whom this is a reality must face on a day to day basis, I have adopted this cause as one of my key causes (along with the fight against HIV/AIDS) as I develop as an artist and hope to use my platform as an opportunity to address these profound issues. I have also learned that there are often instances where my two causes become one as women are, in many cases, beaten and forced to have unprotected sex with men, and contract the HIV Virus. Looking at the bigger picture, my music must be used in every way to help those who have to face this kind of suffering in their lives.

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

Ending violence against any human being or any living thing is important to me. However, women nurture and carry life, and the love I have received from my mother throughout the course of my lifetime has had a profound impact on my development, and has shaped who I am. I could never imagine how devastating it must be for children in particular to witness their mothers being abused. As a teen myself, I could only imagine the horror any young lady who is trapped in an abusive relationship must go through. And so I believe all young ladies should enjoy the freedom and consistent love with which I have been blessed from the men in my life – my father, extended family, and friends. I think it is important for everyone to enjoy this life we have been blessed with and not wake up each day in fear of pain or torture.

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

Throughout the years music has played a powerful part in the perception of violence against women. We have seen Tina Turner overcome her struggles with abuse to triumph and become one of the most successful recording and performing artistes in history. We have also seen the disastrous impact abuse has had on Rihanna (who is also from Barbados). I think it is important to target music consumers who represent a vast majority of the world’s population, to sensitise them about the reality of domestic violence and to give those who are in abusive situations the courage to tell someone and get help.

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 among the world’s most powerful people, particularly in this era of YouTube, Twitter, Facebook etc. Musicians can use that vast reach and social presence to send direct messages to their fans and supporters to push for the end of violence against women. Their lyrical content can also be used by sending positive messages.

Interview With An Artiste: ToRi-LyNN

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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 US-based YouTube artiste ToRi-LyNN who submitted her cover of Kelly Clarkson’s “Dark Side” for our Fall 2012 YouTube Cover Carnival.

ToRi-LyNN (born Tori-Lynn Jones) is a teen triple threat in the entertainment world. She began dancing at the age of three and has since made her mark as an aspiring pop artist. She has performed at many charity events across Florida and has also released two singles: Labyrinth of Love and Nobody But Me. Her family, manager Cheryl Steele, and vocal coach Anita Wilson have been major influences in her artistic career, but her biggest inspiration has been her younger brother Glenn who is battling a very rare genetic disease called cystinosis. She dedicated Labyrinth of Love to him and hopes to use her music to spread the word about this rare, life-threatening, and incurable disease.

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

My name is ToRi-LyNN. I am 15 years old and I’m from Boca Raton, Florida.  I am speaking out and taking a stand about a cause that is very near and dear to my heart right now. Recently, I was introduced to The Pixel Project’s YouTube Cover Carnival contest that I had not really been that familiar with until I really got involved with what it was about. I have been involved with a lot of charity work and projects, such as: Relay For Life, Dan Marino’s Walk For Autism, cystinosis, which is a very rare genetic disease that my brother, Glenn, has. However, I have never been involved with the cause to end violence against women, and now that I’ve learned more about it and had the wonderful opportunity of being introduced to The Pixel Project, I am very happy to be a part of it.

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

Knowing that 1 out of 3 women and even young girls my age suffer through such terrifying situations as this really makes me want to help out and do something about it! Everyone should take a stand and speak out against violence against women & girls, because NO ONE should ever have to suffer, be humiliated & most of all be a victim of such a horrible crime! I am trying to reach out to as many people as possible for a good reason and a great cause: VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN! I truly believe in this cause and want to help to try & STOP this! I have entered into The Pixel Project’s YouTube Cover Carnival contest to help promote this cause and would love the whole world’s help in getting people involved. I would like to be one of many spokespersons for a great cause such as this. If we all come together and stand up to violence against women and girls, the world would be a much better place to live in.

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

Music makes the world go around! In my opinion, music is something that hits home with people as far as getting your emotion and feelings out there. The lyrics of a song can be very strong and will draw an audience’s attention. I think music is the best way to get your point across, even better than someone just standing there making a speech. Music not only makes a statement with its lyrics, but it also entertains people and gets them to listen.

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

In my opinion, people are always more likely to take a lot more interest in listening to someone with status, especially a celebrity. It’s just human nature. With that being said, half of your battle is taken care of as far as how a musician can help encourage people to take an interest in and step up to help stop violence against women. The majority of the people in this world love music and the people who sing it. That is a BIG incentive right there because people love to hear artistes sing and when something like a cause or a campaign to help comes into play, people are all the more interested. It inspires most people and makes them want to get involved, especially if it’s a musician who has made a direct impact on them or their lives.

Interview With An Artiste: Straight to Number Six Foothill

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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 US-based group Straight To Number Six Foothill who submitted their Rock-tinged cover of Kelly Clarkson’s “Dark Side” for our Fall 2012 YouTube Cover Carnival.

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Straight to Number Six Foothill was established for the single purpose of producing this music video. Our members all have professional careers by day while the love of music keeps us actively pursuing performance dates by night. Our members are: Helena Levin (Vocals), lead vocalist for “The Six” band. Michael Luethold (Guitar / Bass), lead guitar player for the progressive rock band ‘Straight To The Moon”. Harold “Spike” Jones (Drums), drummer for the Southern California country rock band “The Foothill Billy Band”. John Torres (Guitars) producer and rhythm guitar player for “The Six” band.

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

We were first notified of the contest by a good friend of John Torres, who is active in championing organisations that work to stop violence against women and children. She felt the contest was an opportunity for the band to “be heard” and benefit a very worthy cause. With only a week’s notice the band was hastily assembled, entering the studio without benefit of any prior rehearsals.

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

Domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and the violence of poverty emphasised by the radical attacks on poor women and children all result from society’s attitudes toward women and efforts to “keep women in their place.” Until we, as a global society eliminate violence based on gender, we can never achieve true human equality.

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

Since the early ’60s, music has been at the forefront of spreading the word about gender equality. As awareness evolved, music and musicians have become more dynamic or vocal in efforts to raise awareness about violence against women. One of the best examples is Tina Turner, who suffered the violence first hand. For decades she has used her celebrity to promote awareness about violence against women.

Because of its ability to reach a worldwide audience, music delivers a message to literally billions of people who are influenced by the artiste and will subsequently be anxious to support their cause.

 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 a long history of championing causes that alleviate world suffering. Whether as individual artistes or bands performing on the “Big stage”, musicians have tirelessly devote their time to causes. By providing a venue or platform from which the message can be delivered, musicians, using their popularity, will articulate the message to their fan base who are eager to listen and will participate. Provide the outlet to a musician, and they will deliver with enthusiasm.

Interview With An Artiste: The Other People

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As part of The Pixel Project‘s “Music For Pixels” campaign, we encourage artistes taking part in any “Music For Pixels” programme, be it as an Artiste of the Month or as a YouTube Cover Carnival contestant, to speak up about why they are using music to say NO to violence against women.

Today, we interview Mumbai-based The Other People who have submitted their R&B tinged cover of Kelly Clarkson’s “Dark Side” for our Fall 2012 YouTube Cover Carnival.

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The Other People were formed in July 2004 and in the last eight years, they have performed at scores of venues, concerts and private events across the country. Playing a varied range of popular covers, this six-member band has been making waves at clubs, concerts and private events across India and internationally. The Other People are known to bring about an original twist into each track that never fails to surprise the audience. The band is now expanding their list of original songs and in the process of recording their debut album

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

The Other People is a six member band and with our enthusiastic music performances we believe we can transcend boundaries. Music is our passion, and through this we believe we can help reach out to people and raise our voices in unison and make this world a better place.

The YouTube Cover Carnival is therefore, a perfect platform for us to reach out to people not only in India, but also to a wider global audience and hopefully spread awareness about Violence against Women amongst others.

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

Violence in any form is unacceptable and SHOULD be condemned in any and every society. There is never a reason for women to be discriminated against or attacked in any way. Women are the heart and soul of this world – they are hardworking, loving, and compassionate. Women are above all our mothers who bring new life into this world and violence against them is a crime.

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

Music is a powerful medium with a vast reach. Simple melodies and lyrics can convey messages through songs which in turn, help spread awareness. Music conveys feelings, emotions and pain. Music is a universal language, it cuts across all barriers. Everyone listens to music in some form or the other; hence we strongly believe that music is a great medium to help spread awareness and educate people.

4. How can musicians help encourage people to take an interest in and step up to help stop violence against women?

Musicians over the years have been doing their bit for social reform, right from John Lenon, Bob Dylan, and Tracy Chapman to the modern day mavericks. Musicians when they come together can change the world. Concerts for causes have changed so many lives and bought together so many people for a cause. We musicians have the power to bring these social causes the attention they require, whether it is in the form of writing songs, holding concerts or campaigns or any other means.  Musicians get messages across through music which is a medium EVERYONE accepts the world over.

We can be the instruments of Change!

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Excited to begin using music to enhance your efforts to stop violence against women? Why not start by taking part in The Pixel Project’s Fall 2012 YouTube Cover Carnival competition featuring Kelly Clarkson’s “Dark Side” to say NO to violence against women while getting a chance to win the Grand Prize Package which includes free song production, free digital distribution and being featured on the YouTube homepage of YouTube’s #1 R&B group, AHMIR.
The competition ends at 9PM EST on 31 August 2012.