Tag Archives: Delhi Gang Rape

LAUNCH ANNOUNCEMENT: The Pixel Project’s “Sing For Jyoti” YouTube Music Gallery

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m4p_slider-sing-for-jyothi_610 DECEMBER 2013, WORLDWIDE: 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 the Sing For Jyoti YouTube music video gallery on World Human Rights Day 2013. The Sing For Jyoti Project, which was launched in Spring 2013, is an ongoing music campaign which invites music artistes from around the world to contribute their YouTube music videos to an online music gallery to say NO to VAW. The Sing For Jyoti 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.

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 and women and girls worldwide who have experienced VAW, some of whom lost their lives to violence just as Ms. Pandey did. We are off to a solid start with over 20 music videos which form the basis of 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.”

Interested 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 our cover of “I Won’t Give Up” to 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.”

To visit the Sing For Jyoti music video, go here.

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To learn more about the Sing For Jyoti project, go here.

For further information about Music For Pixels campaigns by The Pixel Project, 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 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)

Pixel Project ThumbnailThe 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 the Positive Music Association (http://www.PositiveMusicAssociation.com)

New PMA logoThe 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 an Artiste: Noah Rickertsen

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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 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.

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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

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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 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.

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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

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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 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.

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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.

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

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m4p_slider-sing-for-jyothi_618 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 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)

Pixel Project ThumbnailThe 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 the Positive Music Association (http://www.PositiveMusicAssociation.com)

New PMA logoThe 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

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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 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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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.