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 sixteenth featured artiste is Laura Berman. Originally hailing from the NYC music scene, Laura tours extensively nationwide and has reached acclaim for her soul-touching vocal power and accessible yet poetic songwriting style. Laura has been compared to the likes of Carole King, Sara Bareilles and the legendary Janis Joplin, and has performed alongside best-selling authors Neale Donald Walsch and Marianne Williamson as well as at the renowned Agape International Spiritual Center in Los Angeles. While in NYC, Laura was a session singer as well as a touring singer/songwriter, and was a featured vocalist in the children’s feature film release, “Clifford’s Really Big Movie” and accompanying Soundtrack. Now residing in Portland, Oregon, Laura has just released her 4th CD, “Everything in Between” and will be touring in 2014 in support of its release. Follow Laura on Facebook or Twitter.
Laura contributed her song, “Voices” 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 was so inspired by the work of The Pixel Project; not only does the organisation have the vision and passion for change, but they have the leadership and tools to educate and inspire in a big way. And I wanted to be part of changing the way people think in this big way.
Why is ending violence against women important to you?
I believe that violence is present so it may heal; when it’s healed in the hands of the perpetrator, it’s healed in the world and the cycle of violence is broken. When we can all agree that violence against women is violence against the heart of humanity, and since we are all part of that heart and it is an act against all, then we can agree that this violence is no longer tolerated.
In your opinion how does music help in efforts to end violence against women?
Music provides a level of inspiration that reaches inside a person – the vibration shifts us, the lyrics give our minds a new perspective to ponder, the notes move our hearts to new and different levels. Music compels us and when we’re compelled, we move to change our lives, and the lives of others. We’re moved to grow through the power of music…and through this, music helps in ending violence against women because it empowers from the deepest core.
What actions can music artistes take to help end violence against women?
As an artist, and a person, I know that my work starts with me. So I can look at how I’ve been affected by violence against women, and can move through the introspection and reflection, into creating music and song, which will then inspire others to take a stand as well.
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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.
