The “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” Interview – Ellis

Posted on June 17, 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 twelfth featured artiste is Ellis. There’s just something about Ellis. She is at once funny and wise, thoughtful and uninhibited, and her captivating voice is matched by her uplifting lyrics. After her Feb 2013 appearance on A Prairie Home Companion, Ellis’ music charted in the Folk Top 100 in iTunes and Folk Top 20 on Amazon.com. She also received hundreds of messages from strangers including, “you exude pure joy”, “I heard you and fell in love” and “I was stopped in my tracks by your music and captivating laugh” as well as “Yours is a voice we all need to hear.” Ellis’ performances are transformational; she leaves her audiences better than she finds them, with softened edges & opened hearts.

A winner of several awards and honors, Ellis has been recognized both for her songwriting skills as well as her engaging performances. Many folk festivals have “audience choice” awards, and Ellis has claimed those honors at Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, Moab Folk Festival, and Sisters Folk Festival. She also won the Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk Contest in 2013, the Midwest Mountain Stage New Song Contest (US) in 2011 and the award for the Just Plain Folks (International) Best Female Singer Songwriter Album in 2009.

Ellis contributed her song, “You Are Royalty To Me” 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 have been blessed with many strong women in my life, including my granny (the inspiration for my song), my mother, my partner and my daughter. Women are leaders, creators, and inspirations to me. I’m excited to be a part of any project that champions the health,happiness, and safety of women.

Why is ending violence against women important to you?

I long for a world where my daughter can grow up and be seen and respected as an equal human being, safe from all objectification and abuse. A world where she can be free.

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

I think music is a powerful tool. It can open people’s hearts and move them. That is how I believe all change and real connection is created; through open-heartedness.

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

I think the first step is to look at how we treat ourselves and others. Not just in our interactions, but also how we speak about others in our songs. Unfortunately we live in a culture that often treats women and girls as objects. What we need are leaders who challenge that.

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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 – Ellen Bukstel

Posted on June 10, 2014 by regina

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 eleventh featured artiste is Ellen Bukstel. Hailed by Pop Star and Social Activist Michael Bolton as “An Amazing Artist And Spirit,” Ellen Bukstel challenges her listeners to laugh, dig deep and embrace the wild emotional rollercoaster we call life with every daring turn of phrase…a rare, bold, real deal maverick, a multi-faceted break the mold original who lays her emotions bare, puts her passions on the line and, without fear, makes the world perk up and pay attention with straight talking, heart on her sleeve, from her soul to yours lyrics.. From hilariously funny to moving compositions of love, remembrance, and social awareness, her songs always hit home. She has been recognised with 14 international fundraising awards for her music videos with songs that have collectively have helped to raise close to a hundred million dollars for community causes such as Housing the Homeless, Human Rights, Helping people with Alzheimers and Children with Wide Spectrum Autism and Raising Awareness about Domestic Violence.

Ellen contributed her song, “You’re Not Better Than Me” 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.

Back in 2005, there was no other issue captured my attention more, at that time, than the tragedy and proliferation of domestic violence (DV) in my community and the country and world. I was fired up and raring to take on the world and so, to arrest and calm my frustration, I wrote my song – an anti-domestic violence called “You’re Not Better Than Me,” and through several DV organisations it has helped to raise hundred of thousands of dollars for DV outreach and education.

I have been speaking and singing AGAINST domestic violence and FOR empowerment of women for many years and I was delighted, through 30/30/30 , to have the opportunity to share my song with women who might be comforted or empowered by the music and lyrics and the intention of my song.

All of the artistes in 30/30/30 have made a commitment to speaking out and that is what music does. It crosses all boundries of race, skin color, religious and spiritual beliefs and socio-economics. We are all PEOPLE who deserve respect and to be safe in the world.

Why is ending violence against women important to you?

Knowing that violent acts and injustices happen to women all around the world makes it everyone’s responsibility to speak out. By being silent we give our consent! Speaking out, or in my case “singing out” is my personal way of helping to educate and to change laws that will make perpetrators accountable and demand protection of women’s rights by enforcing those laws.

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

Music and songs have historically been a unifying force amidst the sometimes turbulent movements of social change. They have had a universal way of bringing awareness about many things. They have shaped our world. The Pixel Project’s 30/30/30 project recognises the commitment of singer-songwriters who are trying to positively influence our culture with their fearless social activism and unwavering commitment to peace and positive change

Music is my way of speaking out against the oppression and injustice. We live in a male dominated world with cultures that, for generations, have perpetuated violent customs and crimes against women. Education and protective laws are important to foster changing attitudes towards women. The more we teach our children at a young age to respect life and family and one another, the more we foster independence and positive self esteem as they grow into adults.

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

If I could do ONE thing through my song to help, I would say to every women that they are “beautiful” and “vital” and “intelligent” and to say to anyone and everyone who tries to minimise their worth: ”You’re Not Better Than Me!”

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The “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” Interview – Debbie Reifer

Posted on June 3, 2014 by Suloshini Jahanath

Our tenth featured artiste is Debbie Reifer. Barbadian singer song/writer Debbie Reifer has a musical style that reflects a tender articulation of the human condition and offers therapy for the soul. Since the successful release of her first single “Amber “ in 2012, which spoke to domestic violence, Debbie has gone on to release her first EP “Hearts Like Mine” and to write music for the critically acclaimed Barbadian movie “Chrissy”. She is nominated for Best New Artist in this year’s Barbados Music Awards and is currently working on her second album. You can follow her updates on Facebook and Twitter, or check out her music videos on YouTube.

Debbie contributed her song, “Amber” 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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The “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” Interview – Courtney Jenaé

Posted on May 27, 2014 by Suloshini Jahanath

Our ninth featured artiste is Courtney Jena é. Courtney began singing at age 15 in high school. After graduating college with a certificate in vocal music, Courtney moved to Los Angeles to pursue her singing career. Shortly thereafter, Courtney signed with an independent record label Wondr Music and released her E.P. “Uncovered” along with a music video for her latest single “Accelerate” which is available on iTunes. Her songs have been featured on TV shows like “Kourtney and Kim Take Miami”, “Bad Girls Club”, MTV’s “Real World” and more. You can find Courtney performing all throughout California. Courtney is an artist to watch out for. With her talent and passion for music, Courtney is poised to take the music world by storm. This is only the beginning. You can follow her updates on Facebook, or check out her music videos on YouTube.

Courtney contributed her song, “Breaking Free” 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 have been singing since I discovered my talent in high school. Since then, I’ve moved to Los Angeles, USA and worked with different producers and songwriters and I’ve also been writing music for others and myself. I want to use my talents to make a difference. Having the opportunity to be a voice in this project to end violence against women is only one of the many ways I am able to contribute. And writing my song ‘Breaking Free’ was a turning point for me, and my growth as a powerful woman.

Why is ending violence against women important to you?

There are many girls and women who face different forms of violence everywhere. It is something that definitely needs to be talked about in order to begin the process of change. Girls and women everywhere shouldn’t feel ashamed of what they’ve been through or are going through now. I know that we can change the future by keeping our ears, minds and hearts open.

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

Music is a universal language that can be shared between any culture. It is one of the easiest and strongest ways to inspire change. There have been many songs throughout history about world peace and ending discrimination, which have inspired cultures to change. Songs such as “Imagine” by John Lennon, and “Same Love” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis are just a couple of examples. Music is an art that every generation can identify with, and it’s just one more way we can help in the efforts of ending violence against women.

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

By getting involved in projects like this, it gives us musicians the opportunity to use our talents for the good of others. To have a voice in ending violence against women is priceless. It’s one more step in the right direction and I feel honoured to be a part of it.

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The “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” Interview – Diverse Attentions

Posted on May 20, 2014 by Suloshini Jahanath

Our eighth featured artiste is Diverse Attentions, a 4-piece band that was formed at the end of year 2009 in Singapore. Full for passion and enthusiasm, they were formed to express their interpretations of music ranging from a wide variety of musical styles, Diverse Attentions shows versatility in their musical works and also their dynamic engagement on stage and towards their audiences. You can follow Diverse Attentions’ updates on Facebook, or watch their videos on YouTube.

Diverse Attentions contributed their song, “Get Up” 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.

We decided to take part in this project because we believe that every woman, and, every person in the world deserves freedom and respect. And through this project, we would like our followers to also receive the message and support this good cause too.

Why is ending violence against women important to you?

Everyone deserves respect, be it women or men. However, not everyone has the courage to step up for their choice and for their freedom. With this project, we know that we can help these women pick themselves up.

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

Music is always a healing tool. It gives off a positive energy to our souls. We can self motivate and inspire ourselves with music. And through this channel, who knows? We can inspire the weaker to stand up and be stronger!

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

Artistes and musicians can do their part by spreading this message to their followers, and also write songs that empower this project!

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The “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” Interview – Darius Lux

Posted on May 13, 2014 by Suloshini Jahanath

Our seventh featured artiste is singer-songwriter Darius Lux, who specialises in soulful, positive music. Darius’ career began in NYC placing songs in Film, MTV & Billboard before being drawn to California’s sunny shores where he’s been touring the West Coast promoting his 3 albums as a soloist & with his band. Darius’ music describes how we can take control of our lives. “For each one of us, life can be full of different fears, but we have to remember that fear is a choice. When we decide we don’t want fear and we have chosen to believe in ourselves instead, we find that we begin to receive the things in life we’ve hoped for.” You can follow Darius’s updates on Facebook, or watch his videos on YouTube.

Darius contributed his song, “Xtraordinary” 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 who specialises in positive and uplifting pop music. When I heard of the campaign and saw the inventiveness and passionate commitment by those involved, I knew I wanted to be a part of this – a movement bringing awareness while also supporting those who have already suffered.

Why is ending violence against women important to you?

I have felt for a long time that much of global society and fairly recent history tends to be biased against women in general and this is ever incredulous to me. We’re talking about the prime source of human life on our planet here – for there to then be violence institutionalised and accepted at any level against women is something that needs to be stopped already.

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

I think music is a great vehicle to bring awareness to many causes. In this particular case, I know the team handpicked each of the songs based on alignment with the cause along with messages of empowerment and empathy that would resonate with those really needing this movement – so music is helping generally and specifically.

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

There are many ways that artists can be creative with music and a cause like ending violence against women. A specific song could be written about it and/or a release or show or tour could be dedicated to bringing more awareness and/or funding.

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The “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” Interview – Bob Sima

Posted on May 6, 2014 by Suloshini Jahanath

Our sixth featured artiste is Bob Sima (pronounced sEYE-ma). Bob’s music begins as a conversation with the Source that lives within each one of us. Bob’s gift is not simply singing to his audience, it is connecting to his audience. His lyrics are inspired by his personal journey of awareness, growth, and transformation. His delivery is humble, palpable, and universally accepted. He is able to capture, in song, what Eckhart Tolle captured through his writings and speeches. Bob’s music reminds us of the lessons, the reminders, the splendor, and experiences that are passed down from our ancient ancestors and master teachers. From his heart to yours, and your heart ours, allow the conversation to live on. You can follow Bob’s updates on Facebook, or watch his videos on YouTube.

Bob conitributed his song, “Shine” 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.

This is a great project! I loved the energy of all of who are a part of it, and it really drew me in to be part of something that has a great intention and great vibe and is truly a great value to humanity.

Why is ending violence against women important to you?

I feel that all life is sacred and all life is equally important, and it is vital to connect at a sacred level with all life – men, women, children and all of earth’s beings. Women and the divine feminine have been suppressed for far too long in a masculine defined world, and this has to change in order for our planet to shift to a higher, more loving and compassionate place.

And specifically, violence against women is unconscionable to me on every level and so I stand with the Pixel Project in creating energy and awareness around ending this cycle by leading humanity to a place of higher consciousness.

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

Music empowers feelings, emotions and intentions that can lead to action. I consider my songs a soundtrack to transformation. The song for this project we chose is “Shine”, because this song speaks to the opening and flowering of consciousness and when we shine, we give others permission to shine as well. If a person comes from their centre, their light, then violence would never be an option and we can see a brighter and more peaceful place for all beings.

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

Start with the songs; they are the quickest vehicle to the heart. The heart is where changes and shifts happen in people. If you can create art that creates change, then you are on the right path!

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The “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” Interview – Andrew Allen

Posted on April 29, 2014 by Suloshini Jahanath

Our fifth featured artiste is Andrew Allen. Andrew’s DIY ability and optimistic attitude have served him well. He’s scored three Top 10 hits in Canada, 2009′s “I Wanna Be Your Christmas”, 2011’s “I Want You” and his biggest single released in 2010 “Loving You Tonight,” which was lodged in the upper reaches of the charts for more than 22 weeks. A lilting, sunny tune about an ideal romance, “Loving You Tonight” helped put Andrew on tour with acts like The Script, Bruno Mars, One Republic, Train, Joshua Radin and The Barenaked Ladies, with the official music video garnering more than 4 million views! Radio play aside, Andrew is a true live performer with an exceptional voice, incredible songs and limitless energy – not too mention a spatter of comic wit and story-telling ability that helps create a dynamic and interactive live show. He’s definitely an artist that embodies the term ‘live’. You can follow Andrew’s updates on Facebook, or watch his videos on YouTube.

Andrew contributed his song, “Write About It” 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’m a singer/songwriter, originally from Canada, now living in LA. Most of my songs have a lot do with love, and with that comes a responsibility, to practice what you preach and not only sing about love, but act in love. So when I was asked to take part in this project, it felt like it was synonymous with the type of art I create, and I knew it was an opportunity to help contribute to a project that was making headway in stopping violence against women.

Why is ending violence against women important to you?

I feel like violence, in general, is wrong, but I especially think that women deserve to be honoured and treated as equals, not oppressed and held down. Aside from the fact that I’m married, the women in my life are such incredible humans, and have been instrumental in the shaping of my life, so to imagine that anyone could use violence to control another person just makes me cringe, which is why I think it’s so important to end violence against women.

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

Music can be such a positive and motivating force. It can provide solace in a tough time and it can almost transport you out of a situation. I think music is an art form that can really saturate a soul, and be a big part of the healing process.

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

I think music artistes have a huge responsibility when it comes to social justice, including violence against women. They have a unique platform to educate and demonstrate how to respect one another. Unfortunately there are artistes that seem to encourage the oppression and violence towards women, and I feel that it’s not just an injustice to the women of this world, but also to the art of music. I think the biggest action that artists can take is to use that platform to change the world into a positive environment for women to feel safe.

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The “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” Interview – Ally Rhodes

Posted on April 22, 2014 by Suloshini Jahanath

Our fourth featured artiste is Ally Rhodes. Ally Rhodes is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist from Omaha, NE based out of Denver, CO. Her most obvious and foremost passion is music, but she also really loves traveling, bad puns, and social justice. She seeks to make a difference in the world by bringing light to important issues in her music, as well as using the platforms on which she may garner any influence to talk about those issues. You can follow Ally’s updates on Facebook and check out her videos on YouTube.

Ally contributed her song “Places That A Mind Should Never Go” to the “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” campaign in support of the Celebrity Male Role Model Pixel Reveal campaign that is 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 very fiercely passionate feminist and I try to take every opportunity that I get in both my career and in my everyday life to raise awareness of feminist issues. The Pixel Project’s commitment to ending violence against women is in perfect alignment with my own mission, so it was a great match!

Why is ending violence against women important to you?

Violence takes many, many forms. Some of them are obvious, but others are not. It’s a pervasive, integral part of our culture that we’ve all internalized as a result of growing up in a patriarchal, heterosexist, cissexist, racist world. I am committed to doing whatever I can to dismantle the harmful, unjust power systems currently in place for the sake of all people, but especially my fellow women.

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

Music is arguably the biggest force of mainstream media. It shapes mindsets, which in turn go on to shape the entirety of our culture. So much of the music on our iPods and radios and TVs is misogynistic in nature, glorifying female submission and encouraging men to be dominant and abusive. These notions are so common that we don’t even think twice about them, but flipping the script and using music to empower women and condemn abusive behavior is jarring. It snaps people out of the norm and makes them actually think about the messages they’re ingesting.

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

First, we need to end the trope of the helpless, pathetic woman needing the strong, important man and stop exalting objectification and abuse of women in our songs. Then we must quit portraying women in music videos as submissive and acquiescent to the whims of men. Then, we need to use the platforms we have as a result of our music to shine the light on the various forms of violence that plague the lives of women everyday. Music is such a powerful medium and the more artists who take a stand, the better a place our world will be for everyone.

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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 – Ali Handal

Posted on April 15, 2014 by Suloshini Jahanath

Our third featured artiste is Ali Handal. Singer, songwriter & lead guitarist Ali Handal has graced stages from L.A. to Australia, Japan and beyond; she’s sung on a Neil Young album, written & performed with Paul Williams, danced with Janet Jackson, performed at Neverland Valley Ranch, heard her songs in TV shows like “Sex In The City,” “iCarly” and “Dawson’s Creek,” performed at the opening of the Les Paul Museum Exhibit, and demonstrated guitars on “The Price Is Right.” Recently, Hal Leonard publishing released Ali’s own Guitar Method book: “Guitar For Girls.” You can follow Ali’s updates on Facebook and check out her videos on YouTube.

Ali contributed her song, “I’m Here” 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 love that this project is an innovative, internet-based way to raise awareness, and involves several other artists I admire. I wanted to be a part of the solution and raise my voice along with 29 other phenomenal artistes in The Pixel Project’s month-long awareness-building campaign.

Why is ending violence against women important to you?

I think it’s important to raise awareness and join in a call to action in ending violence against women. I’m generally a peaceful person and don’t favour violence against anyone, and, especially as a feminist, I believe it’s very important to raise the consciousness of WOMEN to not tolerate any kind of abuse.

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

Music, and the arts in general, can be very powerful. I remember when I was young, I saw the movie “Thelma and Louise,” and in the film, Louise says to Thelma (in regards to her abusive husband), “You get what you settle for.” As a young woman, that movie, and that statement in particular, impacted me STRONGLY, and I was very choosy when it came to who I chose to marry later in life (hint: I didn’t settle!). Now, years later, I’ve written a song called “You Get What You Settle For” in order to pass along that same inspiration I received from “Thelma and Louise.”

I believe that including these types of empowering and encouraging messages throughout the arts is a wonderful, supportive way of encouraging women to make healthy choices regarding the people they surround themselves with, and the types of behaviour they will – and will not — tolerate.

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

Musical artists can continue to write and record powerful songs that encourage women to know their worth, and know that no matter how they are feeling, it is NEVER okay for anyone to hurt or abuse them. Both male and female artists have different strengths and viewpoints to offer – I think it’s wonderful that both men and women are involved in this crusade to end violence against women.

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Music For Pixels

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Tag Archives: Music For Pixels

The “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” Interview – Ellis

The “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” Interview – Ellen Bukstel

The “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” Interview – Debbie Reifer

The “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” Interview – Courtney Jenaé

The “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” Interview – Diverse Attentions

The “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” Interview – Darius Lux

The “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” Interview – Bob Sima

The “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” Interview – Andrew Allen

The “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” Interview – Ally Rhodes

The “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” Interview – Ali Handal