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 second featured artiste is Adam Web. Adam Web = optimistic acoustic funk. Though living in Philadelphia, PA, his career began about 10,000 miles across the world in Australia. It was here, while studying abroad, that Adam began writing of his inspiring travels and experiences. The music that emerged was shaped with percussive guitar grooves, soulful vocals, and spiritually conscious sentiment. With his rootsy approach he has drawn comparisons to such contemporaries as Jack Johnson, Dave Matthews, and Jason Mraz, but still maintains a definitive sound of his own. This sound has made its way across the U.S with his last album “Once We Were Stars” being played on over 100 college radio stations in 2010. It also caught the ears of 2 major TV networks, as his single “Standstill” was used in an episode of MTV’s “The Real World Las Vegas (2011)” and his song “Life is My Play” was used on Oxygen’s “The Bad Girls Club (2011)”. Through multiple tours, Adam has performed in 14 states across the country including such festivals as South by Southwest (Austin, TX) and Musikfest (Bethlehem, PA). He has performed at such prominent venues as the Hard Rock Café in Nashville, TN and MilkboyPhilly in Philadelphia, PA. Follow Adam’s updates and videos on Facebook and YouTube.
Adam has written the song “A Toast To All You Do” especially for 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.
When I was asked to join The Pixel Project’s “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” project I was very excited to participate. I write many songs filled with positivity, hope, and love, but didn’t have one that truly worked for this setting. So, I decided to write a song about the importance of women in our lives. Using my mother and my wife as my inspiration, I thought about what the world would be like with out them. My conclusion was that it would be a world completely out of balance. It would be a world severely lacking love and compassion. I decided to take part in this project, because I feel the need to celebrate women and their ever important role in our lives.
Why is ending violence against women important to you?
I think that when we envision any of the important women in our lives in danger, our protective nature kicks in. If we can expand these feelings beyond our immediate families and friends to that of all woman across the world, amazing things can happen. Ultimately I feel that a shift in consciousness changes the world and I want to be a part of that change. I want to help restore balance in this world, and that cannot happen if women are suppressed and harmed.
In your opinion how does music help in efforts to end violence against women?
If you are trying to spread a message that needs to reach many nations and languages, you’ll need to have something that can universally speak to everyone. I believe that music bridges these gaps. Even if the lyrics are written in a specific language, the music, melodies, and emotion felt in the delivery of the song can speak volumes to the listener. We can raise awareness about the issue of violence against women through this universal language.
What actions can music artists take to help end violence against women?
Musicians can use their voice. They can weave their message throughout their songs and use their story telling abilities to help people relate to what they are saying. They can raise awareness that this issue exists all over the world spanning all cultures and races. Starting a conversation is such an important step in beginning the healing process for an issue like ending violence against women. The more we talk, the more opportunities there are for creating solutions and music can be the spark that get’s people talking.
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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.
Noah 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 
Katie Hull
