Tag Archives: Music For Pixels

“16 For 16” Digital EP Artiste Interview: Sarah Carpio

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Sarah Carpio is a Mexican independent singer/songwriter. At the age of 7 she began piano lessons; then her dad taught her to play the guitar. By the time she was 12 years old she was writing her own songs and playing the drums. Her unique music style and lyrics are full of energy and have opened opportunities for her to perform at Art Galleries, Bars and urban events. Her music has taken her to Mexico, USA, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Canada and Spain. Her message? Hope, Love, Faith and FREEDOM.

1. Tell us about “Break Free” – what or who inspired you to write the song?

The lyrics are from my good friend the Poet for Freedom Meg Nezaj. While reading I could picture every word, and I wanted to add the intention to it by placing the words on the right places and giving the interpretation of the feeling women facing and surviving violence have – a feeling of desperation and then a feeling of relief because somebody heard their cry for help.

2. You took part in the Fall 2012 YouTube Cover Carnival earlier this year and now you have contributed your song “Break Free” to the  What makes you so supportive of The Pixel Project’s “Music For Pixels” campaign?

I’m honoured to be part of The Pixel Project’s campaigns because they are taking action in giving a voice and support to women that are being hurt. I believe I can use my music to support and raise awareness.

3. Apart from Music For Pixels, you are also an active participant in the Global Freedom Concerts that raise awareness about human trafficking and slavery (which is also a type of gender-based violence) What drives you to share the your musical gifts in aid of this difficult cause?

I think that using my music to do something else than just singing – having a cause – is really powerful. I can make the sound of freedom heard in every place I perform or where my songs are played. Being part of Global Freedom Concerts has also given me a platform to keep on growing in influence and having an awesome team of freedom fighters all over the world with the same cause. We are a big family who supports and cheers for each other.

4. In your opinion, why can music break through taboos better than simple conversation and how can we use music to start the conversation?

Because music it’s an universal language, it opens peoples ears and can reach their minds and hearts, that’s why I like to sing about hope, faith, love and freedom.

5. What would you say to musicians who are unsure about whether to get involved with difficult causes such as Violence Against Women?

Having a cause to sing for – raising your voice for someone who doesn’t have a voice – is the best thing you can do. Music changes, people change, but a cause stays and affects positively not only this generation but the ones coming up behind us. We are leaving a legacy and saying NO MORE!

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Give someone an empowering musical gift:

Searching for something empowering and uplifting for someone in need of extra encouragement and good vibes? Check out our “16 For 16” digital EP featuring 5 songs aimed at lifting the spirits and empowering survivors of Violence Against Women worldwide via all major online music stores including iTunes, Amazon, Google Music, Spotify and many more. Prices range from US$4.95 to US$6.45 depending on region and retailer and 100% of the proceeds go towards keeping The Pixel Project’s programmes and projects running. The EP will be available for download until 28 February 2013. Just click on the buttons below to be taken to the EP’s download page in your preferred online music store:

LAUNCH ANNOUNCEMENT: The Valentine 2013 YouTube Cover Carnival – A Musical Tribute to the Delhi Gang Rape Victim, Jyoti Singh Pandey

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Carousel Slide-011 February 2013: After a promising first YouTube Cover Carnival in 2012, The Pixel Project, the award-nominated volunteer-led virtual non-profit social enterprise working to end Violence Against Women (VAW) worldwide, is pleased to launch their second YouTube Cover Carnival contest which runs from 1 – 28 February 2013 in conjunction with the Valentine’s Day season. The Valentine 2013 YouTube Cover Carnival is dedicated to the Delhi Gang Rape Victim, Jyoti Singh Pandey, in honour of her courage and strength in fighting her attackers and her injuries to the very end.

Regina Yau, Founder and President of The Pixel Project said: “The Pixel Project has decided to make our Valentine 2013 YouTube Cover Carnival a musical tribute to Ms. Pandey because we believe that her death should not be in vain. We hope that the songs we have chosen for up-and-coming YouTube artistes from all over the world to cover in memory of Ms. Pandey will be a positive way of continuing the momentum of the anti-VAW activism her death inspired in communities in India and beyond.” Continue reading →

Music For Pixels Interview: Tony Grant of Perilous Landings vzw

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The Belgium-based video production company Perilous Landings vzw came to be involved with the Music For Pixels campaign with its founder, Tony Grant, was roped in by Tony O’Malley to produce the music video for his song ‘Nicoletta’ that was selected as one of the five songs on The Pixel Project’s ’16 For 16′ charity digital EP. In this interview, Mr. Grant talks about why he supports the cause to end violence against women and what filmmakers like himself can do to help raise awareness of this human rights issue.

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picasa roskam 16 (1)1. Tell us about Perilous Landings vzw and how you came to be involved with The Pixel Project’s “16 For 16” digital EP under their “Music For Pixels” campaign.

 Tony: Perilous Landings vzw is based in Belgium providing video production services and the creation of multimedia content for distribution on CD-ROM, DVD, Blue-ray and the web as well as producing for broadcast and exhibition. Perilous Landings vzw makes low budget films for cultural and historical groups at the community level.  We offer an affordable “production house” facility to the smaller and and budget restrained organizations and community groups by having “Precious Legends” only charge expenses and equipment costs to a project and a small percentage to help fund Perilous Landings vzw. We combine our artistic and technical skills to produce a product unique to the client and also that makes good business sense for their needs.

My great friend Tony O’Malley brought the “16 for 16” project to my attention.  We both feel that violence against women is a very important topic that is not talked about enough.  We know that abuse to women by men happens on a daily basis and it is very important that they can find support from understanding people who are able to help them. Continue reading →

Music For Pixels Partner Interview: Mike and Michelle Stevens from Lost Monkey Studio

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1. Tell us about Lost Monkey Studio and how you came to partner with The Pixel Project on music campaigns such as the YouTube Cover Carnival and how you are helping with the campaigns.

Mike and Michelle: One of our label artists wrote a song that represents hope and new life for women who are suffering or have suffered violence. He really wanted to donate the proceeds of this song to help end violence against women, and we ended up finding The Pixel Project. All of the hard work, motivation and passion Regina and her team have shown, has made us proud to be partnering with them. Lost Monkey Studio has since worked on the Youtube Cover Carnival campaign with Music for Pixels, and donated studio time, mixing/mastering and production for the winners of that contest. Continue reading →

Music for Pixels Partner Interview: Nick Dunn of Horus Music

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Horus Music is one of The Pixel Project’s campaign partners. They sponsor online distribution and licensing services for songs and albums/EPs for The Pixel Project’s Music for Pixels campaign. Company founder Nick Dunn shares his thoughts with us about working with The Pixel Project and using music in the effort to end violence against women.

Since the age of 7, Nick has been involved in music, learning to play the electronic organ and then trumpet and piano.  Nick successfully passed three grade eight examinations with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and participated in many orchestras, jazz bands, brass bands and wind bands.  Having studied three degrees at the University of Huddersfield, (Music, Music Education and Master of Arts in Orchestral Conducting) Nick went on to teach and examine music.  A successful period teaching music did not give Nick the fulfillment he searched for so he went on to become his own boss and started work within the music industry, beginning with learning the ropes and managing artistes.  Being in the music industry has given Nick the opportunity to broaden his knowledge of music and the world, meet exciting and very dedicated people, help a lot of people around the world, and experience something different every day.

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1. Tell us about Horus Music and how you came to partner with The Pixel Project on music campaigns such as the YouTube Cover Carnival and how you are helping with the campaigns? 

When I was growing up, my family was always involved with raising money for various charities so doing something for someone else has always been a part of my life.  I was also in the scouting movement so you not only got involved with lots of things, but you promise to think of others and it’s been something I have kept even out of scouting as it’s a positive thing to live by.  My wife is also active in charity work and for myself when I went through a bad patch there were people there to help me get back on my feet, so I really do understand the importance of the good work people do. Continue reading →

“16 For 16” Digital EP Interview: Pete Ahonen

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Pete Ahonen, an East Bay native / singer-songwriter — pairs his blend of ‘alt-country / folk-rock’ with an incredible knack for storytelling, a unique voice and raw, honest delivery that draws the listener in and makes them feel like they’re witnessing something real… something special. When you see Pete perform, you definitely get the impression that he’s not just playing the music — he is the music. Pete’s  first full-length release recently launched in November – 2012 through Lost Monkey Records.

1. Tell us why you decided to take part in The Pixel Project’s “16 For 16” Digital EP.

Your heart and your music together have a way of becoming stagnant if you’re just thinking about yourself all the time. You see all these musicians who make a lot of money, who have big record contracts, and who are just too self focused. I believe that we weren’t created this way – we were made to give pieces of ourselves back to others and I hope this song can do that in some way.

2. What inspired you to write “A Day Will Come”?

I was watching a documentary about human trafficking and one of the stories in particular really got to me. Basically a woman was kidnapped and sold into sexual slavery. When the authorities had presumed her dead, her husband didn’t give up and continued searching for her. He finally rescued her after 7 years, and all the obstacles and personal hell she had to face in the aftermath were both humbling and inspiring.  “A Day Will Come” was inspired by her story, but it’s not necessarily just about that. It’s really a metaphor that’s meant to reach people on many different levels. Continue reading →

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: Jess Greenberg

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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 UK-based YouTube artiste Jess Greenberg who submitted her acoustic cover of Kelly Clarkson’s “Dark Side” for our Fall 2012 YouTube Cover Carnival.

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Jess Greenberg has been playing the guitar for around seven years, but has sung and loved music for as long as she can remember. She has always really enjoyed performing, which led her to share some videos on YouTube. Now having been invited to take part in the Cover Carnival, she is grateful for the opportunity to use something she loves to be part of such a great cause.

1. Tell us about yourself – Why did you start sharing your music on YouTube and why you decided to take part in the YouTube Cover Carnival.

I’ve always loved playing the guitar and singing, and I’ve always enjoyed performing. I think I started sharing videos on YouTube because I liked the idea of being heard by people I didn’t know. I wanted to see what people thought of me and try to improve as a musician.

I wanted to take part in the Cover Carnival because it was an opportunity to be part of something new for me, and to be part of such an important cause.

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

Going to a girls’ school, the importance of the rights and empowerment of women has been a major subject for me. Violence against women is a terrible abuse of human rights and it shocks me that it is still such a prevalent issue and is affecting so many women even in our current day and age. I’m honored to have the opportunity to be part of such a brilliant cause.

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

For me, music is way of expressing yourself. Music can help to convey the message to end violence against women, bring together peoples’ emotions 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?

There are so many musician that I look up to, as do millions of people around the world. Musicians can help by using their platform to reach the people that listen to their music and convey important messages such as ending violence against women.