Tag Archives: VAW

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

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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 first featured artiste is AHMIR, The Pixel Project’s YouTube ambassador. As 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. Follow AHMIR’s updates and videos on Facebook and YouTube.  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.

AHMIR’s song for the “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” project is their version of Katy Perry’s “Unconditionally”. This is their second anti-Violence Against Women music video PSA for The Pixel Project. The “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” project was held 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$10 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$1 and you can donate here.

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AHMIR

Tell us about yourself and why you decided to take part in The Pixel Project’s “30 Artistes, 30 Songs, 30 Days” project.                  

Sing-Sing: Through YouTube, we understand that we have become role models to many people. Realising that millions of people are watching and listening to our music, we know that we can influence and make a difference to many people all over the world. This ability to touch people through our work on YouTube at anytime and anywhere is what truly inspires us and made us want to take part in the 30/30/30 campaign with our video cover of Katy Perry’s “Unconditionally”.

Why is ending violence against women important to you?                                            

KC: When I was a kid, I witnessed domestic violence in my home. The situation caused me to feel unsafe. I grew up with the notion that violence was not only tolerated, but accepted in my family. As I reached my teen years and watched the females in my family battle such violence, I began to realize that just because a person is physically stronger than you, it does not give them the right to enforce their will against you. I understand how a man treats a young woman early on in life will affect them for the rest of their life. It is important that we teach young men how to treat women properly.

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

Mr. Jones: The powers of melody and harmony have the ability to compliment the sentiment behind just words. Words can definitely be powerful, but music helps to amplify the message that is being communicated.  Music is a powerful, powerful tool.  Unfortunately, it’s a tool that is often used to convey messages that aren’t crucial to human growth.

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

Big Mike: Musicians have a captive audience that listen to the words sung in their songs. The songs move your mind and soul to laugh, cry, dance, etc.  Therefore, musicians should feel it is a privilege to use their unique talents to help raise awareness to end violence against women. You don’t need to change the world, but you have a special platform to perhaps help one young woman out there who is crying inside with pain and feeling hopeless. You can help be that beacon of light to show them that there are supporters and people who care and want you to be a survivor.

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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.

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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.

Interview with an Artiste: Tara-Lynn Sharrock

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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 Australian YouTube artiste Tara-Lynn Sharrock who submitted her cover of Whitney Houston’s “Greatest Love of All” for our Valentine 2013 YouTube Cover Carnival contest which ends at 9PM EST, 14 March 2013.

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Tara1Tara-Lynn Sharrock was born in Durban, South Africa, 1986. Her first song was in Zulu at eighteen months old.  In 1992, Tara-Lynn moved with her parents, two brothers, and two sisters, to Australia, where she took part in several talent contests.  Then in 2004, she moved to USA, where she participated in two musicals along with fundraising concerts to support education programs.  In 2009, she returned to Australia, where she continued her music career.  She reached the Top 6 Under 25 Girls category on the X-Factor show in Australia 2011 but  had to withdraw due to visa issues. She loves music, art, science,  rugby union and classic cars.    

 

 1.  Tell us about yourself and why you decided to take part in the YouTube Cover Carnival.

I decided to take part in the Youtube Cover Carnival because violence against women is a very serious, and unfortunately, far too common blight across the world. As women, as musicians, as people, we must unite against such violence and one such way that I can do that is to take part in a competition that has people behind it, helping promoting it, and getting the word out. My voice is the best method I have for sending meaningful messages that will be heard across the world.    

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

A very close female relative of mine was raped at age sixteen; she then endured nine years of domestic violence, before finally managing to escape. I witnessed the verbal and emotional abuse that she suffered during those years. She has been free from abuse since.  It was her vow to ‘never be a victim again’ that has inspired in me a strength and a desire to spread a message of love, support, and finding that strength in oneself.  Ending violence against women is so important to me because  I have seen firsthand just how damaging it can be to a person. No one should ever have to live in fear.

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

Music is one of the most, if not the single-most powerful methods by which to send messages of any kind to everyone. It transcends all languages and all borders and connects people on a deep emotional level. It can inspire them to hold one another, laugh with one another, cry with one another. It can move them to act and inspire them to make changes in society that need to be changed – such as stopping violence against women. There are many women and men who do not stand for such violence. All they need is a voice to inspire them, to unify them and give them that little kickstart to act.    

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 public figures that have become role models whose fans and supporters look up to them.  Music has the power to transcend all and connects people who might not have been connected otherwise. It is a powerful force against division. Music unites. Musicians have the wonderful opportunity to be the voices of the world, reaching out to thousands of people through Youtube and other social media outlets that they might not have been able to reach otherwise. People are more likely to listen to the emotion and message delivered in a powerful song than they are to anything else. Music moves people and drives them to act; and musicians are the catalysts of that action.

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.

ANNOUNCEMENT: The Pixel Project and the Positive Music Association – Partnering to Bring Positive Music to the Forefront of Anti-Violence Against Women Activism

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Positive Music Association

6 March 2013: The Pixel Project, the award-nominated global volunteer-led virtual non-profit social enterprise working to end Violence Against Women (VAW) worldwide, is proud to announce a brand new partnership with the Positive Music Association (PMA). The Pixel Project and the PMA will be collaborating together on various programmes and projects under The Pixel Project’s ‘Music For Pixels’ campaign.

Music For Pixels ThumbnailRegina Yau, Founder and President of The Pixel Project, said: “Music is a powerful tool for raising awareness about difficult human rights issues such as VAW because it helps break the silence surrounding the violence by educating while entertaining. This is why we created the ‘Music For Pixels’ campaign as the first social media driven anti-VAW music campaign that uses YouTube music videos as a platform for YouTube, independent and up-and-coming artistes worldwide to use uplifting songs to empower women, girls and survivors and to say NO to VAW. Partnering with the PMA is a natural fit because they are committed to using positive music to help change the world for the better. We look forward to working with PMA members in the years to come.”

Scott Johnson, Founder of the PMA said: “We’re honoured to be partnering with the Pixel Project to help bring awareness to the global issue of violence against women. Music is a universal language that can move people in a way words alone cannot. Positive, life-affirming music can inspire both women and men to unite in taking a stand for treating women everywhere with kindness and respect.”

The first collaboration between The Pixel Project and the PMA is the Valentine 2013 YouTube Cover Carnival in honour of the Delhi Gang Rape victim, Jyoti Singh Pandey. The contest is currently running until 9PM EST, 14 March 2013 and PMA artistes are invited to join artistes worldwide in submitting covers of One Direction’s “Little Things” or Whitney Houston’s “Greatest Love of All” for the contest. More collaborative projects for 2013 will be announced over the coming months.

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For further information, please contact Regina Yau or Joy Syiem – music4pixels@thepixelproject.net

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 through innovative, powerful viral campaigns across various online and virtual channels including social media. Their first project is to turbo-charge global awareness about VAW using social media while raising US$1 million for the U.S.A.’s National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, The Pixel Project and other anti-Violence Against Women nonprofits by getting a global audience to collectively unveil a million-pixel mystery collage of Celebrity Male Role Models at US$1 per pixel.

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.

“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:

Music For Pixels Partner: Mike Kalombo of Kalombo Media

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Meet Mike Kalombo, founder of Kalombo Media and one of our partners for the Music For Pixels campaign who has generously donated a production session for the Grand Prize Winner of the Valentine 2013 YouTube Cover Carnival. Mike is a music producer, songwriter and filmographer, best known for his music production on some of the most viral videos on YouTube. Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, he now resides in the United States. He has worked with both YouTube stars and music industry moguls, like Jermaine Dupri and quickly became one of the most sought after producers in the industry. Labeled the Quincy Jones of the digital era, he has collaborated with artistes such as Lisa Lavie, Sha Sha Jones, Destorm, Da Brat, Jenna Marbles , Ahmir, Erika David, Traphik, Shane Dawson, Alphacat, Wax and many more. 

Mike recently took a bit of time out of his busy schedule to talk to us about why he supports the cause to end violence against women.

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Mike Kalombo_compressed1. Tell us about what you do and how you came to be sponsor the production prize for The Pixel Project’s Valentine 2013 YouTube Cover Carnival contest

I`m  a music producer, signed under Jermaine Dupri’s Record label So So Def, and CEO and Founder of KALOMBO MEDIA. I believe in the message behind this project, it can never be said enough.

2. Why is ending violence against women important to you?

As a husband, father, and son, I couldn’t imagine any harm coming to the women in my life, and wouldn’t wish any on all the women around the world.

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

Music is an international language, a language that any culture can understand. I feel like music speaks to the soul.  With a positive message in   there, it has the power to reach millions of people around the world.

4. In your opinion, how can musicians and producers help encourage people to take an interest in and step up to help stop violence against women?

They can start by doing something about it themselves first. Like the great Michael Jackson says in “Man in the Mirror”, change has to start with you. When others see you do something about it, they can get inspired to contribute to the efforts.

5. In your opinion, how can we encourage young men and boys to take an interest in and step up to help stop violence against women?

Leading by example is a great way to do this. Actions speak louder than words.

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Interested in participating in the Valentine 2013 YouTube Cover Carnival? Find out more here.

Not an artiste but still want to support our work? Give back while giving joy:

Searching for an affordable gift for Valentine’s Day that is both empowering and uplifting for someone in need of that extra encouragement and love? 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. Just click on the buttons below to be taken to the EP’s download page in your preferred online music store: