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.
——————————————————————————————————————–
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.
————————————————————————————————–
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.
