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 ninth featured artiste is Courtney Jenaé. 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.
——————————————————————————————————————–
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.
————————————————————————————————–
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.
