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 nineteenth featured artiste is Mary Scholz. Philadelphia raised and Los Angeles based Indie Singer/Songwriter Mary Scholz has spent the past seven years on the road, playing shows in songwriter venues and festivals all over the country. Singing since the age of four and writing since the age of fourteen, Mary’s music is a blend of lyric folk & pop/rock with a bittersweet twist that puts her in a category of her own.
She’s come a long way since her start singing in choirs, school shows and playing in the school band, with a 2011 Hollywood Music and Media Award nomination for her song, “Tennessee,” released on her third EP, “Water Rising.” A graduate of The University of the Arts, Scholz released her first full length album, “The Girl You Thought You Knew,” in February of 2014. It’s release was supported by a three month tour of the US.
“I write about things that matter to me – things that are close to my heart. It’s my hope that through music we can connect to one another, to better understand that we are all alike and that no one is alone.” To find out more about Mary, follow her on Facebook, or check out her videos on YouTube.
Mary contributed her song, “Beautiful Girl (Live My Life)” 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.
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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.
I was born and raised just outside of Philadelphia and music has always been a huge part of my life. I’ve been singing and writing since I can remember. With the Pixel Project, I am grateful to have the opportunity to use my music to pass along a message of hope and reminder of strength to those women who have suffered at the hand of violence, be it physical or emotional. That is the biggest goal for me where my songs are concerned – for those that listen to know that they are not alone in their struggles. If the music can be a source of strength, then I have done my job.
Why is ending violence against women important to you?
Along with raising us with a love for all things musical, my parents were very firm and purposeful about raising my siblings and I with a sense of justice and kindness towards everyone. It seems absurd to me that such violence is so rampant between human beings. Women’s equality is a big issue in my book as well, so I am happy to participate in a project that raises awareness about the issues that women are facing around the world.
In your opinion how does music help in efforts to end violence against women?
Honestly, I believe the music is most largely helpful as a source of comfort to those who have already suffered. I also believe that if the use of music can gain the attention of those who might not be aware of the issues, then that is a wonderful thing.
What actions can music artistes take to help end violence against women?
We can help by continuing to spread a message of love, positivity and hope, as well as participating in projects run by nonprofits such as The Pixel Project!
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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.
