As part of The Pixel Project’s Music For Pixels Summer Charity Concert, we talk to the music artists who have participated in the concert about why they are using their music to speak out and to say NO to violence against women.
Our first featured artist 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.
The Music For Pixels Summer Charity Concert was held in support of the Celebrity Male Role Model Pixel Reveal campaign 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$1 and while the Music For Pixels Summer Charity Concert Indiegogo fundraiser is still running from June 5th to July 5th 2015, donors can donate to get exclusive music and artist goodies ranging from personal Skype concerts to treat bundles for the serious music lover.
Tell us about yourself and why you have decided to take part in The Pixel Project’s Music For Pixels Summer Charity Concert.
Sing-Sing: As a popular music artist on YouTube and ambassador to The Pixel Project, we believe we are blessed with the responsibility to send a global message to raise awareness about violence against women. It is our hope that The Pixel Project’s Music For Pixels Summer Charity Concert will be an extraordinary way to empower and strengthen the spirits of victims and survivors of violence against women.
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.