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 seventh featured artist is Barbadian singer song/writer Debbie Reifer who has a musical style that reflects a tender articulation of the human condition and offers therapy for the soul. Since the successful release of her first single “Amber “ in 2012, which spoke to domestic violence, Debbie has gone on to release her first EP “Hearts Like Mine” and to write music for the critically acclaimed Barbadian movie “Chrissy”. She is nominated for Best New Artist in this year’s Barbados Music Awards and is currently working on her second album. To find out more about Debbie and her music, visit her Facebook page and YouTube channel.
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.
My name is Debbie Reifer and I am a singer/songwriter from Barbados. I’ve decided to take part in The Pixel Project’s Music For Pixels Summer Charity Concert because I am one of the many who knows women directly affected by domestic violence, and I’d like to add my voice to the movements that are dedicated to seeing it eradicated.
Why is ending violence against women important to you?
Humanity is so broken. Hope for healing doesn’t exist without pledging to fully commit to spreading not just an attitude, but a lifestyle of love, respect and non-violence. It needs to be our global norm. No child should grow up seeing women abused in or outside of the home and thinking it’s the norm. No female should be denied the freedom and safety to live without assault.
In your opinion how does music help in efforts to end violence against women?
Music is one of the most powerful mind and attitude changers on the planet. I think music reaches people in the place that encourages the most change – the heart. Pairing great music with a great message? Absolutely, because music definitely helps efforts to end violence against women.
What actions can music artists take to help end violence against women?
We are inundated with music that glorifies the routine disrespect and sexual mistreatment of women physically and emotionally. We are also inundated with music that promotes violence. I would encourage artists to help provide the much-needed balance on the music airwaves and social media sites and write and promote music that returns honour and respect to women; and love & respect for humankind. Help create the new global norm that we need so badly through one of the most powerful viral tools on the planet – music!