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 nineteenth featured artist is Miguel Dakota. Miguel Dakota is a soulful and passionate singer/guitar player from Colorado. His first encounters with music came from his parents who brought him to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival at just 10 days old. The festival, which brought the music of B.B. King, Aretha Franklin, and Eric Clapton to the stage, left a lasting impact on Miguel’s heart for music. At age 11, Miguel received his first guitar and began learning to play and write music.
In 2014, Miguel was a contestant and finalist on NBC’s Americas Got Talent where he covered such songs as The Beatles “Come Together”, “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes, and “Billie Jean” By Michael Jackson and caught the attention of the masses with his soulful and heart felt vocals. After his first audition, Simon Cowell tweeted, “Miguel Dakota. A future star…”. On the show’s finale episode, Miguel performed alongside the incredible Lenny Kravitz to Lenny’s “American Woman”
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 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 Miguel Dakota. I am a singer/songwriter from Monument, CO. I was a finalist on Season 9 of America’s Got Talent. I have pursuing my love for music since receiving my first guitar at the age of 11. Creating music that is therapy for me and connects to my audience is the reason I love song writing. I wanted to be a part of the Pixel Project Summer Charity Concert because the cause that the concert is benefitting is something I truly want to support.
Why is ending violence against women important to you?
Society has a materialistic view of women. Advertisements, music, and media sell themselves and their products by “selling sex” and associating certain types of beauty with their products. Women themselves then become associated with products and treated as objects. The abuse of women is overlooked because the mind-set of society is apathetic toward people they see as objects. We must realize these negatives and change our mind-sets to protecting women and treating every human being with respect and integrity.
In your opinion how does music help in efforts to end violence against women?
I believe that music is an incredible resource in affecting change in the world. As musicians and artists we have the ability to open hearts and minds through creativity. Music can be used to change the mind-set of it’s audience from viewing women as objects to seeing their true beauty and ending women’s violence.
What actions can music artists take to help end violence against women?
Music artists can join charity events such as the Pixel Project to raise awareness about violence against women. We can also write music that has lyrical integrity and a positive view of women.