Suloshini Jahanath

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 twenty-third featured artist is  ULRIKA. ULRIKA’S gifted voice and songwriting blurs the lines between pop, indie and electro. Hailing from Stockholm, Sweden, Ulrika crafted her powerful voice throughout many years of choir school and classical training. With a unique and spirited personality, her global appeal and sound has been compared to artists such as Sia, Ellie Goulding, and Gwen Stefani. Aside from lending her eyes to CoverGirl and her voice to an international campaign for Gillette, Ulrika has been featured in H&M’s 2014 summer magazine. She has reached notable success on YouTube with millions of views and thousands of followers, which has led to sponsorships with TC-Helicon and Tannoy Speakers. Ulrika’s debut single “Animal” was well received by bloggers around the world and has been referred to as “epic pop”. She will be releasing her full EP Summer 2015. To learn more about ULRIKA and her music, visit her YouTube channel or follow her on Twitter or Instagram.

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.

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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 ULRIKA. I’m a Swedish pop artist and writer, now located in Atlanta, GA. I have classical schooling, but knew from an early age that the pop genre would be the most natural and important one for me to take on as a career. The Pixel Project’s mission is something I feel strongly about supporting. The overall message in my songs is inspiring and self-empowering. I believe that especially young females need a strong, positive role model in music.

Why is ending violence against women important to you?

I was raised in Sweden which ranks as one of the world’s most gender-egalitarian countries, based on firm belief that men and women should share power and influence equally. Because of the social values of my country and upbringing, I think it’s pretty self-evident that violence shouldn’t exist and especially not violence against women.

In your opinion how does music help in efforts to end violence against women?

Music is one of the most powerful tools to influence society. You can’t escape music.  It’s in your home, at the mall, in the car, on your trip etc. If a song is written correctly it can help spread a positive and educational message to the uninformed. It can raise awareness and inspire the community to take action while empowering the abused women to get out of their situation.

What actions can music artists take to help end violence against women?

We can raise awareness by writing songs on the topic. We can perform and speak at events like The Pixel Project. We can use our “power” and be vocal about issues like this in social media and such outlets to inspire our fans to get emotionally and actively engaged.

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 twenty-second featured artist is Rochelle Diamante.  Also known as RoRo, Rochelle Diamante is the multi-talented, singer-songwriter and actress quickly making a name for herself in Hollywood.  Originally from Seattle, RoRo developed her love for music at an early age and in 2005 decided to begin making music her career. Buzz about RoRo quickly began to spread after she made her debut on YouTube in 2010 where she has amassed over 26 million views.  

RoRo has worked on hit recording and writing projects with various big producers including David Ryan Harris (John Mayer), Blake English (Kelly Rowland, Brandy), Mike Mac (Beluga Heights), and the incomparable Lauren Christy (The Matrix Team). After signing with Buskin Records/WBR in 2014, RoRo has been working tirelessly with an amazing team on production of several new singles and a new video scheduled for release in 2015. To find out more about Roro, follow her on Twitter and Instagram, or check out her videos on YouTube.

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.

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Tell us about yourself and why you have decided to take part in The Pixel Project’s Music For Pixels Summer Charity Concert.

I’ve been singing since I was 10 years old and ever since I started, I’ve wanted to use my music to make a difference. There are so many women who need help and I am honoured to help raise awareness for this cause.

Why is ending violence against women important to you?       

It’s wrong! Violence in general needs to stop. But there are women dealing with violence everyday, trapped and scarred. We can make a difference.

In your opinion how does music help in efforts to end violence against women?

Music is life. It’s all around us. There is not one person on earth who doesn’t have a favourite song, favourite band, etc… Play music and people will come and be more willing to learn about the cause and help in any way they can.

What actions can music artists take to help end violence against women?

Music artists have an influence on their fans that can help shine a light on issues their fans may not have known about. Opening their minds is the doorway to opening their hearts to help those in need while at the same time giving them knowledge to prevent it from ever happening to them.

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 twentty-first featured artist is Olivia Thai.  She is a powerhouse name in the Asian American new media scene for comedy and music. She posted her first video on YouTube in 2007, which grew quickly to amass over 21 million views, 150,000 loyal fans, and appearances in magazines, newspapers, television, and film.

She has since moved on from her days in sketch comedy, and in less than a year, the combination of her unique persona and thought-provoking original music has gained worldwide media coverage. Olivia and her guitar, Monna Lisa Lucille are currently on an international tour performing the 100+ original songs written in two months. To find out more about Olivia, check out her videos on YouTube.

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.

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Tell us about yourself and why you have decided to take part in The Pixel Project’s Music For Pixels Summer Charity Concert.

Hello! I’m Olivia, a musician and comedic actress who has been in the public eye for a decade now.  There couldn’t be a better time for me to participate in The Pixel Project’s Music for Pixels Summer Charity Concert personally, but I truly believe this is a deeply rooted issue that can and has negatively affected generations of people. I recently wrote and released a song specifically dedicated to victims of domestic abuse, and I am truly honored to play this live for the first time on the internet at this event.

Why is ending violence against women important to you?       

I believe that there simply needs to be more love and trust in today’s society.  Ending domestic violence against women, men, and children will change all our lives for the better. Love and trust can be restored between strangers, and ultimately, that is what I want for all people.

In your opinion how does music help in efforts to end violence against women?

Violence derives from anger and results in pain. I have and always will deal with both of these emotions through music and creativity. I want to help the community the best way I know how, which is sharing my experiences through music.

What actions can music artists take to help end violence against women?

I understand that it is difficult to relate if they haven’t personally experienced or witnessed domestic violence cases. However, when we take the time to do our research and reach out to people outside of our comfort zones, we can help many more people through the arts. This is something I do on a daily basis. I allow everyone I meet to inspire my music. It is a truly humbling experience, and I highly encourage all songwriters to explore this.

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 twentieth featured artist is Nathen Aswell. A gifted speaker and recording artist based in Vancouver, Canada, and he believes that his calling in this life is to inspire and heal through his words and music. His CDs “Little By Little” and “YES” are celebrations of life, transformation, evolution and the oneness of humanity.  Nathen honours his calling by speaking and performing internationally at Conferences, Concerts, Men’s Retreats and Churches, presenting his music, stories and humour with his voice and the NS Stick (an 8-stringed electronic instrument that can be plucked like a bass, strummed like a guitar, or tapped with both hands like a piano). To find out more about Nathen, follow him on Facebook, or check out his videos on YouTube.

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.

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Tell us about yourself and why you have decided to take part in The Pixel Project’s Music For Pixels Summer Charity Concert.

My mission is to inspire and heal through my words, actions and music, and being a part of The Pixel Project is an opportunity to do just that.

Why is ending violence against women important to you?       

Ending violence against ANY being, male or female, is important to me. We are all manifestations of God / Higher Consciousness / Perfect Love and every one of us needs to be fully loved, honoured and celebrated as such.

In your opinion how does music help in efforts to end violence against women?

It helps to raise awareness and change consciousness in a way that words alone cannot.

What actions can music artists take to help end violence against women?

LISTEN to the women in our lives. Let them fully tell their stories, so that our hearts break and we fully understand the issue in our HEARTS – not just in our heads.

Share stories / write songs about how this issue has personally affected us (the music artists) and the women in our lives.

Be a part of events like this Pixel Project concert to help raise awareness.

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.

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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.

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 seventeenth featured artist is L. Young. Born and raised in Louisville, KY, L. Young was groomed for music in the church. By age 5, he was already singing in the adult choir. While attending the prestigious “Youth Performing Arts High School” in Louisville, he performed abroad in Belgium (Brussels), Bahamas, the UK (London), and the U.S. L.Young is an established artist, writer, and performer who has been credited for writing, music, and production for several artists, as well as platinum selling soundtracks. Writing credits include the top 5 single and title track off Jessy J’s #1 Billboard debut Album “Hot Sauce.” Keke Wyatt’s projects, “Who Knew” and “Unbelievable.” He is also credited for music in film and network TV to include: BET’s The Game, ABC’s According To Jim, 20/20, One Life To Live, VH1’s Basketball Wives, USA Network’s Burn Notice, also the movies Don Jon. Booty Call, and The Long Kiss Goodnight among others. He has recently released his 4th album entitled “ReVerb” featuring his Billboard Urban AC top 20 single ‘Love Is A Verb.’  To find out more about Young, follow him on Facebook, or check out his videos on YouTube.

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.

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Tell us about yourself and why you have decided to take part in The Pixel Project’s Music For Pixels Summer Charity Concert.

I was born and raised in Louisville, KY to a wonderful single mother. I witnessed first hand violence against her from a few unhealthy relationships she had as my brother and me were growing up. It was not only devastating to her but to us as well. it seemed there was no one there to speak for her or us as a family. That’s why I’m lending my voice today.

Why is ending violence against women important to you?  

Because no civilization can rise higher than its woman. How high you elevate, respect and honor the mothers, sisters, and daughters of society determines what heights you can reach as a nation.

In your opinion how does music help in efforts to end violence against women? 

Music is and always will be one of if not the most effective tools for social change. Music shapes thoughts, and those thoughts become action. I don’t know anyone on this planet who doesn’t listen to music of some sort. They may not watch TV or movies, possible don’t choose to or are unable to read, can’t see the beauty in a painting, or maybe hate the theater. But music, need I say more?

What actions can music artists take to help end violence against women?

Speaking out more and louder. Creating more positive contents towards women and making music that promotes healthy relationships..

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 sixteenth featured artist is Lauren Ruth Ward. In 2012, Baltimore, Maryland, Lauren Ruth, whose smoky voice and raspy tone show vulnerability and strength, was recognised on YouTube for one of her cover songs gaining over 1 million hits, capturing the attention of labels such as Warner Brothers Records, Sony Records and Copeland Entertainment.  

Ward’s fan base crosses from folk to rock and easily appeals to country fans as well as mainstream audiences. She made her first radio debut on 89.7 WTMD’s Baltimore Hit Parade. In 2014, Ward signed with Copeland Entertainment Management. In less than one year, she’s written with Lauren Christy and world renowned Producer Linda Perry. Ward is set to release her EP in Fall 2015.  To find out more about Lauren, follow her on Twitter, or check out her videos on YouTube.

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.

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Tell us about yourself and why you have decided to take part in The Pixel Project’s Music For Pixels Summer Charity Concert.

I’ve decided to take part because I feel very passionately for what The Pixel Project stands for. As a child, my parents always stressed the importance of equality. In some parts of the world, I believe violent acts against women are triggered by inequality. Music applies to all races, sexes and ages. By reaching out musically, there is great hope of opening more eyes and touching more minds thus shinning a light on this very serious issue.

Why is ending violence against women important to you?      

I am so fortunate to live in a country where women rarely face half the brutality that others endure. As a human, it makes me sick to know cruelties such as genitalia mutilation and trafficking are happening everyday. As a woman, I feel it is only logical to do what I can to help end these cruelties and others.

In your opinion how does music help in efforts to end violence against women?      

I remember learning in history class that music came before language. It is in every culture. In my life, it’s usually the number one topic I use to relate to whomever I am meeting. I’ve also used music many times as a healing mechanism for death, heartache or just a bad day. It applies to all races, sexes and ages. By reaching out musically, we can touch lives who’ve suffered and gain attention from those who can help.

What actions can music artists take to help end violence against women?

Not only taking part in events like The Pixel Project’s Summer Charity Concert but sharing my experience and how great it feels to be able to help others will spread the word about violence against women. Hopefully one day I will be able to give generously to charities I feel so passionate about such as The Pixel Project.