In the wake of the tragedy in Orlando, a laundry list of superstar musicians have banded together to make “Hands.” The “We Are The World”-style benefit single and tribute features Mary J. Blige, Selena Gomez, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Neon Trees’ Tyler Glenn, Meghan Trainor, Halsey, Juanes, Ty Herndon, Imagine Dragons’ Dan Reynolds, Adam Lambert, Mary Lambert, Kacey Musgraves, MNEK, Alex Newell, P!nk, Prince Royce, fun.’s Nate Ruess, RuPaul, Troye Sivan, Gwen Stefani, Jussie Smollett from Empire, Jason Derulo, and the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles.
“Hands” came about after pop songwriter Justin Tranter met GLAAD CEO Sarah Kate Ellis while both were in Orlando to help after the worst mass shooting in modern American history. The song focuses on the hand’s ability to destroy and also heal. Tranter, who is gay, did make a point in an interview with Billboard that he doesn’t want to obscure the fact that the victims of the attack were gay.
“I’m not educated enough to speak on the political details,” Tranter said. “I’m a songwriter, not a politician. It could have been a million things but clearly, 100 percent, this was an attack on the LGBT community and people of color.”
Proceeds from “Hands” will go toward the GLBT Community Center of Central Florida, GLAAD, and Equality Florida Pulse Victims Fund.
“Hands” is merely the latest instance of musicians coming together to help after the Pulse shooting. Christina Aguilera released a benefit single as did Jennifer Lopez and Lin-Manuel Miranda. On top of that, scores of popular artists urged Congress to do something about gun control.
(Via SPIN)
