Listen to Interscope and GLAAD’s Star-Studded Orlando Benefit Song, “Hands”

Music News

Last month, the worst mass shooting in U.S. history left 49 people dead in an Orlando gay nightclub.

Now, several big names in the music industry have joined forces for a new “We Are the World”-style benefit song called “Hands.”

The track was co-written by Justin Tranter of Semi-Precious Weapons alongside Grimes collaborator BloodPop and songwriter Julia Michaels. Tranter, BloodPop and Mark Ronson produced the song.

The track features appearances by Mary J. Blige, Britney Spears, Tyler Glenn, Selena Gomez, P!nk, Halsey, Ty Herndon, Imagine Dragons, Juanes, Adam Lambert, Mary Lambert, Jennifer Lopez, The Trans Chorus of Los Angeles, Kacey Musgraves, MNEK, Jason Derulo, Alex Newell, Prince Royce, Nate Ruess, RuPaul, Troye Sivan, Jussie Smollett, Gwen Stefani and Meghan Trainor.

Tranter told Billboard that he came up with the idea after volunteering at the Orlando Center the day of the attack and meeting Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) CEO Sarah Kate Ellis while there.

“We didn’t want to have any trendy electronic elements,” said Tranter. “We wanted it to sound classic, timeless and human. We want this anthem of positivity to be played for years to come.”

The song is a collaboration between GLAAD and Interscope Records, with all proceeds going directly to the Equality Florida Pulse Victims Fund, the GLBT Community Center of Central Florida and GLAAD. Stream it via YouTube below and purchase it on iTunes here.

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