It’s been almost a month since the massacre at Pulse nightclub in Orlando and many of us are still mourning the loss of a friend or family member. While nothing can take the pain away, a few artists have created a song in honor of the slain victims in hopes that it promotes healing and acceptance. Songwriter Justin Trantor, who has penned hits like ‘Sorry’ for Justin Bieber and ‘Can’t Keep My Hands to Myself’ by Selena Gomez shares the origins of the song with Billboard.
“Like the rest of the world I woke up to the news that morning and was horrified and sad and scared,” says Tranter. That same weekend, he signed on as a volunteer at The Center Orlando. “I called them and said, ‘If I fly up is there something for me to help with?’ They say, ‘We need as many hands as we can possibly get,'” thus the origins of the song title.
“Mary J. Blige recorded in New Orleans. Britney Spears in Thousand Oaks, I think. Pink in Santa Barbara,” Tranter explained. “MNEK recorded at home in London. Selena recorded in her studio bus. Dan Reynolds recorded in his home. Adam Lambert was in Luxembourg. Ty Herndon the country star was in Spain. Kacey Musgraves, Nashville. Everyone just got it done.” Jussie Smollett, Halsey, Meghan Trainor, Juanes and RuPaul are even lending vocals for the cause!
GLAAD CEO Sarah Kate Ellis tells Billboard that by these artists using their platform to spread awareness, they are creating a way for acceptance. “When you hear the song it talks about hate being the driver here,” she says, “and that’s important because we have to be able to identify what’s driving these cruel acts in order to stop them. Artists using their platforms to accelerate acceptance is very powerful.”
You guys can listen to the song below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3SKR1VMxTM
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Source: http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7424145/britney-spears-pink-selena-gomez-hands-orlando
