Google Unveils Star-Studded Crowdsourced Single For Mardi Gras

The annual celebration of Mardi Gras has arrived once more, and what better way to signify the event's spirit of inclusiveness and acceptance than with a star-studded single written with assistance from more than 1000 Australians?

Well, there's no better way, according to Google Australia, who today unveiled its track (If It Ain't For Everyone) It Ain't Love, featuring contributions from the likes of Eurovision misfire Guy Sebastian, Megan Washington and The Jezabels.

Designed to raise awareness of homophobia and transphobia while raising funds for LGBTI non-profit Twenty10, the track was creatively spearheaded by Youth Group's Toby Martin, with the entire song being created within the confines of Mardi Gras' recent Fair Day celebration. Martin faced the daunting task of trawling through a mountain of lyrics penned by fellow musicians and the general Fair Day public, which had been compiled and shared via Google Docs during the day. Once armed with the right words, Martin whipped up the tune and even had the time to perform the song at Fair Day's main stage.

Don't fret if you weren't there, though — the song is available for free download now via Google Play, with the search-engine megalith contributing $1 per download to Twenty10, up to $50,000 (in addition to $10,000 already donated to Twenty10 the day the song was created).

Check out this sweet, uplifting little video below of the lyrics being crowdsourced at Fair Day, including screenshot footage of the contributions from Sebastian, Washo and The Jezabels.

If you're in the area, this year's Sydney Mardi Gras Parade goes down tomorrow, 7 March. See the event's website for more information about the remaining activities and attractions between now and Sunday's closing shindigs.