In June 2016, the LGBTQ+ community was shaken to its core when 49 beautiful souls were lost at Pulse nightclub in Orlando. As our community grieved, a powerful musical response emerged that would capture our collective emotions and become an anthem of unity.
“Feel my pulse / With your hand on my heart / You know it beats just as hard as yours”
The lyrics rang out, simple yet profound. The song’s message was clear – we are all human, all equal, all worthy of love and life.
“We have all been devastated by the Orlando Pulse Nightclub shooting,” Eli said at the time. “Brandon and I decided to write a song together to help show our support to the victims. This is that song.”
Brandon (known as Brandon Colbein today) shared similar sentiments: “They have shaken all of us but they WILL NOT break us…
“We decided to do what we do best in order to support those affected and those who lost their lives: Write.”
“I shouldn’t have to leave where I stand / I shouldn’t have to change who I am / To count as a human”
The song quickly became a viral hit, touching hearts far beyond the LGBTQ+ community. In those difficult days and weeks, Pulse offered comfort and solidarity to those who needed it most.
Cover versions began appearing across social media, and the song garnered attention from television shows, with both artists making appearances to discuss their powerful tribute. In a time of darkness, their collaboration became a beacon of love and resilience.
Years later, the song is just as powerful – and it’ll take you back to those days in an instant:
Since creating Pulse, both artists have continued to make meaningful contributions to LGBTQ+ music and culture.
Eli Lieb has remained a powerful voice in independent pop music, releasing his album The Nights We Lived in 2018, which included moving tracks like Until You’ve Fallen Down and Next to You.
His 2021 single Boys Who Like Boys continued his tradition of creating music that celebrates LGBTQ+ themes. His YouTube channel has grown to nearly 350,000 subscribers, where he continues to share both covers and original music.
Brandon Colbein has evolved his artistic vision while maintaining his commitment to authenticity. Known for singles like So Bad and No More Love Songs he’s expanded his sound to incorporate more R&B influences.
Beyond music, Brandon has become a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
Both artists remind us that even in our darkest moments, music has the power to heal, unite, and inspire change.
Their collaboration on Pulse stands as a testament to this truth – a moment when artists used their voices to help a community find strength in unity and hope in harmony.