All Things Go has proudly released “Jesus and John Wayne,” the first installment of their upcoming benefit compilation via Futures Music Group. 100% of the proceeds from the compilation will be donated in support of The Ally Coalition, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to bettering the lives of LGBTQ+ youth.
All Things Go has been partnered with The Ally Coalition since 2023. They have worked together to raise awareness about the systemic inequalities facing LGBTQ+ youth through onsite programming, artist-driven engagement and now this exciting musical compilation. Featuring a diverse group of artists from the All Things Go community performing a combination of original songs and collaborations, the compilation will be available in its entirety this fall.
Since its inception in 2011, All Things Go has been known for centering female and non-binary lineups, which have included queer icons like boygenius, MUNA, and Janelle Monáe. This year, fans are looking forward to performances by Doechii, Lucy Dacus, Kesha, MARINA, Lola Young and many more.
“Jesus and John Wayne,” is written by googly eyes and features emerging voices Allison Ponthier and Joy Oladokun. It was inspired by the 2020 New York Times Bestselling book of the same name by Kristin Kobes du Mez, which Ponthier happened to be reading when she found out about the song. It is a powerful, anthemic reclamation of spirituality, a healing balm for anyone who has been cast aside by the American Evangelical church. Too many members of the LGBTQ+ community share the same story of growing up in the church and being painfully shouldered out by politics and thinly veiled hatred for anyone who isn’t straight, white and male. googly eyes shared in a statement:
Anyone who’s gone through deconstruction knows how devastating and lonely it can feel. I hope this song resonates with those people.
“Jesus and John Wayne” is musically quite simple, with the bulk of its fire power coming from its angelic harmonies and hard-hitting lyrics right from the beginning (“I liked the teachings of Jesus so much that I followed him right out the door / When steeples kept preaching with hate on their tongues, and distaste for the meek, mild and poor”). Still, googly eyes illustrates a tension that so many experience when their identities, morals and values no longer align with that of the American Evangelical church: “What a devastation, a deep separation / a chasm of heart, head, and soul / And they’ll curse why I’m leavin’, blame my unbelievin’ / But Lord knows I didn’t wanna go”
“Jesus and John Wayne” is available to stream wherever you listen to music. Tickets to All Things go are available for purchase here.
For more information on how to help in the fight for equality for LGBTQ+ youth, check out The Ally Coalition.
Keep up with googly eyes: Instagram // TikTok // Substack // Spotify
Keep up with Joy Oladokun: Instagram // TikTok // Spotify
Keep up with Allison Ponthier: Instagram // TikTok // Spotify
