In a remarkable display of artistic unity, some of the biggest names in the music industry have come together to record a new charity album in aid of Warchild, a non-profit organisation that provides aid to children affected by war. The eagerly anticipated ‘Help 2’ album, set for release on 6th March, features an impressive lineup of indie rock artists, including Wet Leg, The Last Dinner Party, Wolf Alice, Fontaines DC, Nilüfer Yanya, Cameron Winter, Ezra Collective, Foals, and Young Fathers.
Over the course of a single week, 23 tracks were recorded at the iconic Abbey Road Studios in London, with collaboration and spontaneity at the heart of the project. Blur’s Graham Coxon lent his guitar skills to a cover of The Magnetic Fields’ ‘The Book of Love’ with Olivia Rodrigo, while Damon Albarn was joined by Johnny Marr, Kae Tempest, and Grian Chatten for his session. Jarvis Cocker even found himself unexpectedly hosting an impromptu Pulp song recording, with the band’s new track ‘Begging for Change’ featuring the enthusiastic vocals of a group of children who were on hand to document the entire process.
The original ‘Help’ album, released in 1995 at the height of Britpop, featured a star-studded lineup that included Noel Gallagher, Paul McCartney, and Paul Weller. This new iteration aims to capture a similar spirit of collaboration and community, with the music industry coming together to raise funds and awareness for a crucial cause.
According to Warchild, the need for assistance is greater than ever, with 520 million children worldwide affected by war – the highest number since the Second World War. With governments cutting international aid, the charity’s work is more vital than ever, and the ‘Help 2’ album hopes to provide a much-needed boost.
“At the moment, there really does seem to be a lot of bad things happening, and a lot of people feel powerless,” says Jarvis Cocker. “They’re looking at the news and they don’t know what to do. So I would hope this album is something the people can enjoy, and also know that they’re trying to make a positive change.”
The album’s first single, Arctic Monkeys’ “Opening Night,” sets the tone with a sparse, ominous ballad that offers a message of hope in dark times. The project’s spontaneity and sense of community are further reflected in Pulp’s contribution, “Begging for Change,” which features the enthusiastic vocals of the young filmmakers who were given free rein to document the recording process.
With record labels and pressing plants donating their services free of charge, ‘Help 2’ promises to be a more affordable album, ensuring that Warchild receives all the profits. As Rich Clarke, the charity’s head of music, notes, “We found that this project really lit a fire under the creative community. Lots of people wanted to get involved.”
As the world continues to grapple with the devastating effects of war, this star-studded charity album offers a glimmer of hope, harnessing the power of music to make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected.
