When a group of renowned musicians, including Damon Albarn, Jarvis Cocker, and Kae Tempest, gathered at Abbey Road Studios to record tracks for the new charity compilation “Help(2),” the result was a captivating collaboration that captured the essence of the original 1995 “Help” album.
Spearheaded by producer James Ford and Transgressive Records co-founder Toby L, the project brought together an eclectic mix of artists, from Olivia Rodrigo to Depeche Mode, to create a diverse and impressive collection of songs. The goal was to raise funds and awareness for War Child, a charity that supports children affected by conflict, and the process was not without its challenges.
Despite the star-studded lineup, some artists were initially hesitant, seeing the project as too political. However, Ford persevered, drawing on his connections within the industry to assemble a remarkable roster of talent. The recording sessions were a whirlwind of activity, with children from local schools capturing the action on camera under the direction of acclaimed filmmaker Jonathan Glazer.
The presence of the young filmmakers added a unique dynamic to the proceedings, as they quizzed the artists on topics ranging from ice cream to Jarvis Cocker’s age. As Ezra Collective’s Femi Koleoso noted, the children’s enthusiasm and wonder “humanised the cause quite beautifully in the room.”
Tragically, Ford himself faced a personal battle during the project, being diagnosed with leukaemia shortly after taking on the role of producer. However, he refused to let his illness derail the endeavour, remotely guiding the recording sessions from his hospital bed, even providing feedback to Olivia Rodrigo as she laid down her vocals.
The end result is a testament to the power of music to unite and inspire. “Help(2)” showcases a diverse range of styles, from indie rock to R&B, with a succession of collaborations that push the boundaries of the genre. As Koleoso observed, the project reminds us of the pure joy and passion that drew the artists to music in the first place, and the importance of using that platform to support those in need.
With the album’s release on 6 March, the hope is that “Help(2)” will recapture the magic of its predecessor, not only financially supporting War Child’s vital work but also reigniting the public’s collective focus on the plight of children affected by conflict around the world.
