Damon Albarn has assembled an all-star cast for a new charity album, Help(2), in collaboration with War Child. The project marks the 30th anniversary of the original 1995 album and aims to raise funds for children affected by conflict.
Kae Tempest was approached by Albarn to contribute to a track featuring Fontaines DC's Grian Chatten. Tempest describes their collaborative process as a "true collaboration" that yielded a great result. The recording session also featured Johnny Marr, Femi Koleoso from Ezra Collective, and a children's choir.
War Child director Jonathan Glazer directed the film accompanying the album, capturing the chaotic and wonderful experience of the sessions. Eight nine-year-old boys were filming the artists with Sony Handycams, one of whom even pushed Johnny Marr's guitar neck out of the way to get closer to his music.
Artists including Jarvis Cocker, English Teacher, Fontaines DC, Arctic Monkeys, Depeche Mode, Gorillaz, and Pulp are contributing to the album. However, not all artists were willing to participate due to concerns about the project's political nature.
James Ford, the producer behind Help(2), was initially diagnosed with leukaemia while leading the project. Despite his poor health, he continued to work remotely from his hospital bed, directing the musicians and providing guidance over video calls. Olivia Rodrigo sang live with strings during her contribution.
The end result is a diverse and impressive album that showcases the talents of its contributors. The unique approach used in capturing the sessions has also humanised the cause, highlighting the importance of why we make music in the first place. The presence of children at Abbey Road studio added an extra layer of perspective to the project, reminding everyone of what's truly important.
Kae Tempest was approached by Albarn to contribute to a track featuring Fontaines DC's Grian Chatten. Tempest describes their collaborative process as a "true collaboration" that yielded a great result. The recording session also featured Johnny Marr, Femi Koleoso from Ezra Collective, and a children's choir.
War Child director Jonathan Glazer directed the film accompanying the album, capturing the chaotic and wonderful experience of the sessions. Eight nine-year-old boys were filming the artists with Sony Handycams, one of whom even pushed Johnny Marr's guitar neck out of the way to get closer to his music.
Artists including Jarvis Cocker, English Teacher, Fontaines DC, Arctic Monkeys, Depeche Mode, Gorillaz, and Pulp are contributing to the album. However, not all artists were willing to participate due to concerns about the project's political nature.
James Ford, the producer behind Help(2), was initially diagnosed with leukaemia while leading the project. Despite his poor health, he continued to work remotely from his hospital bed, directing the musicians and providing guidance over video calls. Olivia Rodrigo sang live with strings during her contribution.
The end result is a diverse and impressive album that showcases the talents of its contributors. The unique approach used in capturing the sessions has also humanised the cause, highlighting the importance of why we make music in the first place. The presence of children at Abbey Road studio added an extra layer of perspective to the project, reminding everyone of what's truly important.
Just listened to the trailer for Help(2) and I'm already feeling the emotions 
! 30 years on from the original, Damon Albarn has done it again with a star-studded cast 
. Did you know that since 2010, there have been over 70 million child casualties in armed conflicts worldwide 
? War Child's work is still desperately needed 
. Album sales alone won't be enough to make a dent - we need awareness and action 
. The stats on music-based fundraising are crazy: in 2022, the charity single "Music Saves Lives" raised over $1 million 
. Help(2) has the potential to do so much more! 
can you imagine being 9 years old and getting to film your fave artists? I'm also low-key obsessed with Johnny Marr now he's so talented 
I wish I could have been at Abbey Road studios when they were filming, that sounds like such an experience! And I love how James Ford was able to keep working despite his health issues, that's really inspiring 
did anyone know about the producer getting sick before it happened?
I think it's awesome that Damon Albarn is using his platform for a good cause! The fact that he brought together so many talented artists and included a kids choir in the recording process is just amazing 
. And wow, the story about James Ford being on set while dealing with leukemia is really inspiring - I mean, how can you not want to collaborate with someone who's going through that? 
! it's so cool that olivia rodrigo sang live with strings too - she sounds stunning 
. this album is going to be epic!!
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. I think it's amazing that James Ford continued working on the project despite his health struggles 
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. it's amazing how James Ford was still producing despite having leukemia - what an inspiration 
Still, gotta give credit where credit is due - the track with Kae Tempest and Grian Chatten sounds decent. And wow, Johnny Marr got pushed by a 9-year-old at Abbey Road... that's just adorable 
. Can't wait to give Help(2) a listen and see if it lives up to the hype