War Child has announced a new compilation entitled HELP2, executive produced by James Ford with creative direction by music-video-director-turned-Oscar-winner Jonathan Glazer. A sequel of sorts to the 1995 charity comp HELP, the new charity release echoes the original’s intention of helping to raise funds for aid, education, and other support for children in war-torn corners of the world. Artists featured on the compilation include Arlo Parks, Beabadoobee, Beth Gibbons, Big Thief, Cameron Winter, Depeche Mode, Fontaines D.C., King Krule, Olivia Rodrigo, Pulp, The Last Dinner Party, Wet Leg, and Young Fathers. Additionally, the comp includes collaborations between Damon Albarn, Fontaines D.C.’s Grian Chatten, and Kae Tempest; Beck and Arooj Aftab; English Teacher and Blur’s Graham Coxon; and Anna Calvi, Wolf Alice’s Ellie Rowsell, Nilüfer Yanya, and Dove Ellis.
The first single comes from Arctic Monkeys, whose last album The Car was produced by Ford. Regarding “Opening Night,” the band’s first new material since that 2022 LP, they shared: “When James Ford called and asked if we’d contribute to the HELP(2) album, we set to work on a song idea and assembled in Abbey Road to record it. We are proud to support the invaluable work War Child do, and hope the record will make a positive difference to the lives of children affected by war.”
Pre-order HELP(2) here, and listen to “Opening Night” below.
