Behind the Scenes of Help 2: The Star-Studded Charity Album
Five hours ago, the buzz surrounding the new charity album Help 2 for War Child has reached a fever pitch. With over 30 world-renowned artists contributing, the album promises to be a musical feast for fans and advocates alike.
A Glimpse into the Recording Process
Last November, the iconic Abbey Road Studios served as a creative hub where some of the biggest names in music came together.
– Key Moments:
– Damon Albarn was spotted deep in conversation with Carl Barat from The Libertines.
– Nearby, Pulp members lined up for lasagne, while a group of excited children filmed the proceedings with handheld cameras.
– The anticipation was palpable, especially as Olivia Rodrigo prepared to make her entrance.
The recording sessions generated an impressive 23 tracks over the week, with multiple Abbey Road studios in simultaneous use. Spontaneous collaborations were the order of the day:
– Notable Collaborations:
– Graham Coxon joined Olivia Rodrigo for a heartfelt rendition of The Magnetic Fields’ The Book Of Love.
– Damon Albarn’s session featured Johnny Marr and additional vocals from Kae Tempest and Grian Chatten.
– Jarvis Cocker humorously recounts how he stumbled upon this gathering in his studio, prompting them to lend their voices to Pulp’s new track, Begging For Change.
The Legacy of Help 2
Help 2 serves as a spiritual successor to the iconic 1995 Help! album, which featured major artists like Noel Gallagher, Paul McCartney, and Radiohead. That original release not only captured the essence of the Britpop era but also raised £1.25 million to assist children afflicted by war.
– Historical Context:
– The 1995 album sold 70,000 copies in its first week.
– It was notable for featuring both Oasis and Blur, coming together despite their intense rivalry. We’ll put aside our differences for the cause, Gallagher had said, highlighting the camaraderie music can inspire.
As we stand in 2025, the urgency to support children in war-torn regions is greater than ever. Currently, 520 million children around the globe are affected by conflict, with crises in Ukraine, Sudan, and Gaza. Jarvis Cocker emphasizes the necessity for artistic expressions like Help 2, stating, People feel powerless in the face of current events. This album aims to channel their desire for positive change.
Spotlight on the First Single
The anticipation builds with the lead single from Help 2, a new track titled Opening Night by Arctic Monkeys.
– Song Highlights:
– A hauntingly sparse ballad that dives into political themes and ends with a harmonized chorus brimming with hope.
– Drummer Matt Helders notes that the song was revisited for the album, turning it into both a creative outlet and a call to action.
In a delightful twist, a young film crew, aged between eight and ten, documented the creative process. Guided by Bafta-winning director Jonathan Glazer, these junior documentarians brought a fresh and energetic perspective to the studio.
– Creative Atmosphere:
– The presence of the children transformed the recording environment, making it lively and less restrictive. They roamed freely, which changed the atmosphere entirely, says Helders.
Capturing the Spirit of Community
Cocker initially struggled with the notion of being filmed while recording, but he found the experience liberating. Thanks to the children’s uninhibited nature, the energy in the studio became contagious, allowing artists to embrace a more spontaneous recording vibe.
– Unique Contributions:
– Pulp’s Begging For Change embodies this spirit, showcasing a raw, live band feel that exemplifies the community-driven essence of Help 2.
The album is set for release on 6 March, promising to be affordable due to generous contributions from record labels. A double vinyl will retail for around £26, with all profits directed to War Child.
Rich Clarke, head of music at War Child, reveals that the creativity ignited during the sessions led to even more tracks beyond the final 23. We had to make tough decisions on what to include, he states.
Olivia Rodrigo’s powerful closing track—centered on love—was always seen as a crucial component. Clarke describes it as a beautiful cover, providing a poignant ending to a compilation that navigates themes of conflict and the transformative power of compassion.
Help 2 stands as both a musical milestone and a heartfelt endeavor, reminding us of the power music holds in driving change.