War Child, the humanitarian organization dedicated to protecting children affected by conflict, has announced a new charity compilation titled HELP(2). The project brings together 23 original tracks from a wide-ranging lineup of artists, including Pulp, Depeche Mode, Beth Gibbons, Sampha, Cameron Winter, Bat For Lashes, Young Fathers, Big Thief, and Black Country, New Road. The album reflects a broad cross-section of contemporary music, united by a shared commitment to the charity’s mission.
The release draws inspiration from War Child’s influential 1995 compilation HELP, which raised £1.2 million for children living in war zones. Much of HELP(2) was recorded during an intensive week-long session at Abbey Road Studios in November, with production led by James Ford. This collaborative setting played a key role in shaping the album’s cohesive sound and collective spirit.
At the forefront of the project is a brand-new song from Arctic Monkeys, marking their first new material since their 2022 album The Car. The track, titled Opening Night, was created specifically for the compilation. The band shared that after being invited by James Ford, they developed the song and recorded it at Abbey Road, expressing pride in supporting War Child’s work and hope that the album will have a meaningful impact on children affected by war.
James Ford described the experience of producing HELP(2) as deeply significant, noting how the original 1995 album influenced him personally. He emphasized that, given the current global climate, bringing the music community together to support such a clear and positive cause felt essential. Ford highlighted both the emotional weight and the sense of purpose behind the sessions, expressing pride in the final result and the collective effort behind it.
Echoing this sentiment, Rich Clarke, Head of Music at War Child UK, described HELP(2) as a testament to what the music industry can achieve when united by a common goal. He thanked the artists and creative teams who contributed their time and talent, underscoring the album’s role in raising both funds and awareness for children living through conflict. Following in the footsteps of the original HELP—which featured artists such as Brian Eno, Radiohead, Massive Attack, Portishead, Oasis, Blur, Sinéad O’Connor, and Paul McCartney—HELP(2) is set for release on 6 March 2026.
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