HELP(2): All About the New Star-Studded Charity Aid Release

Help(2) from War Child Records releases march 6th!

Arctic Monkeys fans were surely eager to expect a new album release after seeing the

band drop a new single yesterday (January 22 nd ). Titled ‘Opening Night’, it features

many elements established in the band’s most recent album ‘The Car’, which, while a

steep departure from the rest of their extensive catalog, is a cherished album to many

fans and newcomers alike. This single, while not tied to another Arctic Monkeys project

(Spoiler), is a good sign that the band is keeping this new style and that it is perhaps

here to stay.

The aspect of this release that confused many unaware fans is the inclusion of ‘War

Child Records’ as an artist. In all 7 of their studio albums, they have never had a guest

artist on any track. Who is ‘War Child Records’ and what’s so special about them to

break the streak?

Listen while you read!

Rather than an artist, band, collective, or project, War Child is an organization that

collaborates with well-known artists to generate revenue that will aid in charity.

“War Child has an incredible heritage working with artists and the music industry to

release impactful records.” -warchild.org

The idea is similar to that of any aid concert; artist volunteer their time and give up

royalties and profits to the partner organization who will distribute funds to provide aid.

And in fact, War Child does work in the live music space as well.

These aren’t just any “various artists” releases, ‘Help’ is “described by many as the best

charity album ever made”, featuring artists such as Oasis, Radiohead, and Paul

McCartney you can see why. With such a list of stars in every album (see the full list at

warchild.org) these end up generating much needed support for all the charities reciving

help from War Child. Now using the current big names of indie and alternative rock

‘Help(2)’ aims to celebrate the success of the original with a legendary list of musicians:

Arctic Monkeys, Damon Albarn, Grian Chatten, Kae Tempest, Black Country, New

Road, The Last Dinner Party, Beth Gibbons, Arooj Aftab, Beck, King Krule, Depeche

Mode, Ezra Collective, Greentea Peng, Arlo Parks, English Teacher, Graham Coxon,

beabadoobee, Big Thief, Fontaines D.C., Cameron Winter, Young Fathers, Pulp,

Sampha, Wet Leg, Foals, Bat for Lashes, Anna Calvi, Nilufer Yanya, Dove Ellis, and of

course Olivia Rodrigo all produced in a week by producer James Ford.

Be sure to give this album a listen when it drops March 6th! And even if none of these

artist are your favorites, be sure to visit warchild.org and support in any way you can.

warchild.org