Arctic Monkeys have released their first new song since 2022, contributing to HELP(2), a charity album benefiting War Child. The project, recorded at Abbey Road Studios, includes contributions from over 30 artists, including Olivia Rodrigo, Damon Albarn, and Pulp.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
1. Arctic Monkeys release new track for War Child. The band’s song, Opening Night, is part of HELP(2), a sequel to the 1995 charity album Help. Proceeds support children affected by conflict.
2. Star-studded album recorded in one week. Over 30 artists, including Olivia Rodrigo, Fontaines DC, and Damon Albarn, contributed to the album, which was recorded in November 2023 at Abbey Road Studios.
Deeper Dive & Context
Behind the Scenes of HELP(2)
The album features spontaneous collaborations, such as Blur’s Graham Coxon playing guitar with Olivia Rodrigo on a cover of The Book of Love. Damon Albarn’s session included Johnny Marr on guitar, with additional vocals by Kae Tempest and Grian Chatten. Pulp’s Jarvis Cocker improvised a new song intro with the artists who joined him in the studio.
Historical Context and Impact
The original 1995 Help album, recorded during the height of Britpop, featured contributions from Paul McCartney, Radiohead, and Paul Weller. It raised £1.2 million for War Child. The new album aims to address the growing crisis, with War Child estimating that one in five children globally—around 520 million—are now affected by war.
Artist and Filmmaker Contributions
Oscar-nominated filmmaker Jonathan Glazer collaborated with children in war zones, including Ukraine, Gaza, Yemen, and Sudan, to create films. He also involved UK-based children in documenting the album’s production. James Ford, producer of Arctic Monkeys’ albums, oversaw the recording process, calling it a "life-affirming" experience.
Artist Statements
Arctic Monkeys stated: "We are proud to support War Child’s invaluable work." Damon Albarn and other artists emphasized the urgency of the project, given the current global conflicts. The album is set for release on 6 March.