Kae Tempest credits Damon Albarn for giving him his big break with a contribution to the new charity album Help(2): A sequel to the 1995 hit compilation. The project, which features an eclectic mix of artists including Olivia Rodrigo and Arctic Monkeys, was sparked by the idea of revisiting the original album's formula for success. However, it wasn't all smooth sailing – Kae Tempest reveals that recording Flags with Johnny Marr, Femi Koleoso, and a children's choir was a baptism of fire.
Jonathon Glazer directed the sessions at Abbey Road Studios, filming the chaos as a way to showcase the joy and freedom of childhood. The children involved filmed themselves playing music in war zones, while pupils from local schools documented what was happening in the studio. This unorthodox approach added to the album's unique sound.
The original Help compilation attracted attention because its compilers suggested artists contribute something special, rather than just releasing an outtake. Jarvis Cocker reflects on that decision, saying it helped put over £1m in the bank for War Child.
In contrast, many potential contributors refused to participate due to concerns about the album being "too political". Producer James Ford assembled a diverse cast of artists, including Fontaines DC and Depeche Mode, to create Help(2).
Despite complications – producer James Ford was diagnosed with leukaemia while working on the project – everyone seems justly proud of the end result. The quality of the music, degree of cooperation, and unique approach have been praised by all involved.
Jonathon Glazer directed the sessions at Abbey Road Studios, filming the chaos as a way to showcase the joy and freedom of childhood. The children involved filmed themselves playing music in war zones, while pupils from local schools documented what was happening in the studio. This unorthodox approach added to the album's unique sound.
The original Help compilation attracted attention because its compilers suggested artists contribute something special, rather than just releasing an outtake. Jarvis Cocker reflects on that decision, saying it helped put over £1m in the bank for War Child.
In contrast, many potential contributors refused to participate due to concerns about the album being "too political". Producer James Ford assembled a diverse cast of artists, including Fontaines DC and Depeche Mode, to create Help(2).
Despite complications – producer James Ford was diagnosed with leukaemia while working on the project – everyone seems justly proud of the end result. The quality of the music, degree of cooperation, and unique approach have been praised by all involved.
I think what's really inspiring here is how this charity album came together despite some major setbacks. Like when James Ford got diagnosed with leukaemia - that's a huge hurdle to overcome. But instead of letting it bring the project down, everyone still managed to come together and create something amazing. It just goes to show that even in tough times, we can find ways to support each other and make a difference. And let's be real, the end result is definitely worth it! 
I think this is all about community and collaboration - when we work together towards a common goal, amazing things can happen. 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to work with someone as iconic as him? And what's even more impressive is how the whole project came together despite all the setbacks 
. Like, I can imagine how stressful it must've been for everyone involved, especially when James Ford was diagnosed with leukaemia 
. But the fact that they still managed to create something amazing just warms my heart 
. And I love how Jonathon Glazer's direction brought this whole thing full circle – it's like he captured the spirit of the original album and turned it into something fresh again 
. Can we get a soundtrack for this?
. its amazing how music can bring people together and make a difference in the world. anyone else heard this album? wanna check it out 
but it's clear everyone worked together to make this album happen. and can we talk about the production quality for sec?? 
. And it's amazing that the original Help compilation raised over £1m for War Child - what a positive impact! 
It's not always easy to come together on a project, but everyone seems really proud of the end result and I can see why.
This charity album thingy is actually kinda cool... I mean, who wouldn't wanna collaborate with a bunch of legendary artists to raise some cash for War Child? The fact that Damon Albarn gave Kae Tempest his big break is a nice nod to the power of mentorship. And can we talk about how wild it was to record Flags with a kids' choir and a bunch of other talented folks? It's great to see someone like Jarvis Cocker reflecting on the original album's success, too - that decision to have artists contribute something special really did pay off... 
1m plus! 
, but it sounds like it paid off! And I'm dead impressed by Jonathon Glazer's direction - using war zones and local schools as part of the sessions? game changer 
and its cool to see Kae Tempest giving props to Damon for helping him out 
also Jonathon Glazer's direction is genius using the kids from war zones was a bold move but it added so much character to the album 
the fact that Jarvis Cocker was part of the original compilation is also super interesting how it affected the outcome and raised over £1m for war child 
. and oh man, recording with a children's choir was a wild ride? seems like the perfect recipe for a creative mess 
, and I love how they managed to get such an eclectic mix of artists on board. The kids involved in the recording sessions are just adorable 
! And I'm intrigued by the controversy surrounding some artists refusing to participate due to concerns about the politics of the album... did they not know it was all for charity? 