Arctic Monkeys Release New Song for War Child’s ‘Help(2)’; Charity Album Will Feature Olivia Rodrigo, Cameron Winter, Depeche Mode and More

Arctic Monkeys have broken a two-year silence with their new single, "Opening Night," which leads a major charity compilation titled "Help (2)." The album, a sequel to the landmark 1995 release, is organized by the humanitarian organization War Child and is scheduled for release on March 6. It will feature exclusive new songs from a wide array of artists such as Olivia Rodrigo, Depeche Mode, and Cameron Winter, with all profits directed to War Child's global efforts supporting children in conflict zones.

The project's scale is underscored by its genre-spanning lineup, which also includes Anna Calvi, Beck, Big Thief, Damon Albarn, Foals, Pulp, Sampha, and Wet Leg. War Child, founded in 1993 in response to the Bosnian War, operates in 14 regions including Sudan, Gaza, Ukraine, and Syria, providing essential aid, education, and psychological care. The original 'Help' album, a product of the Britpop era masterminded by producer Brian Eno, raised over £1.2 million and featured iconic acts like Oasis and Radiohead. This sequel seeks to replicate that impact for a new generation, with music historian Dr. Elara Vance noting, "It adapts a proven model of artistic solidarity to today's fragmented cultural moment, leveraging a broader sonic range to amplify a consistent humanitarian message."

In an intensive week last November, the album was recorded at London's legendary Abbey Road Studios—a venue synonymous with The Beatles' studio innovations. The sessions were produced by James Ford, a Grammy-winning producer known for his work with artists like Florence + The Machine, and were creatively overseen by Oscar-winning director Jonathan Glazer. Glazer implemented a poignant "By Children, for Children" concept, providing cameras to children both in the studio and in conflict areas to generate the album's visual identity, thereby creating a direct, empathetic link between the creators and the cause.

The collaborative spirit of the project yielded unique musical pairings. A notable ensemble led by Damon Albarn, the Blur and Gorillaz frontman, featured guitar contributions from Johnny Marr of The Smiths and Adrian Utley of Portishead. In another crossover, Blur guitarist Graham Coxon played on Olivia Rodrigo's cover of The Magnetic Fields' "The Book of Love." Arctic Monkeys, in a statement, expressed their pride in participating, highlighting the "invaluable work" of War Child and their hope that the project "will make a positive difference" for affected children. This approach of uniting established and contemporary artists aims to maximize reach and impact, demonstrating how music can transcend generations to support urgent humanitarian needs.