Music Artists Band Together to Support Children Impacted by War
Fontaines D.C., contributors on "HELP (2)," performing at the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 18. 2024. Photo by Ciara Molloy '26
On March 6, War Child Records is set to release the compilation album “HELP (2)” featuring various artists, in which proceeds will go to children impacted by war internationally. Featuring a slew of artists including Olivia Rodrigo, Fontaines D.C. and a new song from the Arctic Monkeys, “HELP (2)” continues a long-standing tradition of music as a means of aid.
Recorded in Abbey Road Studios in London over the course of one week in November 2025, the album features a variety of iconic artists banding together to use the power of music to help those impacted by violent conflict.
The 2026 release serves as a follow-up to the 1995 release “HELP,” also released by War Child Records, and features songs from Radiohead, Oasis, Sinéad O’Connor, Paul McCartney and various others.
War Child Records is affiliated with the War Child non-governmental organization that focuses on providing support for children impacted by war and civil conflict throughout the world. Founded in 1993, War Child provides education to those youth, rebuilds physical structures ruined in conflict and provides psychosocial support to impacted children.
The website's mission statement states, “Our mission is to shape the systems that protect and support the wellbeing of children affected by conflict. At War Child we believe we have the unique skills and capacities which will be highly relevant in creating these changes.”
War Child provides services to children in 15 countries, with some of them being the occupied Palestinian territory, Ukraine, Yemen and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The success of “HELP” in 1995 was massive, and the album is regarded as one of the best charity albums in music history. In its first week, the album sold 70,000 copies and raised nearly £1.25 million in aid.
Along with raising money for children impacted by the Bosnian conflict in the 90s, the album featured an early Radiohead and is the only record that features Blur and Oasis amidst their feud to reach the top of the charts.
Following the ethos of “HELP,” “HELP (2)” aims to carry over those same values and raise money for areas where conflict is devastating children currently, especially in Gaza.
The tracklist for “HELP (2),” released on Jan. 26, revealed the list of artists that would be featured on the record. Along with the artists mentioned earlier, Geese’s Cameron Winter, Pulp, Arlo Parks and Depeche Mode are all participating in the release.
Speaking to the BBC about the project, Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker said, "They're looking at the news, and they don't know what to do. So I would hope this album is something the people can enjoy, and also know that they're trying to make a positive change."
Like its predecessor, “HELP (2)” uses music as a tool for political action, a vessel for charity and a call for help. War Child Records and their immense success in using music to raise support for children in war-torn areas are set up to continue their success with the release of “HELP (2),” especially in the age of streaming, where music is more accessible than ever.