War Child Records have released a new track, ‘Flags’, by Damon Albarn, Grian Chatten and Kae Tempest.
This single is part of the upcoming ‘HELP(2)’ album due on 6th March, a follow-up to the original 1995 ‘HELP’ record, supporting War Child’s mission to provide essential aid to children affected by conflict.
‘Flags’ is a collaborative effort that features notable musicians including Johnny Marr, Dave Okumu and Adrian Utley, alongside Gorillaz bassist Seye Adelekan and Ezra Collective’s Femi Koleoso.
The track also incorporates a 43-piece children’s choir and an additional ensemble featuring artists like Jarvis Cocker, Carl Barat (The Libertines), Declan McKenna, Marika Hackman, Rosa Walton (Let’s Eat Grandma), English Teacher, Black Country, New Road and Nadia Kadek.
Damon Albarn commented on the recording process, saying, “Recording ‘Flags’ was a genuinely joyful two days, with a strong sense of purpose throughout the building. I was particularly struck by the decision to employ children to do all the filming in the studio – it felt inspiring and directly reinforced the point we were trying to make about communicating with kids, by involving them in the process itself.”
Kae Tempest says, “I feel honoured to be a part of this project. I loved writing this song and collaborating with the other artists, it was like a fever dream that day at Abbey Road. Couldn’t believe how good it felt and the sheer force of will that shepherded all those energies together and directed them towards this beautiful conclusion.”
Grian Chatten adds, “To be gifted the chance to collaborate with such talented artists as Damon and Kae in aid of such an important cause was really special. It’s a rare occasion that you feel the energy for change in such a tangible way.”
The album’s production involved a creative partnership with Jonathan Glazer, focusing on a “By Children, For Children” approach, where children were given cameras to film the recording sessions. This initiative involved collaborations with filmmakers in conflict zones like Ukraine and Yemen, capturing footage from children’s perspectives.
The tracklisting for ‘HELP(2)’ reads:
‘Arctic Monkeys – Opening Night’
‘Damon Albarn, Grian Chatten & Kae Tempest – Flags’
‘Black Country, New Road – Strangers’
‘The Last Dinner Party – Let’s Do It Again!’
‘Beth Gibbons – Sunday Morning’
‘Arooj Aftab & Beck – Lilac Wine’
‘King Krule – The 343 Loop’
‘Depeche Mode – Universal Soldier’
‘Ezra Collective & Greentea Peng – Helicopters’
‘Arlo Parks – Nothing I Could Hide’
‘English Teacher & Graham Coxon – Parasite’
‘Beabadoobee – Say Yes’
‘Big Thief – Relive, Redie’
‘Fontaines D.C. – Black Boys on Mopeds’
‘Cameron Winter – Warning’
‘Young Fathers – Don’t Fight the Young’
‘Pulp – Begging for Change’
‘Sampha – Naboo’
‘Wet Leg – Obvious’
‘Foals – When the War is Finally Done’
‘Bat For Lashes – Carried my girl’
‘Anna Calvi, Ellie Rowsell, Nilüfer Yanya & Dove Ellis – Sunday Light’
‘Olivia Rodrigo – The Book of Love’
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