“Flags” represents the symbolic collaboration of HELP(2)a powerful reflection on youth and identity written by Damon Albarn, Grian Chatten (Fontaines DC) and Kae Tempest. Produced by Albarn together with James Ford, Marta Salogni and Toby L, the song stands out as a manifesto of resilience, capable of finding strength within oneself and solidarity in others.
Led by a memorable piano motif, the song brings together an extraordinary line-up: Johnny Marr, Dave Okumu, Adrian Utley (Portishead), Seye Adelekan of Gorillaz, Femi Koleoso of Ezra Collective and a choir of 43 children.
Contributing to further strengthening the vocal depth is a second “all-star” choircomposed of Johnny Marr, 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.
HELP(2) is a new collaborative album inspired by the historic project HELP in 1995, created to engage the global music community in support of the vital work of War Child, which provides immediate aid, education, specialist mental health support and protection to children affected by conflict around the world. Like the original, the new album reflects the urgency of the contemporary global humanitarian situation.
Damon Albarn said:
“Recording 'Flags' was a genuinely joyful process, with a strong sense of shared purpose. I was particularly struck by the decision to involve children in the studio filming: it was stimulating and directly reinforced the message we wanted to convey by communicating with them and involving them in the process.”- Damon Albarn
“I feel honored to be part of this project. Writing this song and collaborating with the other artists was like living an Abbey Road fever dream. Grian and I wrote our verses in response to each other; we then all worked together on Damon's lyrics. It was a true collaboration. I hope this album can bring profit and energy. For children.”– Kae Tempest
“Collaborating with Damon and Kae for such an important cause was special. It's rare to feel such a tangible energy of change shared by so many people, but that's exactly what we felt in the studio that day.” – Grian Chatten
'HELP(2)' Tracklist:
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 DC – 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
Daniel D`Amico for SANREMO.FM
