War Child Records has released “Flags,” a heavyweight collaboration between Damon Albarn, Grian Chatten (Fontaines D.C.), and Kae Tempest. The track serves as the centrepiece for the upcoming charity album HELP(2), set for release on March 6. Recorded during a high-energy residency at Abbey Road Studios in November 2025, the song is a defiant, piano-driven anthem of resilience and global solidarity

The production credits alone read like a modern music Hall of Fame. Produced by Albarn alongside James Ford and Marta Salogni, “Flags” features a “supergroup” backing band including Johnny Marr, Adrian Utley (Portishead), Dave Okumu, and Femi Koleoso (Ezra Collective). The track’s massive scale is furthered by a 43-piece children’s choir and an all-star vocal ensemble featuring Jarvis Cocker, Carl Barât, Declan McKenna, and members of Black Country, New Road and English Teacher.

The project carries forward the legacy of the original 1995 HELP album, which revolutionised charity records. All proceeds from HELP(2) will fund War Child UK’s mission to provide aid and mental health support to children living in conflict zones such as Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and Yemen.

“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.” — Damon Albarn

“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… Me and Grian wrote our verses, responding to each other. We all worked together on Damon’s lyrics. It was a true collaboration.” — Kae Tempest

“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 and from so many, but that is exactly how it felt in the room that day.” — Grian Chatten

HELP(2) features a staggering roster of contributors, from Arctic Monkeys and Olivia Rodrigo to Pulp and Depeche Mode.

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