XFM 11th August 2005



War Child Get A 'Help'-ing Hand


Upon hearing about the new 'Help: A Day In The Life' charity record, Xfm got on the blower to organisers War Child to find out exactly what's going on, how Radiohead are leading the charge and why Maxïmo Park have their paints and easels out…

Famously recorded on a Monday and in the shops by the following Saturday, the original 'Help' was released almost ten years ago. The new project is going to be slightly different: Instead of a five day gestation period, 'Help: A Day In The Life' will be recorded and released, as it's title suggests, all on the same day. War Child's Julian Carrera explained,

"We'll have 20 bands recording at some point in the September 8 and 9 24-hour period, which a few of the bands are very nervous about! Then we'll have 20 tracks recorded, some in studios in the UK, some in France we hear, some elsewhere, and have it all up online for download on the ninth!"

With Radiohead, Elbow, Gorillaz and Bloc Party among the artists confirmed, Carrera confirmed there are still some bands on their shopping list…

"We're confirming more artists every day but the 'Yes's just keep coming in, so stay posted for more announcements soon. We're going to get creative with the line-up as well and try and get some artists paired up, get some good collaborations going.

"We don't want this to be just the indie top 20, if we can get an artist from some of the places we help, like Iraq, in the studio with a successful Western artist to make some amazing music, that'd be great."

Julian also explained that, while some acts took their time confirming their involvement, one band replied straight away to pledge their support, despite fears that following the huge charity events like Live 8, the bands would all be a bit charitied-out…

"Well we sent off all our 'asks' and Radiohead just came back straight away and said yes. Then I think it was the Manics, and then it just snowballed from there. We thought we'd be there with a month to go having to use the media to smoke out bands [to get involved], but they're all saying yes."

As for the artwork, it transpires that while ex-Stone Roses guitarist John Squire will return ten years on to design the cover, other bands have been asked to pick up a paintbrush to help create a really special package.

"We asked John to help because he did some great stuff for the first 'Help', but we're also asking other artists. Paul Smith from Maxïmo Park is doing us a number, he's a great artist apparently, and I believe Gorillaz will be contributing some artwork as well."

'Help: A Day In The Life' will once again raise funds to help children in war-torn regions including Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia and The Democratic Republic of The Congo. It will be available from the War Child website and other sites from September 9, while a CD release will follow in the weeks to come.





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