Pulp have shared a new song, “Begging for Change.” The raucous track comes off War Child Records’ forthcoming compilation album, HELP(2), out March 6.
“Begging for Change” was recorded at Abbey Road Studios and produced and mixed by James Ford and Animesh Raval. Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker enlisted an all-star choir to add backing vocals to the track, including Damon Albarn, Grian Chatten, Kae Tempest, and Carl Barat.
“Thirty years ago we gave our Mercury Prize (and the prize money) to War Child,” Cocker said in a statement. “This year we have given more. How much more? You’ll have to wait and see.”
HELP(2) is a follow-up to 1995 effort HELP. The goal of the album is to “engage music lovers globally in support of War Child’s vital work delivering immediate aid, education, specialist mental health support, and protection to children affected by conflict around the world.” It includes songs from Arctic Monkeys, Olivia Rodrigo, Depeche Mode, Bat for Lashes, Beck, Wet Leg, The Last Dinner Party, and Fontaines DC.
“HELP(2) is more than an album,” Rich Clarke, Head of Music at War Child UK, said in a statement. “It’s a powerful example of what can happen when the music industry comes together around a shared purpose. It has united a diverse group of artists and creatives in support of War Child’s vital work with children affected by the devastating impacts of war. We are immensely grateful to all the artists and teams who have donated their voices, talent and time to support our mission to ensure that no child is caught up in conflict zones. We hope this record not only raises vital funds, but also awareness of the urgent need to turn compassion into action and do more to protect children living through war.”
Last year, Pulp reunited and released their first new album since 2001. The LP, More, marked the Brit pop band’s eighth full-length release. Cocker was inspired to get the band back in the studio in part by the deaths of his mother and the band’s longtime bassist Steve Mackey.
“When Steve passed away, it’s a kind of cliche, but it gives you a reality check,” Cocker told Rolling Stone. “It made us realize that we had a chance to be creative. We had time to create something, while we could. If you’re still around, you’ve still got that opportunity to make things, so this is the time.”
