Pulp have released a new song, called ‘Begging For Change’.
Recorded at Abbey Road Studios and produced and mixed by James Ford and Animesh Raval, the song appears on the forthcoming War Child album HELP(2), which is inspired by the charity’s previous 1995 release of the various artists album HELP.
Pulp’s song features contributions from a children’s choir, as well as backing vocals from guests Damon Albarn, Grian Chatten, Kae Tempest and Carl Barat at the beginning of the track.
In 1996, the band’s album Different Class was nominated for the Mercury Prize alongside the original HELP compilation. After winning the award, Jarvis Cocker dedicated it to War Child, and donated the £25,000 prize money to the charity during his acceptance speech.
In a new statement, Cocker said: “30 years ago we gave our Mercury Prize (and the prize money) to War Child. This year we have given more. How much more? You’ll have to wait and see.”
Spanning 23 tracks, HELP(2) features new music by a wide cast of artists that also includes Depeche Mode, Beth Gibbons, Sampha, Cameron Winter, Bat For Lashes, Young Fathers, Big Thief and Black Country, New Road, among others. It was recorded largely during a week-long session at Abbey Road Studios last November and was overseen by producer James Ford.
Listen to ‘Begging For Change’ below, and watch a behind the scenes clip of the song’s recording here.
War Child will release HELP(2) on 6 March 2026.
