olivia rodrigo contributed a new music video and the closing-track cover to War Child Records’ HELP charity album. The video, released a week ago, assembles footage filmed by children in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and Yemen to show everyday life amid conflict. The project aims to raise funds and awareness for War Child’s work to protect and educate children living through war.
Olivia Rodrigo and the children’s footage
The music video accompanies Rodrigo’s rendition of The Magnetic Fields’ song “The Book of Love, ” presented as the final track on the HELP record. Rather than appearing on camera, Rodrigo provides the soft ballad as a soundtrack while children in multiple conflict zones supply first-person clips: running, laughing, playing among rubble, and recording sounds of planes overhead. The visual component follows a “By Children, For Children” concept, using footage shot by children in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and Yemen to create a sobering, intimate portrait of childhood under conflict.
Immediate reactions and artist statements
“She was such a pro and was happy to take a gung-ho approach to it, ” said James Ford, producer of the HELP record at Abbey Road Studios. “She just walked into the studio and nailed it. ”
Olivia Rodrigo, singer contributing to HELP for War Child Records, described the release plainly: “HELP is out now and every stream & purchase supports [War Child] in their efforts to help children living through the unthinkable. So many wonderful artists I admire are on the album and I am honored to have been able to be a part of it. ” Her contribution closes the album and is presented alongside a slate of contemporary artists recruited to mirror the original HELP compilation strategy.
Production, partners and background
HELP is a charity compilation released by War Child Records and follows the label’s first HELP album. The initial HELP record from 1995 is cited within the project history as a landmark charity effort; the new volume concentrates on present-day conflicts. The album gathers a broad roster of artists to raise funds and awareness for the global nonprofit War Child and its stated mission to protect, educate, and stand up for the rights of children living through conflict.
What’s next
War Child Records will continue to promote HELP and the video as part of the charity album’s rollout, while War Child will direct proceeds toward its programs for children in conflict zones. Observers can expect further updates on distribution and fundraising activity for HELP; olivia rodrigo’s understated visual contribution has already reframed the record’s closing chapter as a platform for the children whose footage drives the project.
