News

Massive Attack Release EP In Aid Of War Child

8th Sep 2010

Massive Attack will release the ‘Atlas Air’ EP in aid of War Child, to mark the 15 year anniversary of the iconic ‘Help’ album, and to help celebrate 15 years of War Child and music working together to help change the lives of children living in war zones around the world. The EP will feature a short film for ‘Atlas Air’, the final track on the ‘Heligoland’ album, by renowned filmmaker Edouard Salier, a Tim Goldsworthy (ex LCD Soundsystem/DFA) remix of ‘Atlas Air’, a new track entitled ‘Redlight’, featuring vocals from Guy Garvey, and a remix of ‘Redlight’ by Warp artist Clark. All proceeds will go to War Child. This song was originally performed during Massive Attack’s 2008 live shows.

The EP will be a limited edition 12” of 1000 numbered copies with a painting by Robert Del Naja on the cover and crafted by The Vinyl Factory.
Massive Attack will also play a special show in London at the end of November in aid of Warchild with some very special guests. Details will be announced shortly.

Released on September 9th 1995, War Child’s legendary debut album ‘Help’ was “one of the landmarks of 1990’s British music” (NME), bringing together acts including Massive Attack, Radiohead, Blur, Paul Weller, Noel Gallagher and Sir Paul McCartney to aid the children of Bosnia.

Massive Attack recorded ‘Fake The Aroma’, a new version of 'Karma Coma' for the album and Robert Del Naja also painted artwork for the inside of the ‘Help’ album sleeve.

The support from musicians has helped grow War Child into a small international charity that protect thousands of children around the world from the brutal effects of war and its consequences. War Child currently work in Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Iraq and Uganda, working with ex-child soldiers, street children and girls at risk of sexual violence.

Ben Knowles from War Child says: “Massive Attack were key to ‘Help’ and have been friends of War Child since. Their music was hugely important to the people of Bosnia through the underground radio stations and the band have been vocal over the last 15 years in giving a platform to important issues around the world. We’re delighted they again join us in re-affirming the amazing positive power of music to change the lives of young people in the world’s harshest war zones.”

Robert Del Naja explains: “The initial pitch to support War Child and ‘Help’ wasn’t difficult: children are the innocent victims of war. We were quick to get involved. What’s so great about War Child is they continue to make great albums and events. It wasn’t a one-off, it’s an ongoing project and that can have an effect long-term.”