Toby L

Today the Music Producers Guild announce our new Impact Award. This year we are delighted to present it to War Child’s Help(2) album. The Impact Award has been launched for 2026 to recognise music projects that deliver meaningful social and cultural impact through the craft and collaboration of music production. War Child UK’s Help(2) is a major charity release which brought together artists, producers and studios in support of the 520 million children around the world who are affected by conflict. On Friday (March 13), the record reached No.1 on the Compilations Chart, achieving the same feat of its 1995 predecessor. Help(2) was helmed by executive producer and MPG Member James Ford (@james_ellis_ford ) , and Toby L (@mrtobyl ) (Transgressive) as A&R director and co-producer on some of the album material. The A&R Team also comprised Luke Williams from This is Music Ltd – the company that represents Ford – plus the project’s management team, Music Week Awards 2025 Strat winner, Ian McAndrew, and Emma Greengrass of Wildlife Entertainment. Visuals and creative direction were courtesy of Jonathan Glazer, while the album was distributed by Beggars. MPG has also revealed that War Child will be the official charity partner for the 2026 MPG Awards. Many of our members; producers, engineers, mixers, mastering engineers and studios rallied to the call to help make this album happen. “The MPG Impact Award has been created to recognise projects that demonstrate how music production can make a meaningful difference beyond the studio. Help(2) is a remarkable example of the production community coming together to support an important cause, and we’re proud to recognise War Child’s work while also welcoming them as our charity partner for the 2026 MPG Awards.” The Impact Award is announced ahead of this year’s ceremony, with the remaining category winners revealed live at the ceremony on April 16 at The Troxy in London. ✨ Secure your spot 🎟️ ➡️ mpgawards.org.uk Discounts available for MPG Members - check your members area mpg.org.uk

When Ian McAndrew stood on stage at the Music Week Awards in May last year and announced that he was planning a new album to raise money for War Child, he had no idea what was about to happen, not really. The Wildlife Entertainment CEO had just received The Strat award, presented by Alex Turner of the Arctic Monkeys, who surprised his manager on the night by turning up to hand over the trophy, flanked by McAndrew’s esteemed colleague Emma Greengrass. What’s happened since has left McAndrew and the rest of the team that has worked on the Help(2) project in something of a state of disbelief, not least because James Ford, who was enlisted as executive producer, fulfilled his role while battling leukemia, attending sessions via video call, often from a hospital ward.  In a special review of the campaign, Music Week meets McAndrew and Ford, @warchilduk , @beggarsmusic and @transgressivehq ’s @mrtobyl , alongside members of the wider team, to tell an incredible story. Read it on musicweek.com now. #warchild #help2 #arcticmonkeys #oliviarodrigo #fontainesdc ✍️: @benalexanderhomewood 📸: @_adamajalloh @pipbourdillon @joshrenaut

Almost as quickly as it was made, ‘HELP(2)’ is out now. A&R-ing this record was a truly moving and enriching experience, enhanced persistently by the generosity of everyone’s time, talent and collaborative spirit. Being able to work alongside such a gifted team of artists, producers, engineers, mixers, studio teams, label and management personnel highlights the best of what the music world has to offer when it unites for a truly essential cause: @warchilduk . Of course we had no idea what would be happening the week this album would be released, and yet again we’re reminded of the utter horrors of war, and the crucial importance of keeping all our children safe and protected at all times. If you have the chance to purchase the vinyl or CD, or to stream it, just know your money is going to the charity in question, and will contribute towards colossal change at a time when so many desperately need it. Thanks to everyone that was part of this album; it was such a magical thing to jointly curate, steer, sequence and on occasion, produce (‘Flags’ by @damonalbarn / @grianwhitegold / @kaetempest alongside @james_ellis_ford and @martasalogni , as well as ‘The Book of Love’ by @oliviarodrigo alongside @james_ellis_ford and @cjmarks ). Everyone clubbed together benevolently to make something expansive but still deeply personal. Happy listening to everyone x A few personal photos/videos: ‘HELP(2)’ street poster - spotted release day in Hackney The inimitable @edharcourt and @grahamcoxon - the band we formed for ‘The Book of Love’ by @oliviarodrigo - Studio 1, Abbey Road Studios ‘When The War Is Finally Done’ @foals session ‘Joy of joys!’ - the adult choir on ‘Flags’, captured from the legendary Studio 2 staircase; assembling this motley crew in under 2 hours was quite something Catherine Marks & me in Studio 1, watching and listening in awe as ‘The Book of Love’ is tracked live A celebratory cheers today with Feedy @warchilduk who brought me onto the project in September 2024 Executive Producer and partner in crime @james_ellis_ford Album: done - Mastering Session, 18th December 2025 with Matt Colton at Metropolis The visuals, courtesy of Jonathan Glazer

“Everything feels very scary and politicised at the minute, but helping children in war zones is a fairly apolitical and uncontroversial thing" A lot of artists agreed, with an indie royalty A-list coming on board for the historic new 'Help(2)' album from @warchildrecords Hit the link in bio for @jamesellisford talking NME through the huge new compilation track-by-track, and get the lowdown on the makings of new music by @arcticmonkeys , @fontainesband , @oliviarodrigo , @wetlegband , @geesebandnyc 's @mrcameron_winter , @welovepulp , @damonalbarn , @depechemode , @foals , @kaetempest , @batforlashes , @englishteacherband , @ezracollective , @grahamcoxon , @beck , @thelastdinnerparty , @edharcourt , @carlbarat78 , @annacalvi , @ellieciararowsell , @arlo.parks , @niluferyanyaaaaaa , @blackcountrynewroad and loads more – with @transgressivehq 's @mrtobyl making A&R decisions as he worked as creative project leader 📸: Charlie Barclay-Harris/Adama Jalloh/Lawrence Watson/Phoebe Fox

HELP(2), a new album for @warchilduk , was announced today. Over a year ago, my friend @feedy invited me to join the project committee. I first heard the original 1995 HELP album on cassette aged 10 and, like so many, was completely blown away. Led by Tony Crean and Brian Eno, its influence still rings loud today. With 520 million children currently affected by conflict - twice as many as in the mid-90s - War Child’s work has never been more critical. Joining for the sequel to raise further funds was a no-brainer. The last few months assembling this record have been a total trip - a genuinely uplifting reminder of the power of community, collaboration and collectivism. The music world coming together under intense time pressure, creating surreal, moving and unforgettable moments through openness and resilience. I’ve had the honour of serving as A&R Director, co-producing a couple of songs, and working closely with friend and Executive Producer @james_ellis_ford . It has been a uniquely bonding and creatively fulfilling experience I am deeply grateful for. Huge love also to fellow A&R team member @lukethisismusic ; Ian McAndrew and Emma Greengrass at Wildlife Entertainment; @richwclarke and everyone at War Child UK; the brilliant team at @beggarsgroup distributing it via @warchildrecords ; plus an extraordinary group of artists, managers, producers, engineers and mixers, including @ravalanimesh , @baird._ , @cjmarks , @danurchin , @davidkosten , David Goldblaum, @davidwrenchmusic , @erik_brauer , @jon_mcm , @laketurner_ , Loren Humphrey, @martasalogni , @neilcomber , Riley McIntyre, with mastering by @puttingitonwax and @charliecoltongm . Shout-outs to @mmmmm_haughton , the studios Abbey Road (particularly Mark Robertson and Abi Duncan), Angel Studios, Urchin, Salvation, Metropolis, @samsparrow , Creative Director Jonathan Glazer and Art Director @ajbreuer . Full credits coming soon. The first track is out now - @arcticmonkeys Opening Night. The full 23-song album lands March 6th. It was made with care, passion and love from all involved. Pre-orders are live now, raising vital funds and noise for the truly essential work War Child does. ❤️

Sam Fender - Live at London Stadium. Production Company: Up The Game @upthegamecreative Directors - Toby L @mrtobyl & Kit Monteith @kit_monteith Producer - Josh Connolly @joshconnollyx Executive Producers - Toby L, Josh Connolly, Kenny Cavey Creative Director, Polydor Records - Semera Khan @semerakhan Director of Photography - Nathaniel Hill @nathanielhilldop Vision Mixer & Additional Direction - Simon Lane @simonjlane Editor - Reg Wrench @regwrench Colourist - Matthieu Toullet @matthieu.toullet Post House - Company3 @company_3 Edit Assistant - Alex Townley @alextownleymedia Line Producer - Katie Cooper @fromkatewithlove Production Assistants - Grace O’Connor @graceocnnr , Emmet Banahan @emmetbanahan Jib Operator - Rob Ballantyne Evans @robbaduckcameraservices Jib Technician - Alfie Evans Steadicam Operator - Curtis Dunne Splinter Unit DOP - Rhys Warren @rhyswarren Sound Recordist - George Davies @george_t.e_davies Camera Assistant - Thomas Foster @thomasfosterfilm Remote Operators: Joe Finan @thejibco Paul Jarvis @jarvoworld Giles Mallard @gilesmallard Adam Terry Jack Davies @jackdavies89 Camera Operators: Charlie Moore @iam_charliemoore Sophie Penwill @sophers78 Leon Henry Greg Firth gregfirth Agito Driver - Finn Cooper Focus Pullers: Jason Dully Chris Robertson Ben Worthington Remote Techs - Matt Gladstone & Thomas Gladstone Camera Services - Spiritland @spiritlandproductions Project Manager - Andy Wood @andywood_sw19 Technical Manager - Tom Ross @tomross1 Comms Engineer - Antony Shaw @antonyshawaudio Vision Supervisor - Andrew Duguard Sound Guarantee - Gareth Iles Music Sound Supervisor - Will Thornton Vision Engineers - Duncan Barnes & Ash Spires Camera Assistants - Lawrence O’Brien, Jamie Cook, Olly Hallam PTZ Assistant - Amelia Thomas RF Engineer - Ben Hawker Driver/Riggers: Kelvin Palmer Keith Pew Matt Green Additional Footage: Dan Broadley @danielbroadley Jay Division Josh Halling @joshuahalling Ginger Dope @gingerdope Jamie Macmillan @jamie_macmillan_photos Additional Colour Services - Digital Orchard @digital_orchard DIT - Dean Otusanya-Wood @dean_o_wood Catering - Honey & Thyme @honeyandthyme

A joy and honour to collaborate with so many immense people to direct the concert film for this bona fide classic. @gorillaz - ‘Gorillaz’ performed live in London. Filmed at Copper Box Arena on 29th August 2025; Broadcast on 3rd September 2025 Special thanks: Niamh Byrne, Regine Moylett, Tanyel Vahdettin, Astrid Ferguson @elevenmgmt & @swearstudio_ - full credits list at end of film @upthegamecreative - Film Credits: Director: Toby L @mrtobyl Producer: Josh Connolly @joshconnollyx Director of Photography: Nathaniel Hill @nathanielhilldop Vision Mixer: Simon Lane @simonjlane Executive Producers: Josh Connolly, Toby L, Kenny Cavey Line Producer: Katie Cooper @fromkatewithlove Editor: Simon Lane Assistant Editor: Tim Fernandez @tim.fernandez Swear Studios: @swearstudio_ Creative Director: Stephen Gallagher @stephanthomasgallagher Producers: Stephanie Allen & Alexa Pearson Associate Producer: Alex Alexandrou Visual Effects Designer: Monica Ng Visual Effects Designer: Caspar Wain @casparwain DIT: Conor Moss conormichaelmoss Post Production Facilities: Platform Post @platformpp Production Assistants: Grace O’Connor @gracekttyo Joey Barlow: @joeybarlowfilms Camera Operators: Jamie Caroll Dave Evans Charlie Moore: iam_charliemoore Dom Roberts Remote Operators: Alex Dodd Nikki Graves Matt Ingham: @m4ttingham Mark Sayers: @marksayerstv Ronin Operator: Jack Davies @jackdavies89 Focus Pullers: Jason Dully Louise Harris: @lou_harris23 Sophie Wilson Camera Services: Spiritland @spiritlandproductions Project Manager: Andy Wood Project Manager: Antony Shaw Technical Manager: Tom Ross Sound Guarantee: Will Thornton Vision Guarantee: Duncan Barnes Technical Manager: Oliver Riches Vision Engineer: Ash Spires Camera Assistants: Spud Edwards, Fraser Harrison, Holly Squelch PTZ Assistants: Amelia Thomas, Dan Greenway Comms Engineer: Josh Stuart Driver/Riggers: Kevin Palmer, Keith Pew, Fred Edwards 2nd Unit: Director of Photography: Ben Warburton @benwarburtonmedia Sound Recordist: George Davies @relimu.sound Ronin Operator: Stephan Knight @stephanknight_ 1st AC: Jack Edwards @jack_edwards.dop Catering Services: Honey & Thyme @honeyandthyme Production Company: @upthegamecreative

2025 @transgressivehq x @glastofest ❤️

The concert film we released almost a year ago - blur: Live at Wembley Stadium - will make its way to Glastonbury this weekend, in the @piltonpalais Cinema Tent. It screens Thursday at 2.45pm, and I’ll be doing a little intro beforehand. Grab a lunchtime drink and please come and join us. When I was 14 and first attended Glastonbury with my mum in 1998 (one of the vintage mud years), never in my wildest dreams could I have anticipated that we’d be one day presenting a film featuring the band we all saw headline that year. We will also have a treasure trove of @transgressivehq activities happening this weekend (as per next post). Hope to see friends old and new down there this year, much love and safe travels to all. X

“In our continued age of what’s called ‘consolidation’, where monopolies grow larger by conglomerates, and culture is threatened on a local level, it’s essential we fight for the independent pubs, clubs and bars to keep their stage. Without it, we don’t have a voice, and we don’t have a soundtrack.” @transgressivehq founder @mrtobyl sheds light on the label’s eclecticism, the importance of the physical format and protecting independent venues. blog.roughtrade.com/gb Visit Rough Trade online or in-store this month for special prices and vinyl exclusives as we celebrate Transgressive entering their landmark second decade.

👊 @TransgressiveHQ Records’ Toby L on the genre-defying, generation-defining label’s ‘special sauce’ as it turns 20 years old. To mark the anniversary, Transgressive hosted a series of live shows, with proceeds supporting the MVT to keep venues at the heart of communities. Congratulations to the entire team on this massive milestone, and huge thanks to everyone involved for their support.

Watch the new video for ‘Rain Can’t Reach Us’ now. Recorded live at KOKO in London last month. Link in Story 🌪️ Co-directed by @mrtobyl & @kit_monteith Produced by @upthegamecreative