Secret 7”, the much-loved charity initiative combining music and art, is making a highly anticipated return in 2025, proudly presented by War Child for the second consecutive year. After a resounding success last year, the project is set to once again bring together a stellar mix of world-class musicians, visionary artists, and passionate collectors. All proceeds will go towards War Child’s vital work providing protection, education and specialist mental health support to children caught in conflict zones around the world.
Launched in 2012 and now running its ninth edition, Secret 7” selects seven iconic tracks from globally-renowned musicians, pressing each track onto 100 limited-edition 7” vinyl records. Creatives worldwide, from renowned artists to emerging talents, create one-of-a-kind sleeve designs for each record, interpreting the track in any style or medium of their choosing, resulting in 700 distinctive pieces of collectible art that push the boundaries of what a record sleeve can be.
These records are exhibited publicly, with the designers' identities kept secret until a big reveal once all items are sold. Therein lies the secret. During its nine year run, Secret 7” has produced and sold 5,600 one-of-a-kind records, raising over £700,000 for various charities to date.
Today, Secret 7” and War Child reveal the seven tracks in this year’s initiative:
The Cure - Warsong: Troxy Live 2024
Frank Turner - Be More Kind
Gregory Porter - Merchant of Paradise
Jessie Ware - Beautiful People
Keane - Black Rain
Scissor Sisters - Return to Oz
Sophie Ellis-Bextor - Devotion (Brand New Song, Exclusive to War Child's Secret 7" )
As in previous years, the revealing of the tracks also marks the opening of public submissions, in which anyone is welcome to submit a record sleeve. For more information on digital submissions or to order a physical design pack, visit www.secret-7.co.uk. Aspiring contributors will have between 13th January - 28th February 2025 to submit their designs. For the first time in the project’s history, Secret 7” and War Child will also be partnering with D&AD’s esteemed New Blood initiative, which will host an open call for emerging talent to take part. DHL will support with shipping for the project, as part of their ongoing partnership with the charity.
Since its inception, Secret 7" has also attracted contributions from some of the world’s most celebrated artists and designers. Renowned figures such as Sir Anish Kapoor, Yoko Ono, Sir Peter Blake, David Shrigley, and Ai Weiwei have lent their creativity to the project, producing stunning, unique record sleeves which have become instant collector’s items.
In collaboration with War Child, Greenwich Peninsula’s NOW Gallery will present Secret 7”, showcasing the records in a free exhibition from 11th April - 1st June 2025, after which they will be sold through an auction on Givergy. Money raised will support the charity's work across 14 conflict zones around the world, where they provide immediate emergency aid, specialist psychological support, education and vital safe spaces for children, young people, and their families.
In addition to the star-studded tracklist, acclaimed British-Nigerian artist Yinka Ilori will contribute his signature style by creating etched designs on all 700 of the records, ensuring each piece is not only a musical treasure but a visual masterpiece as well.
Charlotte Nimmo, Fundraising Engagement Director at War Child UK says; “We at War Child are so pleased to announce the start of another Secret 7”’s, marking the continuation of a beautifully creative endeavour. Every year, some of the best artists from around the world come together to create 700 truly one-of-a-kind records, to raise funds which enable us to protect, educate and support children whose lives have been affected by wars they didn't start. This year has been horrendous for children caught up in conflict, but the money raised here will help us provide immediate emergency aid, and specialist long term support where it's needed most. We pride ourselves on working with the best in music and creative arts to create something brilliant that ultimately changes the lives of some of the most vulnerable children around the world, and we can’t wait for everyone to see, and hear, what has been created this year for Secret 7". We are so grateful to the artists, both musical and visual, for supporting our work, and to everyone that donates to help us do what we do.”
Kaia Charles, NOW Gallery and Greenwich Peninsula Senior Cultural Projects Manager, says; “The benefits of art and music often transcend the tangible, impacting in ways beyond what meets the eye. Secret 7” not only celebrates creativity but also raises critical funds for a vitally important cause, which we are proud to support for the 3rd year running. At NOW Gallery, we are dedicated to showcasing today’s most forward-thinking artistic practices, and the artists brought together annually by Secret 7” truly epitomise that.”
Sammi Vaughan, Partnerships Director at D&AD says; "We have always been inspired by the remarkable work of Secret 7”, and we’re thrilled to invite New Blood entrants from across the globe to participate in its highly anticipated return. D&AD New Blood is a creative development programme designed to support and recognise emerging talent across the design, advertising and creative industries by giving them a chance to showcase their work to industry employers. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for students, recent graduates, and emerging talent to compete for the coveted D&AD New Blood Pencil, unlock valuable career opportunities, and have their creativity celebrated, exhibited, and auctioned – all while supporting War Child’s vital mission."
Photo credit: Charles Emerson
