British songwriting legend Richard Ashcroft has recorded a special track for a forthcoming British film.

As the lead singer of The Verve, Richard Ashcroft was one of the most celebrated frontmen in British rock. The group's tense dynamic drove them on to craft some sensational albums before splitting in 2000.

Reforming last year for their new album 'Fourth', it seems that Richard Ashcroft now has plans to work on solo material. Currently putting the finishing touches to his new album the singer will contribute a track to a forthcoming documentary.

'The Journey' stars Emma Thompson and focusses on the life of a sex worker. The one time Verve frontman has agreed to record a one off track for the film, with all royalties from the soundtrack being donated to the Helen Bamber Foundation.

An organisation who help re-build the lives of victims of human rights violations, Richard Ashcroft was keen to praise the work of the organisation.

"I have been fortunate enough to work on a very special project for a cause that when you learn the disgusting truth you will be sickened by and want to help, you can."

"By watching the film 'The Journey' and also downloading the track which I composed, money will be donated to Helen Bamber Foundation."

Due to be released next year, 'The Journey' will be followed by more new material from the singer. Richard Ashcroft is currently working on a new album and has recruited hip hop producer No ID to help out.

Speaking to Stateside magazine HipHopDX about the collaboration No ID said: "He heard (Jay-Z's single) 'DOA' and heard an interview where I talked about how producers destroy albums just for the sales and he said he liked how I thought."

"So we went in and recorded between 20-30 songs."

Sheffield indie giants Arctic Monkeys have posted a new webcast of the band performing live.

The return of Arctic Monkeys was one of 2009's biggest stories. The Sheffield group are arguably one of the most influential British rock groups of the decade releasing two seismic albums.

Combining kitchen sink realism with indie dancefloor riffs, Arctic Monkeys are one of the biggest bands in the country. Retreating to the United States to work on their third album, the group recruited Josh Homme to handle production duties.

With long term cohort James Ford helping to mix the album in New York the resultant recording was one of Arctic Monkeys most ambitious efforts to date.

Kept under lock and key the new material was released to fans in a series of inventive ways. Recording a special webcast Arctic Monkeys performed in front of giant blues screens, dramatically lit as they blasted through new material.

The performance included five tracks from their new album 'Humbug', while the band also found time to blast through a cover of Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds classic ode to outlaw behaviour 'Red Right Hand'.

The studio version of this special cover version appeared on the flipside to the single 'Crying Lightning'. A huge success the single was only available on vinyl through Cancer Research charity shops.

Going on to become one of the biggest selling physical singles of the year the gesture was well timed, raising countless thousands for the charity.

To watch the new webcast just click HERE.

Rap metal icons Rage Against The Machine have hailed their chart victory over X Factor winner Joe McElderry.

Formed by four musicians in Los Angeles, Rage Against The Machine were one of the most thought provoking and politically outspoken acts of their generation. Essentially like reading a Noam Chomsky book but with great big volcanic riffs behind it the band's three studio albums represent one of the great back catalogue's of 90s rock music.

Perhaps best known for their uncompromising track 'Killing In The Name' the band were the recipients of an unlikely chart campaign. Pitting one social networking driven campaign against the might of X Factor, Rage Against The Machine scored a sensational chart victory.

Speaking to Radio 1 presenter Scott Mills after the news broke singer Zack De La Rocha claimed the band were "great, we're very very ecstatic and excited about the song reaching the Number One spot".

Continuing the singer claimed: "I just want to say we want to thank everyone for participating in this incredible, organic grass roots campaign."

"It's more about the spontaneous action taken by young people in the UK to topple this very sterile pop monopoly. When young people decide to take action they can make what's seemingly impossible, possible."

However the Rage Against The Machine star was also quick to pay tribute to the act they beat to the punch, X Factor winner Joe McElderry. "We would like to congratulate Joe and Simon (Cowell) on the Number Two single," he added.

"We intend to make right on that promise (to play) and we will get together in 2010. We will definitely be there to celebrate with everyone in the UK."

Rage Against The Machine had promised to play a massive free celebration party somewhere in the UK as a reward for fans.