October 23rd 2024.
According to Chris Difford, there was a time when songwriters put a lot more thought into their lyrics than they do now. Chris himself started writing songs when he was just 17 years old, and eventually went on to form the beloved UK rock band, Squeeze. After being in the music industry for 50 years, Chris has noticed where modern songwriters are falling short.
Squeeze, known for their nostalgic hits like "Up The Junction," "Cool for Cats," and "Labelled with Love," were a key figure in the 1970s new wave rock movement. Unlike many other bands from that era, they are still going strong in 2024. Chris, as the founding member, lead singer, and songwriter, started the band in 1974 with his teenage friend Glen Tilbrook. Although their lineup has changed over the years, Chris and Glen are currently touring the UK, and even opened the iconic Glastonbury Festival this year.
With five decades of experience in the industry, Chris has learned a lot and has a unique perspective on songwriting. He believes that there is something missing in today's music that was abundant in the 70s and 80s. "Nowadays, there's something for everybody, but back then, there was a deeper lyrical content that interested me," Chris shares with Metro. He feels that this depth has diminished in modern songwriting, with many lyrics being overthought or lacking genuineness. He does make an exception for bands like the Blossoms, whose lyrics he finds fascinating and brilliant.
Chris and Glen have been performing together for an impressive 50 years. They first gained recognition in the 1980s, becoming one of the biggest names in the new wave English rock scene. "Apart from a band like the Blossoms, for instance, whose lyrics fascinate me, I think they're brilliant – generally speaking, lyrics now are either overthought or they're not genuine to me," Chris explains. He believes that lyrics are often just a part of the songwriting process, rather than being the driving force behind a song's emotional impact.
It's hard to argue with Chris' point, especially with the intense competition and high stakes in the music industry today. Standing out with shallow lyrics is not enough to make a lasting impact. "The music industry has changed immensely," Chris reflects. "It used to encourage young bands to have a career, but now, younger bands come and go so quickly, unless they're very special." The struggle to break into the industry is real, and once young musicians do make it, they are faced with other challenges, such as the overwhelming pressure of fame.
After the tragic death of One Direction's Liam Payne at the young age of 31, many have called for better protections for young musicians in the industry. Chris agrees that there should be more resources available to support them. "There are charities that help musicians, but not the music industry as a whole," he explains. "I think it's very difficult to cater to everyone's needs. It must be challenging for a young person to come into the industry and be swept off their feet, suddenly becoming the biggest thing. It's easy to lose sight of reality when your audience becomes your focus, and your parents become unimportant."
Chris and Glen are one of the most iconic duos in English music history, with their most famous work being with Squeeze. However, Chris has also released solo albums and hosts his own podcast, "I Never Thought It Would Happen." In his podcast, he interviews musicians about the highs and lows of their careers. One thing he has noticed is that most musicians he speaks to share a similar background – they were often the quiet kids in the back of the class, not feeling understood or listened to. "I think the music industry is a fantastic place for the silent creative to be heard," Chris muses. "It's a wonderful industry to be in, but it comes with its highs and lows."
For Chris, one of the highs and lows of his career is touring. "For me, touring comes at a price. There are moments when I feel very lonely, despite being on stage with thousands of people and a band I love," he shares. "But the highs of performing and connecting with the audience make it all worth it. They say the stage can be a doctor or therapist, getting you through the highs and lows. However, after 50 years of being in the same construct, it can become tiring."
Despite the challenges, Chris has a lot of gratitude for his career. He and Glen have been able to create and sustain a successful career for 50 years, which is something to be proud of. Squeeze is currently touring the UK, and tickets are available on their website. If you have a celebrity story, video, or pictures, you can get in touch with the entertainment team at The Agency by emailing, calling, or visiting their Submit Stuff page. They would love to hear from you.
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