(l-r) Rachel Ruggles, Jade Bird, Andy Caine, David Ridley, Shridhar Solanki, and Beth Neilsen Chapmen at the BMI x Chris Difford Songwriter Retreat in Somerset, England)
LOS ANGELES, CA (LA ELEMENTS) 7/02/2026 – “Running a retreat with BMI is a dream come true – a partnership of inspiration that brings together the finest composers and songwriters to Pennard House in Somerset,” says Chris Difford. Difford, founding member of seminal New Wave band Squeeze and writer of pop classics such as “Tempted,” and “Black Coffee in Bed,” just to name a few. “Working alongside Tracey McKnight from BMI is the highlight of my songwriting year.”
The five-day retreat was held June14 -18 and featured a gathering of acclaimed and emerging composers and songwriters including John Alagia, Beau Black (“Here Comes The Lion Guard”), Jade Bird (“Lottery”), Victoria Canal (“Swan Song”), Andy Caine (“Blame It On The Weatherman”), Beth Neilsen Chapman (“This Kiss”), Gracie Coates (“Only A Child”), Charlie Dempsey (“Like What I See”), Levi Evans (“Talk About It”), Magnus Fiennes (“Never Ever”), Dominic Lewis (musical score for The Fall Guy), Frances Madden (“She Will Rise”), David Ridley (“Fragile”), Rachel Ruggles (“WTF”), Shridhar Solanki (“Take On The World”), Steve Smith (“Days Go By”) and Yuval Haim Chain (“Rich Baby Daddy”) for an unforgettable week of collaboration and creativity.
BMI VP of Film, TV and Visual Media Tracy McKnight, co-hosted this special event noting, “The BMI x Chris Difford retreat in Somerset is an incredibly special creative experience-truly one of a kind. Collaborating with Chris has been a real highlight; his warmth and passion shape every part of the process There’s an effortless creative energy throughout the retreat that invites openness and experimentation, creating a rare environment for genuine connection-where relationships formed continue well beyond the experience itself.”
The BMI x Chris Difford songwriter/composer retreat wrapped up with a standout final evening celebrating the songs and music written throughout the week.
(from l. to r.) Shridhar Solanki, Tracy McKnight and Levi Evans at the Chris Difford x BMI Songwriter retreat in Somerset, England.
About BMI: Celebrating over 80 years of service to songwriters, composers, music publishers and businesses, Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) is a global leader in music rights management, serving as an advocate for the value of music. For more information on BMI, please visit their site.
Cover photo of Chris Difford and all other photography courtesy of Hannah Norton for BMI.
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