BMI and Chris Difford Host Composer/Songwriter Retreat in Somerset, England

BMI partnered for the third year with Squeeze co-founder Chris Difford to present a Composer/Songwriter Retreat at Pennard House in the English countryside of Somerset from June 14-18. The five-day retreat brought together a celebrated group of established and emerging composers and songwriters including John Alagia, Beau Black, Jade Bird, Victoria Canal, Andy Caine, Beth Neilsen Chapman, Gracie Coates, Charlie Dempsey, Levi Evans, Magnus Fiennes, Dominic Lewis, Frances Madden, David Ridley, Rachel Ruggles, Shridhar Solanki, Steve Smith, and Yuval Haim Chain (uv killin em), for an immersive week of collaboration and creativity.

Co-hosted by Difford and BMI’s VP of Film, TV and Visual Media, Tracy McKnight, the program offered participants an intimate and aspiring setting to push their artistry forward. “The BMI x Chris Difford retreat in Somerset is an incredibly special creative experience—truly one of a kind. Collaborating closely 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,” shared McKnight. Difford agreed, saying, “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. Working alongside Tracy McKnight from BMI is the highlight of my songwriting year.”

The week culminated with a concert on the final evening to showcase a variety of songs and music written during the retreat.