Music Has Ceased to be Ageist: Pet Shop Boys on 40 Years of Pop Genius - and Their Hopeful New Album
Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe of the Pet Shop Boys discuss their four decades in the music industry, the inspiration behind their new album, and the changing attitudes towards age in the music industry.
Ageless Pop Icons
The Pet Shop Boys, comprising Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, have spent the last 40 years immersing themselves in the world of pop music. Their synthpop sound and artful lyrics have made a lasting impact on the industry, with hits like "West End Girls" and "Being Boring" becoming iconic songs of the era.
Throughout their careers, the Pets have embraced cultural references and explored various themes in their music, including love, loss, and societal issues. They believe that music allows us to make sense of our lives and provide a soundtrack to our experiences.
A Hopeful New Album
The Pet Shop Boys' latest album, Nonetheless, is a reflection of their post-lockdown persistence and refusal to give in to the challenges of the past year. The album, produced by James Ford, takes a more optimistic tone compared to their previous work and explores themes of romantic and artistic salvation.
The album features 10 songs, each with its own character, all pursuing their own dreams and searching for happiness. While the pandemic is only directly referenced in one song, the album as a whole carries a sense of hope and resilience.
Changing Attitudes Towards Age
In recent years, the Pet Shop Boys have noticed a shift in the music industry's attitudes towards age. They believe that music has become less ageist, with younger generations appreciating and embracing older artists and their music.
The accessibility of music through platforms like YouTube has allowed younger audiences to discover and connect with artists and songs from previous decades. This has created a desire for "authentic" and "classic" movements in music, transcending age boundaries.
The Pet Shop Boys also credit their longevity to their constant curiosity and interest in the world around them. They believe that staying engaged and avoiding self-victimization is key to maintaining a successful and fulfilling career in music.
