The band was formed in 1989 by bassist Mark Clayden with guitarist and programmer Johnny Carter, later joined by vocalist JS Clayden and Stuart Toolin. During this time, the band played with local bands and soon gained attention of the Peaceville Records. During this time, JS went to live in France to sell paintings.
During 1990, the band started recording their début album, Industrial, with the main vocalist being Mark Clayden instead of JS, who contributed with backing vocals. The band later went on a small tour with bands like Napalm Death.
Their first few releases had a distinctive industrial sound where the influential gaze of Godflesh was abundantly apparent.
The simplified 808 style drum tracks and sluggish drone guitars evolved over the next decade to produce some of the most intense loop based crunching metal/punk riffs and hard floor dance rhythm sections.
Throughout their highly acclaimed career although often commercially overlooked, Pitchshifter were often heralded with founding the Electro Punk genre with JS Claydon's 'sex pistols' barrages on the current state of the UK, simplistic chord driven guitar lines and the inclusion of more and more elaborate sampling and synth based elements.
Similar to previous attempts at this meld of minds such as Pop Will Eat Itself (PWEI) Pitchshifter created an intense and dedicated fan-base who still work hard to promote the outfit.
Although the band officially ceased to be after releasing the album PSI, they have continued to reform for the occasional festival appearance or one-off event each of which is accompanied by one-off releases for ticket holders.
Since shutting down the PSI-political propaganda machine, members have gone on to work on various projects together and solo, including This is Menace, a super group comprising of members of Amen, Hundred Reasons, Funeral For a Friend and Earthone9.
Mark Claydon is now a regular tutor at the Brighton Institute of Modern Music (BIMM), and runs a regular advice column for bands just starting out in the UK-based Total Guitar magazine (available through Future Publishing).
What's In It For Me?
Pitchshifter Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't think I've got a single thing left that I can call my own.
Still at the end of the day when all's said and done,
The one and only single thing left is that one burning question.
What's in it for me? ('cause that's what really matters.)
Same as the rest? Convince me I am.
What's in it for me, me, me? ('cause that's what really matters).
The lyrics of Pitchshifter's song "What's In It For Me?" revolve around the ideas of individualism and self-interest. The singer starts by acknowledging that they have put in their best effort and exhausted all their resources, yet they still feel empty and devoid of any possessions they can call their own. This lack of ownership makes them look for something that will benefit them in the end, a question that keeps burning within them. This is where the song title comes from, as they ask "What's in it for me?".
The second verse is a challenge to those who are trying to convince the singer to follow their path or ideas. They assert their position, saying that they are already out on their own path and don't need anyone to burn bridges for them mentally. The idea of self-reliance is evident here, as the singer is confident in their own abilities and doesn't want anyone to sway their decision, unless it serves their own interests.
Overall, the lyrics of "What's In It For Me?" capture the rebellious and fiercely independent mindset of the alternative rock scene of the 90s. The song reflects the angst and disillusionment felt by many young people during this time, and their desire to break free from societal norms and find their own way.
Line by Line Meaning
I tried my best, did all that I can.
I exerted all my efforts and gave everything I could to achieve something.
I don't think I've got a single thing left that I can call my own.
I feel like I lost possession of everything I used to have.
Still at the end of the day when all's said and done,
After everything has been done, analyzed, and implemented...
The one and only single thing left is that one burning question.
...there's only one question left unanswered that bothers me the most.
What's in it for me? ('cause that's what really matters.)
What benefit will I get from all of it because that's the only thing that truly counts in the end.
Same as the rest? Convince me I am.
Am I common and unremarkable like everyone else? You need to persuade me otherwise.
You don't need to burn the bridge in my head 'cause i'm out on my own.
You don't have to convince me so intensely because I am already independent in making my own decisions.
What's in it for me, me, me? ('cause that's what really matters).
I cannot emphasize it enough that the only thing that matters to me is what rewards or advantages I will get out of it.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHNATHAN CARTER, JON S. CLAYDEN, MARK CLAYDEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind