I blame John Otway
Four weeks from today I am releasing my sixth solo album “House Of Stories”: my celebration of age, experience and (hopefully) wisdom.
Helping me face up to ghosts from my past, the new songs are for anyone who’s felt trapped in the wrong four walls – literal or metaphorical, caused by others or self-imposed.
My musician pal Charley Stone1 visited the Launchpad a few weeks ago to help me create a full-length album video and audio podumentary. Among her insightful comments and questions she described some of the tracks on “House Of Stories” as “soothing”, which I took as a great compliment.
I will never pretend everything’s okay in my songs, but the more music I make the more I want to leave you feeling hopeful and included. I love creating experiences within, around and leading up to my music releases (hence these posts), and I’ll always keep inviting you to get as involved as you want to.
Speaking of which…
Last year I shared a video where I decided to think Very Big Indeed2, declaring that in the year 2027 I will be headlining Shepherd’s Bush Empire.
Titled “It’s time to set some ridiculous goals”, I made it to choose optimism over pessimism, to dream big instead of opting for pragmatism all the time. Not sitting back and wishing for things to happen to me, but directing my efforts in exciting directions that seem out of reach, so I can work very hard to try and get there.
In the comments, Correspondent’s Club member David told me about a fellow musician called John Otway3.
“The list of things he’s made happen in his career, by pretty much just saying he’d do it, is clear evidence you can make amazing things happen.”
I was excited. I devoured everything I could find online about John, watched his Netflix film, ordered both of his books (and immediately read them both) and even sent him a friendly email to say thank you for the inspiration.
And so it’s John Otway’s (and David’s) fault that I’m gearing up to unveil the most outlandish plan I’ve cooked up so far in my 28 years of making music.
I’ll tell you more next Friday.
To tide you over…I made a rare appearance on a music podcast! Thanks to sharing my music and writing on Substack, I made contact with Tim and Chris at New Sounds Union, who asked brilliant questions and made me feel right at home (I find these things nerve-racking when I’m not doing the editing).
Titled “How an independent artist tops the charts”, my episode is available here. I talk about how 10 years in the school orchestra led me towards arranging and producing my own songs, why I think doing stuff and keeping going is most important and how amazing music fans are (thank you).
Back at Penfriend HQ, the HOS goodies are starting to arrive – I love this part of releasing albums!
** VINYLLLLLL **
The four publicly available vinyl colours are looking absolutely stunning!
** CLOTHING **
The sample tees and hoodies were printed this week by local Notts printer Phil at Whitewater Design & Print and I’m just glad I don’t have to choose between them…thanks to Jessica Wild and Daniel Catt for the beautiful designs!
I won’t be printing many more tees / hoodies than have been ordered by the end of next weekend, so make sure you secure your size ASAP (XS-4XL available).
** KiT Hybrid Digital Format**
The KiT samples arrived from Seoul this week, coinciding with a mention of “House Of Stories” in Music Week!
It’s true, HOS will be the first completely independently released chart-reporting KiT album in the UK…very exciting.
Watch my short explainer video and get your copy here.
** AND… **
• I’m expecting the CDs to arrive next week ready for signing, hooray!
• The 21-track demos and rarities collection is being printed as I type…
• I’m having a blast putting the lyric, photos and story book together, and there are only 100 copies left at the time of writing.
** FINALLY… **
Calling Nottingham / adjacent / further afield adventurous gig lovers – the last 21 tickets for my birthday shindig on 31st May at Rough Trade Nottingham are available here.
I’m looking forward to sharing my newest, most ambitious adventure with you next Friday.
Big love and thanks,
Laura xxx
- Whose excellent album “Here Comes The Actual Band” is available here.
↩︎ - Watch that here.
↩︎ - Get inspired by John here. Warning: reading this website, buying his books and watching his film might make you do something OUTLANDISH.
↩︎
NEXT
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My new Penfriend album “House Of Stories” is available to order NOW on super limited vinyl, CDs and KiT hybrid digital albums, with accompanying tees, hoodies and books. Get five songs in your inbox immediately when you order before the release date of 18th April 2025.
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