So it’s not just me?
Essays Letterbox Mindfulness
Snug in my hand, the coffee cup is still warm. The last dregs of bittersweet liquid lie waiting for me to tip them into my mouth, but I’m absent-minded. I ... Read more
As a music and video maker of 25+ years, my mission is to encourage creativity in others by sharing my experiments in art, music and life.
If you’d like to receive an email every time I share a new piece of writing, subscribe here on Substack.
How not to release an album in 2025 (this is NOT music industry advice)
Creativity Essays Letterbox Process
How not to release an album in 2025: 1. Spend four months building up to release day with thoughtful emails, regular music video premieres and ads (I even did TikTok ... Read more
I choose to be more dog
Essays Letterbox
Everyone is in a bad mood today except for Luna. Alby is on edge. Anxious. Jittery. It’s week 5 of our neighbours having their floors ripped out and replaced. The ... Read more
Sheepcore: my musical future?
Creativity Letterbox Music News Process
Shords, ghords and moving forwards When you wake at 6.32am on a Sunday and can’t think of anything you’d rather do than sneak quietly up to the attic to play ... Read more
If creativity is a ball game, am I playing the wrong one?
Creativity Essays Letterbox Mindfulness Process Productivity
10th May, 2025The Lungomare, Chiaia, Naples 24 hours before my holiday ends, I am itching to get back to my life of making and doing. Naples is loud, exciting, busy, delicious, ... Read more
Five and a half years later…I’m not “back”
Essays Letterbox Live performances Mindfulness Music News Process
Last Saturday 31st May I played my songs on a stage in front of people for the first time in 5.5 years – and it didn’t feel like I thought it ... Read more
Like a ton of bricks on my head
Letterbox
I asked: the universe answered Consistency is a word I consistently think about. Consistency is something I want to aim for, am intimidated by, have occasionally attained and maintained before ... Read more
What Do I Do Now? (I thought I had it sorted)
Creativity Letterbox Mindfulness Process
On Friday 25th April 2025 my seventh solo album “House Of Stories” reached #2 in the Official UK Independent Albums Chart. I recorded and released the album from my attic home ... Read more
16 days til I give it another shot…
Letterbox Music News
When I quit touring at the end of 2019, I never expected my break to last this long. Burned out from 10 years of solo performing, always being the driver/roadie/merch ... Read more
The chart results are in –
House Of Stories Letterbox Music News Process
As I type these words, the results are in. It’s 5.51pm and I’ve been ignoring the internet all day, knowing that at some point a number will be assigned to ... Read more
This is what your copy looks like :)
House Of Stories Letterbox Music News Process
No, your local record shop does NOT have copies of my new album! The ONLY place you can get “House Of Stories” on vinyl, CDs and KiT is my shop: ... Read more
#28 in the Official UK Midweek Albums Chart!
House Of Stories Letterbox Music News
WHOAH. “My new album is “House Of Stories” is #28 in the Official UK Midweek Albums Chart. And my name is mentioned casually alongside Taylor Swift, Doechii and Hawkwind in ... Read more
“In The Light Sometimes” – Penfriend
House Of Stories Letterbox Music News Releases Singles
🎸 🏠 Your copy of my new album “House Of Stories” is waiting for you here, now shipping worldwide: https://shop.penfriend.rocks/collections/penfriend-house-of-stories The album is available on super limited edition vinyl colours, ... Read more
Warning: my legs and feet are visible in this video!
Creativity House Of Stories Letterbox Music News Process
Thoughts about stepping back – literally… During the pandemic I remember reading an article about how one of the ways living in close proximity was changing peoples’ relationships was the ... Read more
Digital Music
Music News
Due to VAT rules on digital products, I can’t sell downloads direct from my beautiful shop. Thank goodness for Bandcamp! -> Get Penfriend and Obey Robots albums, free singles and ... Read more
What rhymes with “bop hen”?!!
Essays House Of Stories Letterbox Music News
We’re really going for it this time… Last week I wrote about how underground punk legend John Otway’s books and film have been inspiring me to cook up the most ... Read more
I blame John Otway
Essays House Of Stories Letterbox Music News
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 ... Read more
Sometimes it’s better to wait
Creativity Essays House Of Stories Letterbox Music News
Ten days ago I wrote 1,208 rather self-pitying words about my situation as an independent musician. I was tired, perhaps a little burned out, and feeling overwhelmed by the big ... Read more
“The Life Of The Party” – Penfriend
House Of Stories Letterbox Music News Releases Singles
🎸 Get this song PLUS THREE more immediately when you order your copy of my new album “House Of Stories”, out 18th April 2025. The album is available on super limited edition ... Read more
My #1 album is two years old…and I have something to tell you
House Of Stories Letterbox Music News
It’s two years since my collaboration album “One In A Thousand” topped the Official UK Independent Albums Chart, and I have something to tell you. Something strange and magical happens ... Read more
And the crowd goes wild!
House Of Stories Letterbox Process
July 2024. An attic in Nottingham, UK. I’m way overdue recording my album, and I’m feeling determined. One afternoon, in the middle of working out guitars parts for a song ... Read more
Penfriend LIVE online: Wed 5th March, 8pm (UK time)
Letterbox Live performances Music News
Tap here to set up a reminder, watch on the night or watch anytime afterwards x
Share this: ... Read more
I made this to make you smile
Creativity Essays House Of Stories Letterbox Music News Productivity Space, Man
I made this to make you smile. I made this to provide 4 minutes of escape from stress and worry about life, the universe and everything. I made this to ... Read more
“Space, Man” – Penfriend
House Of Stories Letterbox Music News Releases Singles Space, Man
🎸 Get this song PLUS THREE more immediately when you order your copy of my new album “House Of Stories”, out 18th April 2025. The album is available on super limited edition ... Read more
Vibrating at a higher frequency…or just dreaming big?
Essays House Of Stories Letterbox Mindfulness Process
Before yesterday I’d never heard of Doechii. Her Grammy acceptance speech showed up in my feed, so I looked her up. I read she’d risen to prominence after creating YouTube ... Read more
Disrespectful vulgar crude filthy foul mouth
Essays House Of Stories Letterbox Process
What to do when everyone doesn’t love you on the internet Dear fellow artist and interested internet person, I am here to coin a new phrase. Allow me to introduce ... Read more
How childhood letter-writing led to a life in music
Creativity Essays Letterbox Process
When I was a little girl, one of my favourite possessions was a shoebox that I filled up with bits of paper, envelopes and leaflets gathered from wherever I could ... Read more
I don’t need to feel guilty about this and neither do you
Emotional Tourist Essays House Of Stories Letterbox Process
I’m a songwriter, not a tabloid journalist… Last Wednesday I released “Emotional Tourist”, my first new song in two years and the first single from my seventh solo album “House Of Stories”. ... Read more
Calling a motherf*^ker a motherf@%ker (I’m not finished)
Emotional Tourist Essays House Of Stories Letterbox
TW: domestic violence, emotional abuse, general motherf*&kery. Honest, not graphic, but go easy, friend x Yesterday I released my first new song in two years; the first single from my ... Read more
“Emotional Tourist” – Penfriend
Emotional Tourist House Of Stories Letterbox Music News Releases Singles
🎸 Get this song PLUS THREE more immediately when you order your copy of my new album “House Of Stories”, out 18th April 2025. The album is available on super limited edition ... Read more
On single release day, these two words have to go
Creativity House Of Stories Letterbox Music News Process
Day 8 of my daily index card collage challenge. “Gobblin’ Time” – get it? Original monster by Zozoville. Next Wednesday 15th January I’m releasing my first new song in two ... Read more
Indecision: an elaborate and time-consuming way of achieving absolutely nothing
Creativity House Of Stories Letterbox Mindfulness
15 months after setting up my Substack and deciding to get back to my writing roots, I’m still twisting myself into knots about what to write about what and where ... Read more
It’s “Our Last Christmas” (a fictional prequel to the Wham! classic)
Letterbox Music News Releases Singles
🎁 Get your FREE copy of “Our Last Christmas” by Penfriend here or search for it wherever you listen to music online. 40 years after “Last Christmas” changed the festive ... Read more
We don’t *have* to be friends… – Monthly Missive June 2024
Letterbox Monthly Missives
You wouldn’t believe some of the messages I receive…but 15 years into sharing music on the internet I’m much better at turning lemons into lemonade. Since I last wrote to ... Read more
Keeping the channel open – Monthly Missive May 2024
Letterbox Monthly Missives
It’s my birthday today, so I wrote this yesterday and am using the wonders of scheduling technology to share it with you at a time that might suit you best ... Read more
Why I stopped making videos…
Letterbox Mindfulness Process
Share this: ... Read more
FREE live album – She Sings Sea Songs
Letterbox Music News Releases
“It’s so massive, and it humbles me…” Two days ago a member of my online gig audience asked why the sea has been a recurring theme in my music since ... Read more
Four years of Penfriend!!!
Creativity Letterbox Music News
Four years ago TODAY I launched my Penfriend solo project after 10 years of releasing music under another name. People told me it would ruin my career, that starting a ... Read more
Trying to get better at life – Monthly Missive – April 2024
Letterbox Monthly Missives
I’m here today with Penfriend’s monthly missive #1: a mini-essay on my latest attempt to get better at life, an audiovisual celebration of saltwater and the wind in my hair, some ... Read more
Two listening parties this Tuesday!
Letterbox Music News
Why not, eh? My second and third She Makes War albums have birthdays this week, so I’m celebrating with two listening parties on Bandcamp on Tuesday 9th April: 7.30pm – ... Read more
FREE livestream – 3rd April
Letterbox Music News
The theme of April’s gig is “Direction Of Battles” – a celebration of the 12th and 8th birthdays of my second and third albums “Little Battles” and “Direction Of Travel”. ... Read more
It’s happening… (Patreon launch news!)
Letterbox Music News Process
You are welcome here. I’m Penfriend aka music producer and solo artist Laura Kidd. Half of Obey Robots, ex- She Makes War. I make heartfelt indie rock, synth pop and sad songs to ... Read more
Brave or stupid? (big news!)
Letterbox
This might be very stupid. In 7 days time I am going to cancel all 235 recurring payments attached to my subscription membership site, The Correspondent’s Club. After 5 full ... Read more
What’s the worst that could happen?!
Letterbox Mindfulness Process
➡️ A brief explanation of why I haven’t been posting videos via some thoughts on sustainable creative practices and getting over ourselves to be able to do the things we ... Read more
New FREE download for 9 days only…
Letterbox Music News
Photo taken by Laura Ward at The Apollo Project in Herne Hill, June 2009. In the spring of 2008 I was feeling Very Cheesed Off. “Making an album one day” ... Read more
Too late? How to find an audience in your 50s (and 40s, and 30s…)
Creativity Letterbox Process
➡️ At my December livestream, I was asked the following question by @hitchhiker7508 : “is 55 too old to hope to build a fanbase for original music?” – here’s my ... Read more
New Year, new live album gift for YOU
Creativity Letterbox Music News
I have a New Year’s gift for you: a hopeful 6-song live experience with bonus track and accompanying friendly gig chat. —> Get your copy of “Mending The Year” here – pay ... Read more
Mending the year (livestream invitation)
Letterbox Mindfulness
It’s that time of year again… and I’ll admit I find it challenging, especially this year with a very fresh, very sad family loss. At my last livestream I said ... Read more
Correspondent’s Club 014 – 19/12/23
Letterbox Music News Perks TCC
To view this content, you must be a member of Laura's Patreon Unlock with Patreon ... Read more
Correspondent’s Club 013 – 19/12/23
Letterbox Music News Perks TCC
The life of a new song, something to dance to, plus a 20-page zine Q&A with photos and studio recording notes. The only way to get access to future Correspondent’s ... Read more
Weathering The Storm (FREE online gig next week)
Letterbox Music News
What: Join me for a weather-themed mix of Penfriend/She Makes War songs, with at least one shiny new one (probably two)! When?: Wednesday 29th November 2023, 8pm GMT Where: Here ... Read more
I said I would…
Letterbox Music News
During last month’s online gig I said I was going to play live more regularly – so I’m playing a completely different set of songs (including a BRAND new one ... Read more
Feel the weight of the world, feel the weight of the universe
Creativity Letterbox Process
This is the last video in this little series, and this is your last chance to grab two FREE / pay what you can live albums before they disappear in ... Read more
Clouds collide…
Creativity Letterbox Process
When I listen closely to the lyrics I wrote more than a decade ago, my heart aches for that younger woman. “Others love, I stay rooted to the groundLosing, never ... Read more
I’d like to delete myself…
Creativity Letterbox Process
Delete: the song that started out as a joke about using a loop pedal, and turned into a high point of almost every live set I performed from mid 2011- ... Read more
I really f*cked this up…
Creativity Letterbox Process
…or did I?!! Sometimes things go “wrong” at a gig…but it usually just makes things more interesting. Here’s an “extended” version of “Exotic Monsters” from my recent livestream which hopefully ... Read more
Remember the summer when everyone stayed at home?
Creativity Letterbox Music News
Remember the time I wrote a song about my own imagined death? Here’s “Black Car” from last week’s livestream. Today I released the whole gig as a live album, available ... Read more
Live from Nottingham: online gig next Wednesday!
Letterbox Music News Process
It’s been a while…I moved city, painted some furniture bright pink and have been auditioning local Post Offices for the lofty honour of handling packages of music and merch for ... Read more
Correspondent’s Club 012 – 5/9/23
Letterbox Music News Perks TCC
One never-before-shared demo, some buried treasure plus a 24 page zine-letter with photos. The only way to get access to future Correspondent’s Club releases is to become a member – ... Read more
FLASH SALE for Friday 13th…anniversary of “Disarm”!
Letterbox Music News Process
My debut album “Disarm” is 13 today, so I’m running a flash sale to celebrate! Get 25% off: + “Disarm” on CD+ “Disarm” on vinyl+ “Disarm” demos and rarities collection ... Read more
I can’t do this any more // Tea & Empathy Episode 004
Creativity Letterbox Mindfulness Process
Have you ever wondered what happens when you click “BUY” on an indie artist’s products? In Tea & Empathy Episode 004, join me as I package up orders from my ... Read more
I heart Bandcamp + last day of my BIG SALE
Creativity Letterbox Music News Process
TL;DR: House Clearance Sale – last day to get up to 50% off music and merch! In 2009 I was living in a rented maisonette in South London where, for ... Read more
Why I NEVER lie // Tea & Empathy Episode 003
Creativity Letterbox Mindfulness Process
Authenticity is a word we hear all the time, especially in relation to how we should present ourselves online. After something big happened recently, I wanted to talk about why ... Read more
Remember when Pledge Music stole our money?!
Letterbox Music News Process
For this new article I was invited to share my thoughts on how artists can take control of their online presence, instead of leaving it all in the hands of ... Read more
Should you join Threads? Here’s a better question…
Creativity Letterbox Mindfulness Process
“Oh no, not another one!” I hear you cry, as Meta’s Twitter-like new social media platform Threads takes hold. I’ve been having a nice time on there, but wanted to ... Read more
AI RUINED my album artwork! Photoshop Generative FAIL
Creativity Letterbox Process
➡️ I got excited about using Photoshop’s new Generative Fill tool to make AI versions of my album covers…then things got weird. ✅ Browse my back catalogue here please and ... Read more
Let’s talk ROBOTS // Tea & Empathy Ep 002
Creativity Letterbox Process
➡️ Let’s talk about my side project Obey Robots, answering your questions about how our album “One In A Thousand” was written and telling the story of the band name ... Read more
Why being yourself is ALWAYS the best choice! Du Blonde x Penfriend // Creative Spaces 003
Creativity Letterbox Process
Welcome to episode 3 of my Creative Spaces series. Strap in for some big laughs, and bear in mind…there’s swearing. We talk about Beth’s essentials for recording albums from home, ... Read more
UNBELIEVABLE. Solidarity with Billy Nomates / Tor Maries // Tea & Empathy Ep 001
Creativity Letterbox Mindfulness
AKA how not everything is for you, and how music criticism is different from bullying. I share a few thoughts on the barrage of abuse Tor aka Billy Nomates received ... Read more
How selfies fixed my self confidence (gear + how & why to)
Creativity Letterbox
➡️ Not every person you see on the internet is super confident – I’m certainly not! A few years ago I decided I wanted to make a change, and taking ... Read more
I waited TEN YEARS for this!
Creativity Letterbox
➡️ I’ve been livestreaming solo music performances for 10 years, using lots of different setups. Some worked well, some were a nightmare. It’s hard to focus on your performance and ... Read more
How to use a loop pedal. Vocal performance of “Olympian” (Boss RC-30 via Gigcaster 8)
Creativity Letterbox
➡️ This performance was live-streamed on Saturday 10th June 2023 as a test of the Boss Gigcaster 8 – huge thanks to Roland/Boss for the gift!➡️ This song appears on ... Read more
Storms don’t last forever…
Letterbox Music News
My first Penfriend album “Exotic Monsters” just turned TWO YEARS OLD forcryingoutloud, so I’m celebrating with some vinyl bargains and limited edition rarities INCLUDING this never-before-publicly-shared reworking of three album tracks ... Read more
Correspondent’s Club 011 – 16/5/23
Letterbox Music News Perks TCC
Four brand new Penfriend demos, written as part of the recent Laura Veirs x School Of Song workshop series, plus a 24 page zine of thoughts, feelings and photos. The ... Read more
This home recording essential might surprise you…
Creativity Letterbox Mindfulness Process Productivity
Welcome to episode 2 of my Creative Spaces series! I met Ryan Hamilton online recently after his album release plan went very wrong…and I thought to balance out the industry ... Read more
“I’m never trying to make someone *like* me”…
Letterbox
So, how do you get a completely independently made, released and marketed album into the Official UK Top 20? I could keep it all to myself, but that’s not very ... Read more
Do something different.
Creativity Letterbox Mindfulness
In September 2021 I was burned out and feeling super sad – so I decided I had to do something completely different. A one-off surf lesson led to my first ... Read more
You NEED an email list (or need to join one!)
Creativity Letterbox Process Productivity
I’ve never understood why artists shy away from setting up an email list. Musicians, photographers, visual artists, writers – if you’re serious about sharing your work online, it’s WAY more ... Read more
What now?
Creativity Letterbox Mindfulness Process
My new album is OUT NOW – so I thought it was time for a chat about what happens in the weeks after a big success at work, plus what’s ... Read more
Cat Cobain!!!
Creativity Letterbox Music News
I went to Rough Trade Nottingham in search of our Obey Robots album and found this instead! Art by Niaski. With hat tips to ace records by Sleaford Mods, Public ... Read more
We did it! Our #1 Independent Chart Album “One In A Thousand”
Creativity Letterbox Process
Obey Robots is a creative collaboration between myself – Laura Kidd (Penfriend / She Makes War) – and Rat (Ned’s Atomic Dustbin). Our album “One In A Thousand” was released ... Read more
“One In A Thousand” Running Punks Review!
Creativity Letterbox
“Albert Camus believed that the individual could change society.Kafka believed that society was too strong for that. The problem is, Kafka never listened to Obey Robots.” This is the absolute ... Read more
If that’s the price of being honest on the internet…
Letterbox
Read on to find out why we have a few more copies of “One In A Thousand” available on vinyl now – including 20 copies of the “clear with black ... Read more
WATCH: UK Album Chart Position Reveal!
Creativity Letterbox Process
Watch me and Rat learn about the chart success of our collaborative album “One In A Thousand” – a HUGE win for independent artists and independently-minded music fans everywhere! THANK ... Read more
Look what YOU did! (chart results inside)
Letterbox
Look what you did! Rat and I made an album we love, and we shared it with you. This is what people power looks like: Rat says: “thank YOU, for the support ... Read more
First “band” interview with Diamond Dave!
Creativity Letterbox Process
Rat and I talked to the very lovely Diamond Dave from TotalRock about how the pandemic affected the emotional core of our album “One In A Thousand”, as well as ... Read more
Charts Schmarts! But…
Letterbox Music News Process
It’s been a very exciting week here at Penfriend HQ! The headline: it’s the last day to cast your vote for independent music waving merrily at the mainstream, by picking up your ... Read more
YOU did this! Midweek chart reveal…
Letterbox
WHAT THE HECK?!!! Let’s just look at this for a moment: This is the sort of dream I never thought could come true. As a completely independent artist, producing music ... Read more
Stars and spangles: “Elephant”: the video
Creativity Letterbox Releases Singles
“Elephant” by Obey Robots features on our album “One In A Thousand”, out 24th February 2023 and available here. Someone said the thumbnail of this video makes me look like ... Read more
What’s happening in my life?!!
Creativity Letterbox Music News
Wednesday 15th February. Rat’s monster riff is unmistakable – but I can’t understand how it’s coming out of the kitchen stereo. I walk back inside the house, my puppy Luna ... Read more
Album release week events
Letterbox
“One In A Thousand” is out TOMORROW – get your copy here and help us smash into the UK Top 20…can we do it?!!! We’re going to have some fun ... Read more
Creative Spaces: home studio tour with Rat from Ned’s Atomic Dustbin / Obey Robots
Creativity Letterbox Process Productivity
Finding space to be creative – whether that’s a physical space, a time of day or just a mindset – is so powerful. In the first of a new video ... Read more
Making music, telling stories and doing it yourself
Creativity Letterbox Process Productivity
Huge thanks Cassie Fox from LOUD WOMEN for inviting me onto Louder Than War radio to talk about the new Obey Robots record, my thoughts on DIY music and the ... Read more
The only album review I’ll ever need
Letterbox
I wrote recently that the only reviews I care about are from music fans…and opting out of all pay-to-maybe-be-played PR and radio shenanigans means that anything that does come in ... Read more
“Elephant” – Obey Robots
Creativity Letterbox Music News Releases Singles
Taut and propulsive, “Elephant” marries the pop nouse of XTC with the stop-start dynamics of 00’s post-hardcore mainstays Hundred Reasons before opening up into the kind of shimmering chorus that ... Read more
Look what we made! Obey Robots unboxing video + Top 20 WTF?
Letterbox Music News Process
It’s been an exciting few days in album release land. Packages of colourful merch have been arriving, books, CDs and guitar and bass picks have been signed with metallic Sharpie, and on Tuesday ... Read more
Wikipedia helps me write a SPIKY song!
Creativity Letterbox Process
Hang out with me as I write the verse lyrics for the Obey Robots song “Porcupine” with a little help from my faithful friend Wikipedia! A little bit of research ... Read more
Yes, we made these costumes ourselves…
Creativity Letterbox Releases Singles
“Porcupine” by Obey Robots features on our album “One In A Thousand”, out 24th February 2023 and available here. The only reviews I care about are from music fans…here are ... Read more
The story of the record the shops didn’t want.
Letterbox Music News Process
The story of the record the shops didn’t want. On Wednesday I received the news from my distributor that they only need 150 copies of my new album “One In ... Read more
Correspondent’s Club 010 – 7/2/23
Letterbox Music News Perks TCC
I found some treasure! My Zoom recorder died, and I nearly formatted the SD card before realising it *might* be pretty full of song ideas… It was, so I listened ... Read more
500 sales from the UK Top 40 – can we do it AGAIN?!
Letterbox Process
I’ve got a question for you: can we do it again? In 2021 you put my first Penfriend album “Exotic Monsters” into the Official UK Albums Chart at number 24. ... Read more
Why releasing new music is scary…
Letterbox Process
It’s scary releasing new music: sharing emotions, thoughts, riffs and melodies, baring your soul and sticking your neck out…but ALSO putting your money where your mouth is. Releasing an album ... Read more
This job is SO WEIRD!
Letterbox Music News Process
Some thoughts about how SUPER WEIRD my job is, how grateful I am to do it full-time, how BLOODY EXPENSIVE it is to make records, and what it’s really like ... Read more
I’d rather be one in a thousand
Letterbox Music News
Are you trying to be one in a million? I grew up with that phrase knocking around in my brain, instructing me to try and be so brilliant, so very ... Read more
With 4 weeks to go…
Letterbox Music News
It’s official: 2023 is the Year of the Robot. You heard it here first! My Obey Robots collaboration album “One In A Thousand” will be released into the world in four ... Read more
Why I shot a music video using Quicktime player and made it look like a Zoom call…
Creativity Letterbox Music News Process Releases Singles
Originally released in December 2020, “Let It Snow” wasn’t just the first Obey Robots single, it was the first song we completed (in December 2020!). It was a test: -> ... Read more
Taking small steps
Letterbox Mindfulness Process
Comics class has been cancelled due to lack of interest, and my Zoom H6 Handy recorder won’t turn on. I managed to wipe the battery compartment clear of crusty white ... Read more
Correspondent’s Club 009 – Winter 2022
Letterbox Music News Perks TCC
The ninth edition of The Correspondent’s Club quarterly music and zine bundle, a members-only 9-song live performance. Track listing: 1. Dress rehearsal2. Olympian3. Devastate Me4. Dispensable Body5. Please Don’t6. I ... Read more
A fresh direction for 2023
Creativity Letterbox Mindfulness Music News
A snoozy day, punctuated by washing piles of soft furnishings and spraying the entire house with Indorex. Surprise baths for reluctant pooches. Flea and worming tablets doled out a few ... Read more
Free music for you, to end 22
Letterbox Music News
As we approach the end of a particularly tough year, I’ve decided to collate all my free / pay what you want/can releases in one place, so you can fill ... Read more
“Super Connected” – Obey Robots
Creativity Letterbox Music News Releases Singles
A song about the cognitive dissonance of feeling “super connected”: supposedly informed and part of a community via social media, yet deluded if we think typing words into a little ... Read more
“And Peace” – (2019)
Albums Letterbox Music News Releases
When I decided to bring my She Makes War project to a close at the end of 2019, I created this eight-track retrospective featuring fan favourites from all four She ... Read more
I face my pretty tragedies… “Exit Strategy” live from Lightship95 (2011)
Creativity Homepage Feature Letterbox Live performances
“Exit Strategy” performed live on the Lightship95 music studio boat on the River Thames, November 2011. This song originally appeared on my 2012 album “Little Battles”, released under the name ... Read more
“Disarm:15” – (2015)
Albums Letterbox Music News Releases
I released my debut album “Disarm” under the name She Makes War in September 2010. I’d been collecting the songs together for a couple of years, gradually focusing my mind, ... Read more
Please don’t leave me yet… – “Please Don’t” Live from the Archive (2015)
Creativity Homepage Feature Letterbox Live performances
“Please Don’t” performed live on vocals, guitar and violin at Ort Cafe, Birmingham, 24th March 2015. This song appears on my 2016 album “Direction Of Travel”, released under the name ... Read more
I’d like to delete myself… – “Delete” Live from the Archive (2015)
Creativity Homepage Feature Letterbox Live performances
“Delete” performed live on vocals, loop pedal and megaphone at Ort Cafe, Birmingham, 24th March 2015. This song appears on my 2012 album “Little Battles”, released under the name She ... Read more
Is Twitter DEAD?! 108,142 tweets…now what?
Creativity Letterbox Music News
I joined Twitter on 23rd November 2007 and am looking at losing touch with nearly 15,000 followers if the platform crumbles under the leadership of Elon Musk, or if I ... Read more
“Not The Quiet Type” – Obey Robots
Creativity Letterbox Music News Releases Singles
“Featuring the iconic guitar sound of Rat (Ned’s Atomic Dustbin) and the compassionate melodic arrangements of Laura Kidd (Penfriend / She Makes War), “Not The Quiet Type” implores the listener ... Read more
How to keep going.
Creativity Letterbox Productivity
Three steps to not quitting… Join my mailing list for free songs and stories, subscribe here for future videos and get involved from the start of Penfriend album #2 by ... Read more
Limited live album release + “Devastate Me”
Letterbox Live performances Music News
I performed nine songs live on the internet on Wednesday 26th October 2022, and am making the studio quality recordings available for a short time only. The theme of the ... Read more
If “Anti-Hero” by Taylor Swift was indie rock…
Letterbox Live performances
Introducing a very special guest backing vocalist! Join my mailing list for free songs and stories, subscribe here for future videos and get involved from the start of Penfriend album ... Read more
Lead me with your lovely lies – “Butterflies” live from Lightship95 (2011)
Creativity Homepage Feature Letterbox Live performances
“Butterflies” performed live on the Lightship95 music studio boat on the River Thames, November 2011. This song appears on my 2012 album “Little Battles”, released under the name She Makes ... Read more
Two new Penfriend tees (and SIX TYPEWRITERS)!
Letterbox Live performances
These will be sent out week beginning Monday 24th October – get yours here. Join my mailing list for free songs and stories, subscribe here for future videos and get ... Read more
“Brace For Impact” – (2018)
Albums Letterbox Music News Releases
From 2009-2019 I made music under the name She Makes War, releasing 4 and a bit solo albums and playing nearly 600 shows. “Brace For Impact” was the final full-length ... Read more
FREE online gig 26/10/22 – “Sad songs to make you feel better”
Letterbox Live performances Music News
The theme for my next FREE online gig is “sad songs to make you feel better”. It’s all a lot at the moment, isn’t it?!! – and I’ve always found ... Read more
“Roman Candles” – Death Cab For Cutie (cover)
Letterbox Live performances
When I heard this song earlier this year I was so transfixed I had to play it over and over and over (and over) again…that doesn’t happen often to me ... Read more
Digging ourselves a hole… – “A-Hole” Live from the Archive (2015)
Creativity Homepage Feature Letterbox Live performances
“A-Hole” performed live at Ort Cafe, Birmingham, 24th March 2015. This song originally appeared on my 2010 album “Disarm”, released under the name She Makes War. Bass by Simon Goff, ... Read more
Pre-order the Obey Robots album today!
Creativity Homepage Feature Letterbox Music News
The day is finally here! I’m delighted to invite you to browse the Obey Robots “One In A Thousand” pre-order extravaganza for limited edition coloured vinyl, CDs, cassettes, hardback books, guitar pick tins, ... Read more
Illuminate my arrow. “In This Boat” live from Lightship95 (2011)
Creativity Homepage Feature Letterbox Live performances
“In This Boat” performed live on the Lightship95 music studio boat on the River Thames, November 2011. This song appears on my 2012 album “Little Battles”, released under the name ... Read more
I quit social media for 30 days and slept better for a WHOLE YEAR
Creativity Homepage Feature Letterbox
In June 2021 I quit social media for 30 days…and it helped me sleep better for a whole year. When I released my album “Exotic Monsters” in May 2021 I ... Read more
With three little words you lied… – “Scared To Capsize” Live from the Archive (2015)
Creativity Homepage Feature Letterbox Live performances
“Scared To Capsize” performed live on ukulele, vocals and loop pedal at Ort Cafe, Birmingham, 24th March 2015. This song originally appeared on my 2010 album “Disarm”, released under the ... Read more
Obey Robots album countdown starts here
Creativity Homepage Feature Letterbox Live performances
Sign up here to receive exclusive early access to the Obey Robots album pre-order on October 4th and also be the first to hear the new music (existing mailing list ... Read more
“Direction Of Travel” – (2016)
Letterbox Music News
From 2009-2019 I made music under the name She Makes War, releasing 4 and a bit solo albums and playing nearly 600 shows. My third album “Direction Of Travel” was ... Read more
My new favourite earphones
Creativity Homepage Feature Letterbox Live performances
As I reach the end of the mixing process for my upcoming Obey Robots album, I compare the Flare Audio E-Prototype earphones with my trusty Shure SE21 and Beyerdynamic DT770 ... Read more
Stranger. Lover. “Minefields” live from Lightship95 (2011)
Creativity Homepage Feature Letterbox Live performances
“Minefields” performed live on the Lightship95 music studio boat on the River Thames, November 2011. This song appears on my 2012 album “Little Battles”, released under the name She Makes ... Read more
This is your invitation
Creativity Homepage Feature Letterbox Music News Process
This is your invitation to directly support the creation of new music.To join a genuinely supportive online community, to receive thoughtful, lovingly made limited edition art and music bundles, to ... Read more
Making my first music video – 2009 VLOG
Creativity Homepage Feature Letterbox Process
An historical vlog from February 2009. See clips of “snow day” in London and enjoy my very first music video! “Eye Spy” is a straight-up anti-war song, and listening to ... Read more
Two new tees: typewriters and exotic monsters…
Letterbox Music News
I’m very pleased to share two brand new Penfriend t-shirt designs, available now! These are extra special, because they were designed by my clever sister Julia. Hooray! Have a browse ... Read more
Why I went to Lisbon and didn’t post about it on social media
Creativity Homepage Feature Letterbox Mindfulness
In October 2021 I embarked on a solo trip to Lisbon. After retreating into my home – first during a series of lockdowns between March 2020 and January 2021 and ... Read more
I’m in the wars… – “Paper Thin” Live from the Archive (2015)
Creativity Homepage Feature Letterbox Live performances
“Paper Thin” performed live on ukulele, vocals, loop pedal and violin at Ort Cafe, Birmingham, 24th March 2015. This song appears on my 2016 album “Direction Of Travel” released under ... Read more
Correspondent’s Club 008 – 24/8/22
Letterbox Music News Perks TCC
The eighth edition of The Correspondent’s Club quarterly music and zine bundle was created in August 2022. I reworked three songs from “Exotic Monsters” for a collection provisionally titled “from ... Read more
We need you.
Creativity Homepage Feature Letterbox
I’m celebrating three years of making my music full-time – and the past 12 months has been the most financially stressful in my 18 years of self employment. It’s tough ... Read more
How I made an album in 17 days
Creativity Homepage Feature Letterbox
In the winter of 2009 I spent 17 days making my debut album “Disarm” in a small Hackney music studio. When I released the album in 2010 I created a ... Read more
I WAS DOXXED: What to do when online criticism goes too far
Letterbox Mindfulness Process
I’d been planning to make a video about how to deal with cruel comments on the internet – and then I got doxxed on Twitter. Doxxing is when someone publishes ... Read more
Guitar amp in a placky bag: my ancient VLOG 2008
Creativity Homepage Feature Letterbox Live performances
Back to 2008 again for episode 2 of my ancient vlog, featuring: – my great big pre-gig nerves– a guitar amp transported to my gig in a plastic bag on ... Read more
I’m out. Leaving Bristol after 10 years…
Letterbox Mindfulness Process
It’s time for a new adventure: I talk about why I’m leaving Bristol after 10 years of making music here, reveal the terrible mistake I made four months ago, and ... Read more
Red hair and attitude – “A-Hole” Live from the Archive (2008)
Creativity Homepage Feature Letterbox Live performances
🎶 “Disarm” and my second album “Little Battles” are available on limited edition coloured vinyl – for the first time EVER – plus CD/download from my shop. 🎶 Browse my ... Read more
“I Need My Girl” – The National (cover)
Creativity Letterbox
Who better to tackle for my sad song challenge than The National? This is the second in a regular segment called “Take a sad song and make it sadder” – ... Read more
Sailor stripes and vocal loops – “Olympian” Live from the Archive (2012)
Creativity Letterbox Live performances
Another previously unseen video from my sprawling archive, this live and loopy performance of “Olympian” was recorded in my first dedicated home studio space in South London in 2012. My ... Read more
Thank you (yes, YOU) x
Letterbox Mindfulness
I’ve been handling some really neggy comments recently, and I’m exhausted. After a long day of batting away the words of nasty strangers and thinking about where I’d prefer to ... Read more
Live from the Archive – “Let This Be” and “Slow Puncture” from 2010
Creativity Letterbox Live performances
In June 2010, three months before the release of my debut She Makes War album “Disarm”, I was invited onto The Painter’s Radio Show for a chat and to play ... Read more
Moog Grandmother FAIL – why does this synth hate me?
Creativity Letterbox Process
I spent one of the hottest afternoons known to humanity trying to get one decent sound out of my Moog Grandmother. You’ll never guess what happened next… Join me – ... Read more
“Exotic Monsters” Live from The Launchpad
Creativity Letterbox Live performances
On 29th June 2022 I beamed an online gig from my home studio The Launchpad into the homes of lovely music fans all around the world, celebrating one year of ... Read more
“Free In The Knowledge” – The Smile (cover)
Creativity Letterbox
I was a bit late to the party listening to The Smile, despite being a HUGE Radiohead fan, so I only heard their glorious debut album “A Light For Attracting ... Read more
“Seashaken” by the sea
Creativity Letterbox Releases
In April 2022 I spent a week in the Setubal area of Portugal, travelling up to my beloved Lisbon for several day trips. One breakfast time, after reading about the ... Read more
My HIGH QUALITY music live stream setup for YouTube
Creativity Letterbox
I’ve been livestreaming my gigs on the internet since 2013, and I’m not stopping now! This video is for anyone who wants to improve the quality of their livestreams by ... Read more
My Video Gear – 2022
Creativity Letterbox
People often ask me what gear I use to make my videos, so I’ll keep this post up to date to save us time! Thanks for asking – but please ... Read more
Be more Kate Bush
Creativity Letterbox
Kate Bush’s 1985 song “Running Up That Hill” is top of the UK singles chart for the second week in a row, 37 years after release! After appearing as Max’s ... Read more
Experience “Exotic Monsters” Live!
Letterbox Music News
Let’s celebrate! It’s one year since my debut Penfriend album landed at #5 in the Independent Albums Chart and #24 in the Official UK Albums Chart, and got me a ... Read more
A week in my life as an independent artist VLOG
Letterbox Mindfulness
I wanted to share an average week in my life as an independent artist BUT it went slightly off track because I got a new puppy!! I still got a ... Read more
Plans change…
Letterbox Mindfulness
…meet Luna the 8-week old Cavapoo puppy from Wales who’s taken over my life. I love her. Tim loves her. Albydog loves her and guards her while she’s sleeping. My ... Read more
For anyone feeling overwhelmed…
Letterbox Mindfulness
I made this video to help. I’ve been feeling completely overwhelmed lately, and I know I’m not the only one. World events can make it feel like our “first world ... Read more
It’s one year since THIS happened…
Letterbox Music News
My first album under the name Penfriend (and my fifth solo album), “Exotic Monsters” marked the start of a new musical chapter. Written, produced and recorded in my home studio ... Read more
“Little Battles” mini gig experience
Creativity Letterbox
My second She Makes War album “Little Battles” just turned 10, so I celebrated with an online gig on 27th April 2022, welcoming you into the new Launchpad for the ... Read more
“Black Car” on Welcome To Night Vale!
Letterbox Music News
I’m somewhat stunned and very excited to announce my song “Black Car” is The Weather on episode 208 of the Welcome To Night Vale podcast, “Cecil in The Big City”. ... Read more
Make that thing! How I write songs and why I stay independent
Creativity Letterbox Mindfulness
Answering your questions on how I make things work as an independent musician, music producer and YouTuber in 2022, how I write lyrics, who I’d like to cover my songs ... Read more
Solitude isn’t selfish
Creativity Letterbox Mindfulness
Solitude is good for you – some would say it’s essential. I’ve been craving time alone lately, but got into the habit of spending all my days in the house ... Read more
Watch my latest livestream whenever you like!
Creativity Letterbox Music News News
Last Wednesday I invited friendly music lovers into the new Launchpad to celebrate the 10th birthday of my second album “Little Battles”. Hooray! Watch whenever you like: Set list: MinefieldsExit ... Read more
I’m singing on Miles Hunt’s new song “Things Can Change”
Creativity Letterbox Music News Process
+ Listen to ”Things Can Change” here on Bandcamp. + Watch the “Things Can Change” video here. In January 2022, one of my musical heroes invited me to contribute vocals ... Read more
Correspondent’s Club 007 – 25/4/22
Letterbox Music News Perks TCC
The seventh edition of The Correspondent’s Club quarterly music and zine bundle was created in March 2022. The only way to get access to future Correspondent’s Club releases is to ... Read more
Ukulele or cavaquinho? Adventures in Portugal
Creativity Letterbox Music News Process Productivity
I started playing the ukulele in 2008 after reading about George Harrison’s great love for the instrument, and have written many sad songs on it since. On a recent trip ... Read more
“Little Battles” – (2012)
Letterbox Music News
From 2009-2019 I made music under the name She Makes War, releasing 4 and a bit solo albums and playing nearly 600 shows. “Little Battles” is available on vinyl for ... Read more
“Paper Thin” – live one take performance
Creativity Letterbox Music News Process Productivity
On 23rd February 2022 I played an atmospheric acoustic online gig on my Luna Dolphin ukulele and Boss RC30 loop pedal. This song was released on my third album under ... Read more
Reading this could have made me give up on my music career…
Creativity Letterbox Music News Process Productivity
If you battle your inner critic on a regular basis – this one’s for you. I received a standout email recently from a subscriber, and it was surprisingly freeing! Receive ... Read more
“Disarm” – my 2010 debut album
Letterbox Music News
From 2009-2019 I made music under the name She Makes War, releasing 4 and a bit solo albums and playing nearly 600 shows. My debut album “Disarm” was recorded and ... Read more
Can I be honest with you?
Creativity Letterbox Music News Process Productivity
I was delighted to be invited onto one of my favourite podcasts recently – The James McMahon Music Podcast. It was nerve-wracking being on the other side of questions for ... Read more
Why I’m leaving The Launchpad
Creativity Letterbox Music News Process Productivity
Hands up if you find working from home with your loved ones a *little bit* tough! Two full years of sharing a wall with my darling husband has come to ... Read more
Vocal loops and ukulele mini gig for you!
Letterbox Music News
On 23rd February 2022 I played an atmospheric acoustic online gig on my Luna Dolphin ukulele and Boss RC30 loop pedal. I’ve chosen three songs to share in this mini ... Read more
“Little Battles” + “Disarm” reissues + first-time on vinyl!
Letterbox Music News
It’s astonishing to me that this April 9th marks the tenth anniversary of the release of my second album “Little Battles”. It is, however, true – so I’m celebrating with some beautiful ... Read more
The magic of live music, and being truly yourself
Letterbox Mindfulness Process Productivity
I’ve been performing in rooms full of other humans since I was 7 years old, and touring since the age of 19. In this video I talk about how learning ... Read more
FREE online gig Wed 23rd Feb
Letterbox Music News
She Makes War to Penfriend: join me for a deep dive into my back catalogue beaming live from my home studio The Launchpad into your home (or wherever you happen ... Read more
The life-changing power of showing up
Letterbox Mindfulness Process Productivity
Showing up – again, and again and again – is the simple but surprisingly effective reason I am currently finishing off my sixth album, working from my home studio The ... Read more
Gear and riff walkthrough with Rat from Ned’s Atomic Dustbin – Captain’s Vlog #3
Letterbox
For the first time in 30 years of music making, Rat from Ned’s Atomic Dustbin shares exactly what gear he uses, from Gibson guitars to the Mesa Dual Rectifier amp ... Read more
Watch my 3-song mini gig!
Letterbox
I have a mini gig for you – a giglet, if you will! Watch highlights from my 15th December 2021 online gig: two Penfriend songs “Black Car” and “Seashaken”, and ... Read more
5 ways I’m failing…and why that’s okay
Letterbox Mindfulness Productivity
I’m doing my best – but I’m failing in several areas of my life at the moment! I made this video to talk about why that’s okay, and why I’ll ... Read more
Is it worth all this? 2022 plans + watch hours reveal
Creativity Letterbox Process Productivity
I share my music plans for 2022 – Obey Robots, She Makes War *and* Penfriend, oh my! – raise the question of live gigs plus discuss why on earth this ... Read more
7 down? Recording bass guitar for my new album at home – Captain’s Vlog 02
Creativity Letterbox Process Productivity
This month, I’m making an album with Rat from Ned’s Atomic Dustbin under the name OBEY ROBOTS and sharing the process in my Captain’s Vlog ⚓ I have 19 days ... Read more
How I record cover songs – “This Is The Sound”
Creativity Letterbox Process
In my twenties, I spent a few years running a covers band called Co-Star. Great name, right? Good work, Gareth the guitarist. I booked the shows, played bass and sang. ... Read more
HONEST (messy!) studio tour + recording an album in 19 days. Captain’s Vlog 01
Creativity Letterbox Process Productivity
I’m recording an album! In 2019, my friend Miles Hunt from The Wonder Stuff put me in touch with Rat from Ned’s Atomic Dustbin, and our collaboration project OBEY ROBOTS ... Read more
Resolutions don’t work. This does…
Creativity Letterbox Process Productivity
The 17th January is “Forget New Year’s Resolutions Day”. Did you know that? I believe everyone has the power to tweak and improve their lives, but there’s a far better ... Read more
Casey Neistat made me do THIS
Creativity Letterbox Process
I started making videos again this year after discovering Casey Neistat’s vlogs 6 years late! Here are the three big things I’ve learned from his videos, why I think filmmaking ... Read more
Correspondent’s Club 005 + 006 – 21/12/21
Letterbox Music News Perks TCC
The fifth and sixth editions of The Correspondent’s Club quarterly music and zine bundle were released together in December 2021, comprising two zines and one CD. The only way to ... Read more
Don’t read the comments.
Letterbox Mindfulness Process
Good advice, or just a pile of rubbish? Scroll down for the video transcript, and subscribe to my channel for more! THANK YOU for visiting my website! I’m Laura Kidd, a ... Read more
Online Gig 15/12/21 – watch / download
Letterbox Music News
I played my first gig in a very long time on 15th December 2021, and it’s available for you to enjoy on YouTube whenever you like! I performed songs from ... Read more
What is a podcast? Where to find them and how to listen for FREE
Creativity Letterbox Process
I’ve been making a podcast for two years, and have been harbouring a funny feeling that not everyone knows what a podcast is, how to find them and how to ... Read more
50 conversations on creativity, grit and determination
Letterbox Podcast
Here’s a full list of every episode of my podcast Attention Engineer 2020-2021 with direct links to listen onsite or via YouTube. “Attention Engineer” can be found on your favourite ... Read more
EU VAT woes? Bandcamp musicians, you’re (probably) doing it wrong…
Letterbox Music News Process
…but it’s not your fault, and I’m here to help. TAX DOESN’T HAVE TO BE TAXING (apparently…)! [Last edited 15/10/21 after input from kind tweeters – I feel this may ... Read more
My burnout recovery tips – completing the stress cycle
Creativity Letterbox Mindfulness Process Productivity
I’ve been dealing with burnout for a few years on and off, and learning about completing the stress cycle recently has really helped me. In this video I talk about ... Read more
Making more time for creativity | Getting up at 6am for a week
Creativity Letterbox Mindfulness Process Productivity
I decided to challenge myself to get up at 6am every day for a week – and it changed my life! Join me for a week in my life as ... Read more
I only did it for him | Garden cleanup time-lapse
Creativity Letterbox Mindfulness Process Productivity
Join me as I clear my overgrown back garden so my elderly dog Mister Benji can use it, PLUS enjoy oddly satisfying timelapses! Accidental passionfruit! Gnomes lost in the undergrowth! ... Read more
BUT is it any good? How to assess your own creative work
Creativity Letterbox Mindfulness Process Productivity
It can be really hard to make stuff – but once you’ve got started, how can you assess your own creative work? Is it any good? We all want to ... Read more
How I get stuff done! | 5 steps to achieve any goal
Creativity Letterbox Mindfulness Process Productivity
Consistency is the habit that separates people who say “I wish I could…” from those who actually get on with it and put in the work. It’s not glamorous and ... Read more
Correspondent’s Club 004 – 4/8/21
Letterbox Music News Perks TCC
The fourth edition of The Correspondent’s Club quarterly music and zine bundle, created in July 2021. An exclusive “Exotic Monsters” album commentary, made just for you x The only way ... Read more
How to stop your inner critic from holding you back
Creativity Letterbox Mindfulness Process Productivity
Your inner critic is the annoying voice inside your head that whispers mean things to you. It’s holding you back from trying new things, putting yourself out there and living ... Read more
![“Why I’m still not playing gigs in 2021” [VIDEO]](https://penfriend.rocks/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PFYT-002-Vlog-Thumb-no-text-784x441.jpg "“Why I’m still not playing gigs in 2021” [VIDEO]")
“Why I’m still not playing gigs in 2021” [VIDEO]
Letterbox Music News Process
As an independent songwriter, producer and musician, releasing my new album this year was more of a challenge than usual. The UK government left venues with no choice but to ... Read more
Penfriend in the charts…look what we did!
Letterbox
Look what you did! THANK YOU. This is a childhood dream come true…and I couldn’t have done it without the support of music fans. WHATTTTTTTTTTT! There’s way too much smoke ... Read more
I’ll Start A Fire (18/5/21)
Creativity Homepage Feature Letterbox Music News Releases Singles
I'll Start A Fire (single) by Penfriend Release date: 18th May 2021Label: My Big Sister Recordings GET THE SONG + Click to download pay what you want/can from Bandcamp.+ Get ... Read more
Music Week says my new album is “essential”
Letterbox Music News
Imagine this indie upstart’s surprise and delight on the weekend when a friend sent me this photo*. Yes, that’s my artist name sitting pretty right near Billie Eilish’s face, with ... Read more
Behind The Song: Seventeen
Letterbox Podcast Process
Get the song. This bonus musical mini episode of “Attention Engineer” is also available on your favourite podcast platform. THANK YOU for visiting my website! + Get FREE music immediately ... Read more
Behind The Song: Black Car
Letterbox Podcast Process
Watch the music video and get the song. This bonus musical mini episode of “Attention Engineer” is also available on your favourite podcast platform. THANK YOU for visiting my website! ... Read more
Never fear, I’m still punk as fuck
Letterbox Music News Process
All this talk of the album charts recently might have made you think I’m selling out. I’ve spent my music career as the underdog with a punk spirit, sneered at ... Read more
Can we make Bristol music history together?!
Letterbox Music News Process
This is unbelievable! I have massive news to share with you today: my new album “Exotic Monsters” is two thirds of the way towards getting in the UK Top 40 ... Read more
Seventeen (23/4/21)
Creativity Homepage Feature Letterbox Music News Releases Singles
Seventeen (single) by Penfriend Release date: 23rd April 2021Label: My Big Sister Recordings GET THE SONG + Click to download pay what you want/can from Bandcamp.+ Get three album tracks ... Read more
Correspondent’s Club 003 – 21/4/21
Letterbox Music News Perks TCC
The third edition of The Correspondent’s Club quarterly music and zine bundle, created in March 2021. The only way to get access to future Correspondent’s Club releases is to become ... Read more
Obey Robots – “Inside Out” (2/4/20)
Homepage Feature Letterbox Releases Singles
Release date: 2nd April 2021Label: My Big Sister Recordings Let It Snow by Obey Robots GET THE SONG + Get the song on pay what you want / can download ... Read more
Halfway to the UK Top 40!
Letterbox Music News Process
Share this: ... Read more
Black Car (“Exotic Monsters”)
Creativity Homepage Feature Letterbox Music News Releases Singles
To my great delight and excitement, this song is featured as “The Weather” on “Cecil in The Big City”, Episode 208 of the Welcome To Night Vale podcast, 15th May ... Read more
Behind The Song: Cancel Your Hopes
Letterbox Podcast Process
Watch the music video and get the song. This bonus musical mini episode of “Attention Engineer” is also available on your favourite podcast platform. THANK YOU for visiting my website! ... Read more
Behind The Song: Exotic Monsters
Letterbox Podcast Process
Watch the pop video and get the song. This bonus musical mini episode of “Attention Engineer” is also available on your favourite podcast platform. THANK YOU for visiting my website! ... Read more
New Penfriend live album – available for one week only!
Letterbox Music News
Last Friday’s Correspondent’s Club livestream turned out so nicely I’m sharing the posh recordings with you for one week only! I played seven songs and had a nice chat with ... Read more
Cancel Your Hopes (5/3/21)
Creativity Homepage Feature Letterbox Music News Releases Singles
Cancel Your Hopes (single) by Penfriend Release date: 5th March 2021Label: My Big Sister Recordings GET THE SONG + Click to download pay what you want/can from Bandcamp.+ Get “Cancel ... Read more
Why I won’t be playing in-person gigs in 2021
Letterbox Mindfulness Music News Process
For everyone who’s been asking me whether I’m going to be touring in 2021 – here are my thoughts on the matter. We’re all missing live concerts, artists are floundering ... Read more
My song is in a film!
Creativity Letterbox Music News Process
Most songwriters dream of one day having their song in a film soundtrack, and I’m fizzing with delight that “Dear Heart” appears in 21st century rom-com Modern Persuasion, directed by Alex ... Read more
Power to the people
Letterbox Music News Process
At the end of last week, I was invited to write a piece sharing an artist’s perspective on a harsh new scheme to charge musicians to perform their own work ... Read more
Exotic Monsters (22/1/21)
Creativity Homepage Feature Letterbox Music News Releases Singles
Exotic Monsters (single) by Penfriend Release date: 22nd January 2021Label: My Big Sister Recordings GET THE SONG + Click to download pay what you want/can from Bandcamp.+ Get “Exotic Monsters” ... Read more
2020 was my best year for reading – my recommendations
Homepage Feature Letterbox Process
I’m still gathering my thoughts on what 2020 meant to me. I really enjoy reading peoples’ end of year blog posts and have started mine a few times, from a ... Read more
Correspondent’s Club 002 – 15/12/20
Letterbox Music News Perks TCC
The second edition of The Correspondent’s Club quarterly music and zine bundle, created in Oct/Nov 2020. The only way to get access to future Correspondent’s Club releases is to become ... Read more
Obey Robots – “Let It Snow” (4/12/20)
Homepage Feature Letterbox Releases Singles
Release date: 4th December 2020Label: My Big Sister Recordings Let It Snow by Obey Robots GET THE SONG + Pre-order vinyl / pay what you want/can download from Bandcamp. ABOUT ... Read more
Behind The Song: The Only Way Out Is Through
Letterbox Podcast Process
Get the song. This bonus musical mini episode of “Attention Engineer” is also available on your favourite podcast platform. THANK YOU for visiting my website! + Get FREE music immediately ... Read more
FREE DOWNLOAD – Attention Engineer S01 Nuggets available now
Letterbox Podcast
Something different from me this Bandcamp Friday – a present for you from the first series of my creativity podcast Attention Engineer. Sixteen quotes from brilliant artists to provoke, inspire ... Read more
I’ve been finding everything really hard lately
Letterbox Mindfulness Productivity
Friends, I’ve been finding everything really hard lately. I have a lot to feel fortunate for – not least the ongoing generosity and support of my Correspondents, THANK YOU! – ... Read more
The Only Way Out Is Through (8/9/20)
Homepage Feature Letterbox Releases Singles
The Only Way Out Is Through by Penfriend Release date: 8th September 2020Label: My Big Sister RecordingsDistributor: Southern Record Distributors GET THE SONG + Download PWYW from Bandcamp.+ Get all ... Read more
Correspondent’s Club 001 – 21/8/20
Letterbox Music News Perks TCC
The first edition of The Correspondent’s Club quarterly music and zine bundle, created in July 2020. The only way to get access to future Correspondent’s Club releases is to become ... Read more
New Penfriend TV live album – available for one week only!
Letterbox Music News
Surprise PWYW live album for youuuuuuuuuu! On Friday 31st July I played my third Correspondent’s Club livestream, including a brand new song called “Seventeen”, and I am making some live ... Read more
Chasing the mountain
Creativity Homepage Feature Letterbox Mindfulness Productivity
Sometimes I wonder why I spend my time in the ways I do. A life’s primary occupation builds up through an infinite blend of factors – what we wanted to ... Read more
Attention Engineer glowingly reviewed in The Observer!
Letterbox Podcast
“An interview series from musician Laura Kidd. Kidd talks with insight and warmth to (mostly) other musicians. Her opening show is with Belly’s Tanya Donelly, and is completely delicious; her ... Read more
Inspiration is for amateurs
Creativity Homepage Feature Letterbox Mindfulness Process Productivity
The thing that’s got me through the ups and downs, the fear, the uncertainty, the confusion, the anger, the frustration and the sheer bizarreness of 2020 is the daily routine ... Read more
Surprise live album – available for one week only!
Letterbox Music News
Surprise live album for youuuuuuuuuu! Get your hands on 8 songs (7 unreleased) plus some fun chat, available on a pay what you want basis* for one week only. Penfriend ... Read more
Album update: how not to get overwhelmed by big projects and the danger of endless lists
Letterbox Mindfulness Process Productivity
“Old Tape” image by Ozant Liuky from Pixabay Suddenly, I find myself with only a little bit of an album to complete.You might know I started writing this new collection of songs in ... Read more
You are not a number (and neither am I)
Homepage Feature Letterbox Mindfulness Minimalism Process Productivity
NEWS THIS WEEK“Attention Engineer” episode 4 is available now, featuring my conversation with songwriter Frank Turner! Recorded on the precipice of the UK lockdown backstage at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Frank ... Read more
I wasn’t going to write this til I realised silence was worse
Letterbox Mindfulness
I am not a celebrity or a pundit (thank GOODNESS), or someone who thinks their “hot take” on every topic needs to be shared on all platforms. I’m on a ... Read more
So, why a podcast?
Letterbox Podcast
I’ve been on quite a journey over the past couple of years, exploring my relationship with social media. The internet has undoubtedly helped me find my people, but I needed ... Read more
Beware Of Darkness, online gig this Sat + why I’m launching a podcast
Creativity Letterbox Mindfulness Music News Podcast Process
Art by @grandfunkrev This morning I got up early to do yoga in the living room before walking the dogs round the block in the blazing sunshine. On returning home ... Read more
“Attention Engineer” – trailer online now!
Letterbox Podcast
Announcing the launch of my weekly podcast series “Attention Engineer”! The trailer is done done done, and submitting it for inclusion in all the big podcast directories this afternoon was ... Read more
My lockdown anthem of hope is out today
Letterbox Music News
GET THE SONG + Get “Everything Looks Normal In The Sunshine” plus unreleased track “The Only Way Out Is Through” FREE when you join The Correspondent’s Club.+ Download PWYW from ... Read more
Everything Looks Normal In The Sunshine (15/5/20)
Letterbox Releases Singles
Release date: 15th May 2020Label: My Big Sister Recordings GET THE SONG + Get all Penfriend singles PLUS unreleased track “Cancel Your Hopes” FREE when you join The Correspondent’s Club.+ ... Read more
Four Penfriend songs live on the internet – watch again links
Letterbox Music News
25/3/20 – Stay At Home Fest with Robin Ince, Josie Long, Jo Brand and Luke WrightStarts 44:39 – I played “Out Of The Blue” + “Everything Looks Normal In The ... Read more
Let me tell you a story…
Creativity Homepage Feature Letterbox Music News Process
When I was a little girl, one of my favourite possessions was a shoebox that I filled up with bits of paper, envelopes and leaflets gathered from wherever I could ... Read more