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
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
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
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
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
“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
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
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
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
“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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
“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
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
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
“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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 infinitesimal series of decisions – what we wanted to ... 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
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
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