“Super Connected” – Obey Robots

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)

by Laura Kidd 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)

by Laura Kidd 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)

by Laura Kidd 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?

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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.

by Laura Kidd 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)

by Laura Kidd 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)

by Laura Kidd 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!

by Laura Kidd 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)

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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)

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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)

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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)

by Laura Kidd 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.

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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)

by Laura Kidd 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)

by Laura Kidd 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)

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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?

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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)

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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!

by Laura Kidd 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”

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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…

by Laura Kidd 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?

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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”

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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…

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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

How to not suck at YouTube (like I did for 14 years)

by Laura Kidd Creativity Letterbox Process

We all start somewhere! Bridgerton superstar Regé-Jean Page played a Bowie-inspired zombie clown in my first music video in 2010 BRILLIANTLY, but even he couldn’t save my YouTube channel… Musicians ... Read more

What is a podcast? Where to find them and how to listen for FREE

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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)

by Laura Kidd 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)

by Laura Kidd 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”)

by Laura Kidd 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)

by Laura Kidd 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!

by Laura Kidd 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)

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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…

by Laura Kidd 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

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