Sometimes it’s better to wait

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

I made this to make you smile

by Laura Kidd 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

How childhood letter-writing led to a life in music

by Laura Kidd 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

On single release day, these two words have to go

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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

Four years of Penfriend!!!

by Laura Kidd 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

Too late? How to find an audience in your 50s (and 40s, and 30s…)

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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

Feel the weight of the world, feel the weight of the universe

by Laura Kidd 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…

by Laura Kidd 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…

by Laura Kidd 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…

by Laura Kidd 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?

by Laura Kidd 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

I can’t do this any more // Tea & Empathy Episode 004

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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

Should you join Threads? Here’s a better question…

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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)

by Laura Kidd 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!

by Laura Kidd 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)

by Laura Kidd 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

This home recording essential might surprise you…

by Laura Kidd 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

Do something different.

by Laura Kidd 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!)

by Laura Kidd 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?

by Laura Kidd 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!!!

by Laura Kidd 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”

by Laura Kidd 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!

by Laura Kidd 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!

by Laura Kidd 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!

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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?!!

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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!

by Laura Kidd 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…

by Laura Kidd 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…

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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

by Laura Kidd 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)

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

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 infinite blend of factors – 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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