Penfriend

Member Log In
Menu
  • Shop
  • Letterbox
  • Join
  • Songs
  • Podcast
  • Contact
  • Member Area
Skip to content

posts on ‘process’

Why I shot a music video using Quicktime player and made it look like a Zoom call…

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
January 14, 2023January 26, 2023 Comment
Taking small steps

Taking small steps

by Laura Kidd 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
January 14, 2023January 14, 2023 Comment
This is your invitation

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
September 6, 2022September 6, 2022 Comment
Making my first music video – 2009 VLOG

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
September 2, 2022September 2, 2022 Comment
I WAS DOXXED: What to do when online criticism goes too far

I WAS DOXXED: What to do when online criticism goes too far

by Laura Kidd 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
August 17, 2022August 17, 2022 Comment
I’m out. Leaving Bristol after 10 years…

I’m out. Leaving Bristol after 10 years…

by Laura Kidd 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
August 9, 2022August 9, 2022 Comment
Moog Grandmother FAIL – why does this synth hate me?

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
July 20, 2022July 19, 2022 Comment
I’m singing on Miles Hunt’s new song “Things Can Change”

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
April 30, 2022May 3, 2022 2 Comments
Ukulele or cavaquinho? Adventures in Portugal

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
April 24, 2022April 25, 2022 Comment
“Paper Thin” – live one take performance

“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
April 9, 2022March 31, 2022 Comment
Reading this could have made me give up on my music career…

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
April 2, 2022April 19, 2022 2 Comments
Can I be honest with you?

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
March 19, 2022March 22, 2022 Comment
Why I’m leaving The Launchpad

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
March 12, 2022March 11, 2022 Comment
The magic of live music, and being truly yourself

The magic of live music, and being truly yourself

by Laura Kidd 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
February 26, 2022March 11, 2022 Comment
The life-changing power of showing up

The life-changing power of showing up

by Laura Kidd 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
February 19, 2022February 19, 2022 Comment
Is it worth all this? 2022 plans + watch hours reveal

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
January 22, 2022January 22, 2022 Comment
7 down? Recording bass guitar for my new album at home – Captain’s Vlog 02

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
January 16, 2022February 12, 2022 1 Comment
How I record cover songs – “This Is The Sound”

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
January 14, 2022January 14, 2022 2 Comments
HONEST (messy!) studio tour + recording an album in 19 days. Captain’s Vlog 01

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
January 8, 2022September 19, 2022 Comment
Resolutions don’t work. This does…

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
January 1, 2022January 3, 2022 Comment
Casey Neistat made me do THIS

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
December 25, 2021December 23, 2021 Comment
Don’t read the comments.

Don’t read the comments.

by Laura Kidd 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
December 18, 2021December 18, 2021 Comment
How to not suck at YouTube (like I did for 14 years)

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
December 11, 2021December 10, 2021 Comment
What is a podcast? Where to find them and how to listen for FREE

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
December 5, 2021December 10, 2021 3 Comments
EU VAT woes? Bandcamp musicians, you’re (probably) doing it wrong…

EU VAT woes? Bandcamp musicians, you’re (probably) doing it wrong…

by Laura Kidd 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
October 14, 2021October 15, 2021 29 Comments
My burnout recovery tips – completing the stress cycle

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
September 25, 2021September 24, 2021 Comment
Making more time for creativity | Getting up at 6am for a week

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
September 11, 2021September 10, 2021 Comment
I only did it for him | Garden cleanup time-lapse

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
August 21, 2021August 24, 2021 Comment
BUT is it any good? How to assess your own creative work

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
August 14, 2021August 24, 2021 Comment
How I get stuff done! | 5 steps to achieve any goal

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
August 7, 2021August 24, 2021 5 Comments
How to stop your inner critic from holding you back

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
July 31, 2021August 12, 2021 3 Comments
“Why I’m still not playing gigs in 2021” [VIDEO]

“Why I’m still not playing gigs in 2021” [VIDEO]

by Laura Kidd 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
July 20, 2021July 21, 2021 Comment
Behind The Song: Seventeen

Behind The Song: Seventeen

by Laura Kidd 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
May 16, 2021May 18, 2021 1 Comment
Behind The Song: Black Car

Behind The Song: Black Car

by Laura Kidd 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
May 15, 2021May 18, 2021 Comment
Never fear, I’m still punk as fuck

Never fear, I’m still punk as fuck

by Laura Kidd 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
May 5, 2021May 5, 2021 1 Comment
Can we make Bristol music history together?!

Can we make Bristol music history together?!

by Laura Kidd 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
April 30, 2021May 5, 2021 1 Comment
Halfway to the UK Top 40!

Halfway to the UK Top 40!

by Laura Kidd Letterbox Music News Process
Share this: ... Read more
March 31, 2021April 1, 2021 Comment
Behind The Song: Cancel Your Hopes

Behind The Song: Cancel Your Hopes

by Laura Kidd 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
March 14, 2021May 18, 2021 Comment
Behind The Song: Exotic Monsters

Behind The Song: Exotic Monsters

by Laura Kidd 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
March 8, 2021March 8, 2021 Comment
Why I won’t be playing in-person gigs in 2021

Why I won’t be playing in-person gigs in 2021

by Laura Kidd 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
March 1, 2021March 1, 2021 4 Comments
My song is in a film!

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
February 14, 2021February 16, 2021 Comment
Power to the people

Power to the people

by Laura Kidd 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
February 1, 2021February 2, 2021 2 Comments
2020 was my best year for reading – my recommendations

2020 was my best year for reading – my recommendations

by Laura Kidd 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
January 15, 2021January 15, 2021 2 Comments
Behind The Song: The Only Way Out Is Through

Behind The Song: The Only Way Out Is Through

by Laura Kidd 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
October 10, 2020May 18, 2021 Comment
Inspiration is for amateurs

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
July 9, 2020January 15, 2021 6 Comments
Album update: how not to get overwhelmed by big projects and the danger of endless lists

Album update: how not to get overwhelmed by big projects and the danger of endless lists

by Laura Kidd 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
June 18, 2020January 14, 2021 1 Comment
You are not a number (and neither am I)

You are not a number (and neither am I)

by Laura Kidd 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
June 11, 2020January 15, 2021 7 Comments
Beware Of Darkness, online gig this Sat + why I’m launching a podcast

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
May 28, 2020February 27, 2021 17 Comments
Let me tell you a story…

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
May 1, 2020January 15, 2021 36 Comments
  • Shop
  • Letterbox
  • Join
  • Songs
  • Podcast
  • Contact

All content © Penfriend 2021