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Penfriend's Letterbox

Penfriend's Letterbox

Author: (formerly Attention Engineer)

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A podcast by Penfriend / Laura Kidd
56 Episodes
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Visit the deluxe show notes page for this episode at http://penfriend.rocks/matthewThanks for listening! Attention Engineer is a show where I seek to make the best use of my own valuable time and attention by having deep conversations with fellow artists about creativity, grit and determination. My aim is to consistently remind you - and remind myself - that creativity really is for everyone.About my guest: Matthew Caws has been playing guitar, singing and writing songs in Nada Surf since 1994. He is one half of Minor Alps with Juliana Hatfield. He’s from New York City but currently lives in Cambridge, England. Find out more at nadasurf.com.In this episode, we discuss how anxiety gets in the way of songwriting, the anomaly of artists being financially successful, what it’s like listening to the music you made a long time ago, how to keep writing interesting material when you’re happily married and ageing with your audience – when your existence is a mirror to their years gone by.The Penfriend songs featured in this episode are:Intro: Cancel Your HopesBackground: Everything Looks Normal In The SunshineOutro: SeashakenHave a fab day! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit penfriendrocks.substack.com
Visit the deluxe show notes page for this episode at http://penfriend.rocks/graceThanks for listening! Attention Engineer is a show where I seek to make the best use of my own valuable time and attention by having deep conversations with fellow artists about creativity, grit and determination. My aim is to consistently remind you - and remind myself - that creativity really is for everyone..About my guest: a folk singer, songwriter and activist from Leicester, UK, Grace Petrie has been writing, recording and touring relentlessly for more than ten years. Her unique takes on life, love and politics, and the warmth and wit with which they are delivered, have won over audiences everywhere, across the alternative, folk, political and comedy scenes. Her new album "Connectivity" is out on 4th October 2021. Get your copy at www.gracepetrie.com.In this episode, we discuss the unique communion and connection between a performer and their audience at a live show, how political burnout led to the more personal themes on new album “Connectivity”, how genres can help and hinder artists, choosing your own truth on the internet and trying to create boundaries online – how even a fan can ruin your day..About your host: I'm Laura Kidd, a music producer and solo artist releasing music as Penfriend. Come and grab two free songs plus letters about art and music from http://penfriend.rocks/hello..My new album “Exotic Monsters” is out now: http://penfriend.rocks/exoticmonstersSponsor the podcast here: https://penfriend.rocks/sponsorship.The Penfriend songs featured in this episode are:.Intro: Cancel Your HopesBackground: Everything Looks Normal In The SunshineOutro: Seashaken.Have a fab day! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit penfriendrocks.substack.com
Visit the deluxe show notes page for this episode: http://penfriend.rocks/rouRead the text version: http://penfriend.rocks/rou-ts.Thanks for listening! Attention Engineer is a show where I share deep conversations with fellow artists about creativity, grit and determination. My aim is to consistently remind you - and remind myself - that creativity really is for everyone. .About my guest: Rou Reynolds is a vocalist, songwriter, composer, author and award-winning producer, best known for fronting Enter Shikari. Formed in 1999, the band are known for making outspoken, genre-spanning music accompanied by explosive live shows. Visit their website for music, merch and tour tickets..In this episode, we discuss pre-album writing anxiety and ways to get started on new projects, exploring subjects matter from songs in a more expansive way, the reality of being a supposed "Myspace band" - social media platforms as part of a larger puzzle, music making as mountain climbing: tough and lonely at times - but exhilarating, too, mindfulness and meditation as tools for a better understanding of ourselves and the importance of a decent chair when you're someone who sits in one all day long..About your host: I'm Laura Kidd, a music producer and solo artist releasing music as Penfriend. Come and grab two free songs plus letters about art and music from http://penfriend.rocks/hello..My new album “Exotic Monsters” is out now: http://penfriend.rocks/exoticmonstersSponsor the podcast here: https://penfriend.rocks/sponsorship.Have a fab day! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit penfriendrocks.substack.com
Visit the deluxe show notes page for this episode: http://penfriend.rocks/mikiRead the text version: http://penfriend.rocks/miki-ts.Content warning: this is a very joyfully sweary episode so probably not best listened to in the presence of kids..Thanks for listening! Attention Engineer is a show where I share deep conversations with fellow artists about creativity, grit and determination. My aim is to consistently remind you - and remind myself - that creativity really is for everyone. Let’s kick that inner critic where it hurts!.About my guest: Miki Berenyi is a singer, songwriter and guitarist who first became known in the late ’80s and ’90s as a member of Lush, and currently makes music in Piroshka..Get your copy of "Love Drips And Gathers" by Piroshka here..In this episode, we discuss how Miki was a huge inspiration for teenage wannabe-musician me, what it's like for her starting a new band after 20 years out of the music world, how creative work *is* work…but that’s okay, escaping the cartoon image of “Miki from Lush” and our shared future in chilblain rock..About your host: I'm Laura Kidd, a music producer and solo artist releasing music as Penfriend. Come and grab two free songs plus letters about art and music from http://penfriend.rocks/hello..My new album “Exotic Monsters” is out now: http://penfriend.rocks/exoticmonstersSponsor the podcast here: https://penfriend.rocks/sponsorship.Have a fab day! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit penfriendrocks.substack.com
Visit the deluxe show notes page: http://penfriend.rocks/gingerRead the text version: http://penfriend.rocks/ginger-ts.Thanks for listening! Attention Engineer is a show where I share deep conversations with fellow artists about creativity, grit and determination. My aim is to consistently remind you - and remind myself - that creativity really is for everyone. Let’s kick that inner critic where it hurts!.About my guest: Ginger Wildheart has been busy releasing music since the late 1980’s: as the leader of British rock band The Wildhearts, as a solo artist and as a member of numerous side projects and collaborations. Ever keen to find new ways to embrace his special relationship with supporters of his music, over the years he’s experimented with release methods outside the record label model including crowdfunding triple album 555% and running fan subscription club “the Ginger Associated Secret Society” or G-A-S-S..Pre-order The Wildhearts’ 10th studio album “21st Century Love Songs” now – out on 3rd September 2021..In this episode, we discuss why Ginger would rather be a member of Sparks than a bigger but vastly inferior band, songwriting as a service, the beauty and resonance of the direct to fan relationship, the life-changing power of a song, why learning what not to do is more valuable than learning what’s awesome and what about the music industry? – predictions for a more sustainable, less bloated future..About your host: I'm Laura Kidd, a music producer and solo artist releasing music as Penfriend. Come and grab two free songs plus letters about art and music from http://penfriend.rocks/hello..My new album “Exotic Monsters” is out now: http://penfriend.rocks/exoticmonstersSponsor the podcast here: https://penfriend.rocks/sponsorship.Have a fab day! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit penfriendrocks.substack.com
Visit the deluxe show notes page: http://penfriend.rocks/maryRead the text version: http://penfriend.rocks/mary-ts.Thanks for listening!.About my guest: combining her sultry voice and electric guitar to create rock songs infused with blues and soul, Mary Spender’s songwriting showcases her virtuosic style of guitar playing as well as her wide vocal range. Mary has amassed over 46 million hits on her YouTube channel, with nearly half a million subscribers watching her weekly videos, predominantly targeted towards guitarists and singer/songwriters..She also offers online courses in Ableton Live (with producer Rachel K Collier) and Fingerstyle Guitar for Beginners on her website maryspender.com..In this episode, we discuss finding a smarter way to grow your audience as a musician – opting out of the traditional singer-songwriter slog to make a full-time job of being a guitar nerd, what it takes to go from zero to half a million YouTube subscribers, how finishing John Mayer’s song for him led to a surprise package in the post and negative online comments – finding empathy for those who love to hate you on the internet..About your host: I'm Laura Kidd, a music producer and solo artist releasing music as Penfriend. Come and grab two free songs plus letters about art and music from http://penfriend.rocks/hello..Here's the direct link for my YouTube video about slaying your inner critic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3RQWj88Jck&t=1s.AND my new album “Exotic Monsters” is out now: http://penfriend.rocks/exoticmonsters.Recommended listening after this: Ep44: Ken Stringfellow (The Posies / R.E.M. / Big Star) on saying "yes" and Ep11: Skating Polly on the importance of dedication Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit penfriendrocks.substack.com
Visit the deluxe show notes page: http://penfriend.rocks/louRead the text version: http://penfriend.rocks/lou-ts.Thanks for listening! Attention Engineer is a show where I seek to make the best use of my own valuable time and attention by having deep conversations with fellow artists about creativity, grit and determination. My aim is to consistently remind you - and remind myself - that creativity really is for everyone….because it really is. Let’s kick that inner critic where it hurts!.About my guest: a founding member of the groups Dinosaur Jr., Sebadoh and The Folk Implosion, Lou Barlow is credited with helping to pioneer the lo-fi style of rock music in the late 1980s and early 1990s. His stunning fourth solo album "Reason To Live" is out now..In this episode, we discuss letting go of self-criticism and comparison to focus on creating a body of work, making albums at home – how combining digital tools with cassette tape recordings makes for something unique, the quest for an undeniably beautiful song and the self-inflicted anguish of releasing music into the world..About your host: I'm Laura Kidd, a music producer and solo artist releasing music as Penfriend. Come and grab two free songs plus letters about art and music from http://penfriend.rocks/hello..My new album “Exotic Monsters” is out now: http://penfriend.rocks/exoticmonsters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit penfriendrocks.substack.com
Content warning: two brief mentions of suicide, in the context of having lost friends..Visit the deluxe show notes page: http://penfriend.rocks/shingaiRead the text version: http://penfriend.rocks/shingai-ts.Thanks for listening! Attention Engineer is a show where I seek to make the best use of my own valuable time and attention by having deep conversations with fellow artists about creativity, grit and determination. My aim is to consistently remind you - and remind myself - that creativity really is for everyone….because it really is. Let’s kick that inner critic where it hurts!.About my guest: Shingai Shoniwa is the legendary front woman and bassist from the Noisettes. Dubbed “The new afrofuturist pop goddess” by Rolling Stone, her debut solo album “Too Bold” was released in October 2020 and marks a new chapter of her journey. This sonic odyssey through an effervescent soundscape fearlessly infused with a soulful yet spontaneous spirit is the sound inspired by Shingai’s London, Bantu and Zimbabwean heritage..In this episode, we discuss making music that’s a movement, too, the importance of creativity in a happy household, and how music helped Shingai navigate a childhood packed with grief, stepping off the major label conveyor belt and making music against the odds as an independent artist with integrity and the detrimental effect of social media and influencer culture on everyday creativity..About your host: I'm Laura Kidd, a music producer and solo artist releasing music as Penfriend. Come and grab two free songs plus letters about art and music from http://penfriend.rocks/hello..My new album “Exotic Monsters” is out now: http://penfriend.rocks/exoticmonsters.If you enjoyed this episode, I think you'll enjoy:+ Episode 39: Stephen Jones (Babybird) http://penfriend.rocks/stephen+ Episode 36: Sananda Maitreya (FKA Terence Trent D'Arby) https://penfriend.rocks/sananda+ Episode 40: Laura Kidd (me!) http://penfriend.rocks/laura.Til next time xo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit penfriendrocks.substack.com
Thanks for listening! Attention Engineer is a show where I seek to make the best use of my own valuable time and attention by having deep conversations with fellow artists about creativity, grit and determination..About your host: I'm Laura Kidd, a music producer and solo artist releasing music as Penfriend. Come and grab two free songs plus letters about art and music from http://penfriend.rocks/hello .My aim is to consistently remind you - and remind myself - that creativity really is for everyone….because it really is. Let’s kick that inner critic where it hurts, and have a thought provoking time in the process. You don’t *have* to make something of your own after listening to this show - there’s no homework! - but please know that you can if you want to..Juliana Hatfield's 17th original solo album "Blood" is out now - http://julianahatfield.com.In this conversation, we discuss: writing about the truth, rejecting society’s expectations and demonstrating alternative ways of living; finding creative freedom in limitations; sensitivity as a superpower; and home recording – Juliana’s tough transition from analogue to digital recording, and how her brilliant new album “Blood” is her most misanthropic yet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit penfriendrocks.substack.com
Step backstage and hear more about the making of my new single "I'll Start A Fire"..My new album "Exotic Monsters" is out nowwwwww! http://penfriend.rocks/exoticmonsters.Thank you for listening! xo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit penfriendrocks.substack.com
Welcome to a very special episode of the podcast, where my friend Miles Hunt of The Wonder Stuff turns the tables on me and steals the host microphone to quiz me on my new album "Exotic Monsters"! .In this conversation, we discuss being a doing person - how completing little projects gives me energy, the role of letter writing in my life from childhood to now, taking the time to get things right in your work, so they won't haunt you forever, facing up to your ghosts, and finding new freedom through music..Order your copy from http://penfriendrocks.myshopify.com - thank you for supporting independent music!.Thank you for listening xo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit penfriendrocks.substack.com
Step backstage and hear more about the making of my recent single "Seventeen"..Get three songs immediately when you order my new album at http://penfriend.rocks/newalbum.Get "Seventeen" pay what you want/can here..Thank you for listening! xo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit penfriendrocks.substack.com
Step backstage and hear more about the making of my recent single "Black Car"..Get three songs immediately when you order my new album at http://penfriend.rocks/newalbum.Watch the video at http://penfriend.rocks/blackcar.Thank you for listening! xo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit penfriendrocks.substack.com
Thanks for listening! Visit penfriend.rocks/stephen for the deluxe show notes for this episode, and head to Bandcamp to dive into Stephen's incredible back catalogue..In this conversation, we discuss the importance of making music that’s for you first, the strange and inappropriate uses of “You’re Gorgeous” in pop culture, from Prince William to Barack Obama, how Bandcamp is the best internet version of DIY and the awkward glamour and excitement of making a million-dollar music video with Hollywood royalty..My album pre-order is now live at http://penfriend.rocks/newalbum - thanks for supporting independent music!.If you’d like to sponsor a future episode of the podcast, find out three easy ways to get involved at all levels penfriend.rocks/sponsorship.All my work is supported by The Correspondent's Club, who have been powering the making of new music and podcasts since May 2020. Browse free and paid tiers at penfriend.rocks/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit penfriendrocks.substack.com
Thanks for listening! Visit http://penfriend.rocks/davidb for the deluxe show notes for this episode, and head to http://field-music.co.uk to pick up the new album “Flat “White Moon..In this conversation, we discuss how inspiration is overrated, and having to work on your idea doesn’t make you a worse artist (plus it’s fun!), the importance of sharing our experiences, to help younger artists have the encouragement we didn’t get ourselves, being prepared for the highs and lows of releasing albums – actually planning it in, how learning to do everything yourself can be faster than explaining what you want to someone else, the futility of playing support slots (even if they’re with your favourite bands), and why you don’t go to see Field Music for a good night out..My album pre-order is now live at http://penfriend.rocks/newalbum - thanks for supporting independent music!.If you’d like to sponsor a future episode of the podcast, find out three easy ways to get involved at all levels http://penfriend.rocks/sponsorship.All my work is supported by The Correspondent's Club, who have been powering the making of new music and podcasts since May 2020. Browse free and paid tiers at http://penfriend.rocks/join.Until next week... xoxo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit penfriendrocks.substack.com
Thanks for listening! Visit penfriend.rocks/ryan for the deluxe show notes for this episode..Ryan Miller is the lead singer and guitarist of alternative rock band Guster. Formed in 1991, Guster have released eight studio albums, performed with symphony orchestras and played a LOT of gigs. Since co-writing and scoring the film “Nobody” with Rob Perez, Ryan has composed music for “Safety Not Guaranteed”, “The Kings Of Summer”, “The Fundamentals Of Caring”, “Mr Roosevelt” and “The Last Summer”. After moving to Vermont from New York, Ryan began hosting a TV series on Vermont PBS called “Makin’ Friends With Ryan Miller”..In this conversation, we discuss the life of a multi-hyphenate artist – how giving yourself permission opens up the canvas of possibilities, not being scared to try new things, because your fans don’t remember your failures, the band / fan relationship – how Guster invented street teams in the 90s, and put their fans at the centre of everything they do and how overlapping your interests is like putting more colours onto your canvas..My new album "Exotic Monsters" is available to pre-order now via http://penfriend.rocks/newalbum - thanks for supporting independent music!.If you'd like to sponsor a future episode of this show, visit the Sponsorship page for three easy ways to get involved..The Penfriend songs featured in this episode are "Cancel Your Hopes" (intro), "Everything Looks Normal In The Sunshine" (instrumental) and "Black Car" (at the end). Visit the Songs page for more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit penfriendrocks.substack.com
Thanks for listening! Visit http://penfriend.rocks/sananda for the deluxe show notes for this episode, and head to http://sanandamaitreya.com to pick up the new album "Pandora's PlayHouse"..Artist, composer, arranger, producer, multi-instrumentalist, entrepreneur and Post Millennium Rocker Sananda Maitreya had his light switched on at the age of 2 by the music of the Beatles and has been a fool for music ever since. His debut solo album, “Introducing the Hardline” was released in July 1987 under the name terence Trent D'Arby, producing hits including “If You Let Me Stay”, “Sign Your Name”, “Dance Little Sister”, and the number one hit “Wishing Well”, and he’s released 12 wide-ranging albums in the years since..In this conversation, we discuss making a masterpiece of your life, not just your art, letting go of an abusive past and learning to fly again, Sananda's relationship with his singing voice, the life of an artist - a career or a calling?, the value of surrendering to the creative process and allowing it to surprise you and making music that babies are conceived to - is there any greater compliment for an artist?.My album pre-order is now live at http://penfriend.rocks/newalbum - thanks for supporting independent music!.All my work is sponsored by The Correspondent's Club, who have been powering the making of new music and podcasts since May 2020. Browse free and paid tiers at http://penfriend.rocks/join.Until next week... xoxo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit penfriendrocks.substack.com
Visit the deluxe show notes page: http://penfriend.rocks/danzRead the text version: http://penfriend.rocks/danz-ts.Thanks for listening! Visit http://penfriend.rocks/danz for the deluxe show notes for this episode, and head to http://zdanz.com to explore her musical world..In this conversation, we discuss digging deeper to make the most meaningful music you can, why your creative ideas have to light you up, the whys and wherefores of changing a project name as a solo artist; how reinventing yourself is a way to grow artistically PLUS getting on with it – using the internet to learn how to do the things we want to do, then doing them!.My album pre-order is now live at http://penfriend.rocks/newalbum - thanks for supporting independent music!.All my work is sponsored by The Correspondent's Club, who have been powering the making of new music and podcasts since May 2020. Browse free and paid tiers at http://penfriend.rocks/join.Until next week... xoxo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit penfriendrocks.substack.com
Thanks for listening! Visit http://penfriend.rocks/eliza for links to Eliza's work and collect two free Penfriend songs while you're there..In this conversation, we discuss how the pandemic forced Eliza to deal with her true nature, planning the perfect productive day for maximum music making, health and emotional wellbeing, the self-imposed pressure of picking the right sized font, EPs versus albums as an artistic statement, and building a sustainable music career while always being willing to get a job plus messy desktops, time block planning and how philosophy feeds into songwriting.-All my work is sponsored by The Correspondent's Club, who have been powering the making of new music and podcasts since May 2020. Browse free and paid tiers at http://penfriend.rocks/join.My album pre-order is now live at http://penfriend.rocks/newalbum <3.Until next week... xoxo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit penfriendrocks.substack.com
The song that took 15 years to write...sort of. How Radiohead's minidiscs and Barbara Kingsolver galvanised an old song idea into what became the theme tune for this show!.Get this song plus two more immediately when you order my new album at http://penfriend.rocks/newalbum.Watch the video at http://penfriend.rocks/cyh.Thank you for listening! xo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit penfriendrocks.substack.com
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