Penfriend's Letterbox ((formerly Attention Engineer))

WTF is an attention engineer, and what does that have to do with this podcast, anyway?

What a debut guest! Pause for sharp intake of breath, surprise and delight, now visit this special page to see the note Tanya wrote for you and listen to us singing together http://penfriend.rocks/tanya

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Tanya Donelly is a two time Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter, founding member of three influential bands of the post-punk era (Belly, Throwing Muses, Breeders), and solo artist. Her upcoming album of covers recorded with The Parkington Sisters, to be released on August 14, 2020, is available now for pre-order.

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This podcast is supported by Arts Council England and The National Lottery and powered by my Correspondent’s Club http://penfriend.rocks

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Thank you for listening!

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View the lovingly collated show notes on this special page and listen to Mark and I singing together http://penfriend.rocks/mark

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Mark Chadwick is a singer, songwriter and guitarist in British folk rock band The Levellers. Formed in 1988, they take their name from The Levellers political movement, and have released 11 studio albums. Mark has also released two excellent solo albums.

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This podcast is supported by Arts Council England and The National Lottery and powered by my Correspondent’s Club http://penfriend.rocks

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Thank you for listening!

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View the fancypants show notes for this episode at http://penfriend.rocks/ayse

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Ayse Hassan is a multi-instrumentalist who first came to prominence as the bassist in rock band Savages. She has since made music in duos Kitebase and 180DB. She’s currently focusing on her solo project ESYA.

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This podcast is supported by Arts Council England and The National Lottery and powered by my Correspondent’s Club http://penfriend.rocks

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Thank you for listening!

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Read the lovingly collated show notes, see the Post-it message Frank' wrote for you and get all his lockdown news at http://penfriend.rocks/frank

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Frank Turner is an English punk folk songwriter from Hampshire. Starting his career in post-hardcore band Million Dead, he went solo in 2005 and has built an extensive and incredibly loyal fanbase through brilliant songwriting and sheer hard work. This conversation was recorded backstage at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre on Saturday 14th March, in the uncertain days leading up to the government's unprecedented closure of venues, theatres, pubs and restaurants on 20th March.

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This podcast is supported by Arts Council England and The National Lottery and powered by my Correspondent’s Club http://penfriend.rocks

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Thank you for listening!

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View the show notes at http://penfriend.rocks/charlotte

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Charlotte Hatherley is a composer, solo artist, and guitarist who initially came to prominence as guitarist and backing vocalist for alternative rock band Ash. After leaving Ash in 2006, she recorded and performed extensively with artists including Bryan Ferry, Bat For Lashes, KT Tunstall and Birdy. Most recently Charlotte has toured as musical director for critically acclaimed South African artist, Nakhane. A truly versatile artist, she has written for film and stage and inspired by her love of science fiction, her fourth solo album, True Love, was released in 2018. Her soundtrack for the powerful film ‘Imogen' was released in May 2020. 

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This podcast is supported by Arts Council England and The National Lottery and powered by my Correspondent’s Club http://penfriend.rocks

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Thank you for listening!

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View the show notes at http://penfriend.rocks/tom

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Born in Cambridge in 1950, Tom Robinson first became known in the late 1970s as a musician and LGBT activist with the Tom Robinson Band (TRB) who were early supporters of Rock Against Racism and Amnesty International. In 1977 their Top 5 debut release “2-4-6-8 Motorway” became one of the landmark singles of the UK punk era.

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Other hits included “Glad To Be Gay”, “Up Against The Wall” and the band’s debut album “Power In The Darkness” which went gold in the UK and Japan. As a solo artist Tom had further solo hits in 1983 with “War Baby” and “Atmospherics: Listen To The Radio”, and co-wrote songs with Peter Gabriel, Elton John and Dan Hartman.

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As a radio broadcaster, over the last 30 years Tom has hosted programmes on all eight of the BBC‘s national radio stations and won two Gold Sony Academy Radio Awards. He currently hosts three shows a week on BBC Radio 6 Music, was a member of the Ivor Novello Awards committee for ten years and in 2016 was awarded a fellowship of LIPA in recognition of his support for new music artists through BBC Introducing. His music blog at Fresh On The Net currently offers an open door to new tunes and free insider advice for independent and emerging musicians.

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This podcast is supported by Arts Council England and The National Lottery and powered by my Correspondent’s Club http://penfriend.rocks

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Thank you for listening!

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Visit http://penfriend.rocks/bec for links to all the things we talked about plus a special note from Bec *and* a link for her desk tour. Yay!

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Bec Hill is an Australian-born, UK-based comedian, writer, actor and presenter. She is best known for her viral flipchart videos and ridiculous social media adventures. When she's not performing stand-up around the world to both adults and kids, she is either appearing on/writing for telly, chatting on various podcasts, or winning awards. She's also been a time-traveller, the voice of several characters in Mass Effect: Andromeda and Anthem, and most recently became a Tooth Fairy.

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This podcast is supported by Arts Council England and The National Lottery and powered by my Correspondent’s Club http://penfriend.rocks. Grab two months of free Skillshare classes on me - visit http://penfriend.rocks/skillshare for more.

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Thanks for listening!

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Visit http://penfriend.rocks/harkin for the show notes, including links to Harkin's music and everything else we discussed.

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Harkin has been touring since her teens and is one of the most prolific collaborators of her generation. Now, a lifelong collaborator steps into the singular. In addition to her own band she formed as a teen (Sky Larkin), she has been a touring member of Sleater-Kinney, Wild Beasts, Flock of Dimes, and Kurt Vile and Courtney Barnett, plus she performed backing vocals for Dua Lipa on Saturday Night Live. Debut solo album ‘Harkin’ is released on Hand Mirror, with publishing support from Rough Trade Publishing. Harkin and her partner, the poet and live arts organiser Kate Leah Hewett, founded Hand Mirror in 2019.

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This podcast is supported by Arts Council England and The National Lottery and powered by my Correspondent’s Club http://penfriend.rocks. Grab two months of free Skillshare classes on me - visit http://penfriend.rocks/skillshare for more.

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Thanks for listening!

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Visit http://penfriend.rocks/nikesh for the show notes, including links to Nikesh's books and everything we talked about in this episode.

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Content warning: friendly swearing.

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Nikesh Shukla is an award-winning, bestselling writer of books and television. So far he’s published three novels and two books for Young Adults, co-written a short film, written columns for The Observer and hosted a podcast. Nikesh is the editor of the essay collection, The Good Immigrant, where 21 British writers of colour discuss race and immigration in the UK. The Good Immigrant USA, co-edited with Chimene Suleyman, was released to acclaim from New York Times, Kirkus, TIME Magazine, Publisher’s Weekly, and more. His new book, “Brown Baby: a memoir of race, family and home” is due out in early 2021 and can be pre-ordered now from wherever you get books.

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This podcast is supported by Arts Council England and The National Lottery and powered by my Correspondent’s Club http://penfriend.rocks. Grab two months of free Skillshare classes on me - visit http://penfriend.rocks/skillshare for more.

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Thanks for listening!

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Thanks for listening! Visit the deluxe show notes at http://penfriend.rocks/emma to listen to Emma's music and get links to everything we talked about.

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Content warning: friendly swearing from the start and one allusion to suicide, in the context of Emma's collaboration with Scott Hutchison of Frightened Rabbit.

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Emma Pollock is a Scottish singer-songwriter, musician, and a founding member of the bands The Delgados, The Burns Unit and The Fruit Tree Foundation. As a solo artist, she has released three albums to date, as well as a plethora of collaborative work. She co-runs independent record label Chemikal Underground and the chem19 recording studio.

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This podcast is supported by Arts Council England and The National Lottery and powered by my Correspondent’s Club http://penfriend.rocks. Grab two months of free Skillshare classes on me - visit http://penfriend.rocks/skillshare for more.

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Visit the deluxe show notes page at http://penfriend.rocks/skatingpolly and claim your two free Penfriend songs at http://penfriend.rocks

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Skating Polly is an American rock band formed in Oklahoma City, playing their own inimitable brand of “ugly pop”. Founded by multi-instrumentalist step-siblings Kelli Mayo and Peyton Bighorse in 2009, the band later gained a third member, Kurtis, their brother, who plays drums. A spectacular live force, Skating Polly have released five endlessly creative albums to date, collaborated with rock royalty and toured the world, leaving a trail of sweaty, openmouthed onlookers in their wake.

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This podcast is supported by Arts Council England and The National Lottery and powered by my Correspondent’s Club.

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Thanks for listening!

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Thanks for listening! Visit the deluxe show notes with links to Rod's music and his artist recommendations at http://penfriend.rocks/brightlightbrightlight and get two free Penfriend tracks when you sign up.

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Bright Light Bright Light is the moniker of Welsh-born, NYC living Rod Thomas, a singer, songwriter, producer, DJ and fully independent artist. A pop culture geek, his songs are inspired by 80's/90's cinema (hence the name), video games, TV moments and dance sequences. He's worked with Sir Elton John, Scissor Sisters, Alan Cumming and Erasure, and toured with Cher. His forthcoming album "Fun City" is a love letter to the LGBTQ+ community and features a long list of incredible LGBTQ+ collaborators including Andy Bell, Jake Shears, Justin Vivian Bond and Madonna's iconic backing singers Niki Haris and Donna De Lory.

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This podcast is supported by Arts Council England and The National Lottery and powered by my Correspondent’s Club http://penfriend.rocks. Grab two months of free Skillshare classes on me - visit http://penfriend.rocks/skillshare for more.

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Read the deluxe show notes at http://penfriend.rocks/psb to listen to Public Service Broadcasting's brilliant music and get links to everything else we discussed in this episode.

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Get two free Penfriend tracks immediately when you sign up at http://penfriend.rocks

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Public Service Broadcasting is the corduroy-clad brainchild of London-based J. Willgoose, Esq. who, along with drumming companion Wrigglesworth and multi instrumentalist JFAbraham, is on a quest to inform, educate and entertain audiences around the globe. PSB’s uniquely spell-binding live AV transmissions see them weave samples from old public information films, archive footage and propaganda material around live drums, guitar, banjo and electronics as they teach the lessons of the past through the music of the future – beaming our past back at us through vintage tv sets and state of the art modern video projection devices.

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This podcast is supported by Arts Council England and The National Lottery and powered by my Correspondent’s Club. Grab two months of free Skillshare classes on me - visit http://penfriend.rocks/skillshare for more.

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Read the deluxe show notes at http://penfriend.rocks/sadie to listen to Sadie's brilliant music and get links to everything else we discussed in this episode.

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Get two free Penfriend tracks immediately when you sign up at http://penfriend.rocks

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For nearly a decade, poet and multi-instrumentalist producer Sadie Dupuis has been celebrated for her literary lyrics, accomplished guitar playing, and embodied ethos of empowerment, whether with rock band Speedy Ortiz or the pop-oriented solo project Sad13, which debuted in 2016 with Lizzo co-feature “Basement Queens.” Self-produced debut album “Slugger” was released that same year, and followup “Haunted Painting” will be released on 25th September 2020.

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This podcast is supported by Arts Council England and The National Lottery and powered by my Correspondent’s Club. Grab two months of free Skillshare classes on me - visit http://penfriend.rocks/skillshare for more.

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Read the deluxe show notes at http://penfriend.rocks/estella for links to everything we discussed in this episode.

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Get two free Penfriend tracks immediately when you sign up at http://penfriend.rocks

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Estella Adeyeri is a performing musician and multi-instrumentalist. She plays bass guitar in Black feminist punk band Big Joanie, and lead guitar in anarcho-pop punk outfit Charmpit. Estella has toured extensively and has shared stages with artists such as Sleater-Kinney, Bikini Kill and Gossip. Estella is a member of the organising team behind Decolonise Fest, an annual London-based music festival run by punks of colour for punks of colour. She is also a board member of the Good Night Out Campaign, which seeks to create safer nightlife spaces. She has volunteered with Girls Rock London since 2017 as a band coach, instrument tutor, and year-round organiser.

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This podcast is supported by Arts Council England and The National Lottery and powered by my Correspondent’s Club. Grab two months of free Skillshare classes on me - visit http://penfriend.rocks/skillshare for more.

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Visit the deluxe show notes at http://penfriend.rocks/novatwins for links to Nova Twins' music and everything we discussed in this episode.

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Get two free Penfriend tracks immediately when you sign up at http://penfriend.rocks

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Nova Twins are bassist Georgia South and guitarist and vocalist Amy Love. Fast becoming trailblazers in their own right, Nova Twins use their platform to champion inclusivity and diversity with a high-octane, genre-warping approach; one that is present in every song they write and every performance they deliver. Turning heads in all of their endeavours, the duo creates a remarkable depth of sound via a myriad of bass and guitar pedals - a secret recipe they have tweaked and refined over the years, whilst dogmatically avoiding any synthesizers in the process. Innovative in not only their musical output but in every element of what they do as artists, from designing and making their own outfits for all photoshoots and stage-wear, to the art direction of their music videos. The band are above all, strong, independent and inspiring women of colour. Their modus operandi is to take socio-political experiences from their day-to-day and turn it into something their fans can get lost in.

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This podcast is supported by Arts Council England and The National Lottery and powered by my Correspondent’s Club.

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Corin Tucker (Sleater-Kinney) on finding your own power, the importance of art in making sense of a world crisis or three and why you should always watch your support bands.

Visit http://penfriend.rocks/corin for the fancy show notes with links to Corin's music, and you can grab two free Penfriend songs while you're there. Thanks for listening! xo

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Visit the deluxe show notes page: http://penfriend.rocks/miles

Read the text version: http://penfriend.rocks/miles-ts

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About my guest: Miles Hunt (The Wonder Stuff) on how Covid-19 dashed his hopes of leaving the music business and becoming a truck driver (and why he wanted to quit in the first place), how writing your autobiography can help mend relationships that went bad and why we should probably just turn the internet off.

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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.

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My new album “Exotic Monsters” is out now: http://penfriend.rocks/exoticmonster

Sponsor the podcast here: https://penfriend.rocks/sponsorship

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Have a fab day!

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Lemn Sissay MBE on the importance of kindness in a long-lasting career, how poetry really is for everyone and staying away from unproductive negativity - how to take better care of ourselves.

Visit penfriend.rocks/lemn for the posh show notes with links to explore his brilliant work.

Get two free Penfriend songs when you sign up to my mailing list. Thanks for listening! xo

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As singer with Carter The Unstoppable Sex Machine, Jim Bob had 14 top 40 singles, 4 top ten albums (including a number one), sold over a million records, toured the world and headlined Glastonbury. Outside of Carter Jim Bob has had a long and varied career as a solo artist and writer. He has released 11 solo albums, two autobiographies and six novels.

Visit penfriend.rocks/jimbob for the posh show notes with links to explore Jim Bob's brilliant work, and visit speakpipe.com/penfriend to contribute to a future episode.

Get two free Penfriend songs when you sign up to my mailing list. Thanks for listening! xo

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Andrew Hung is a musician based in London, England. First coming into prominence as a founder of Fuck Buttons, the ecstatic noise group who garnered a rabid cult following, Hung continues to work both on his solo music, as a film composer and as a collaborator (with artists including Beth Orton).

Visit penfriend.rocks/andrew for the posh show notes with links to explore Andrew's work, and visit speakpipe.com/penfriend to contribute to a future episode.

Get two free Penfriend songs when you sign up to my mailing list. Thanks for listening! xo

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Bernard Butler is an English musician, songwriter and record producer, noted as one of Britain’s most original and influential guitarists.

Beginning his long and varied music career as a founding member of Suede, Butler is well known for wildly successful collaborations with David McAlmont, Duffy and supergroup The Tears (with former Suede bandmate Brett Anderson).

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Visit penfriend.rocks/bernard for the posh show notes with links to explore Bernard's work, and visit speakpipe.com/penfriend to contribute to a future episode.

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Get two free Penfriend songs immediately when you sign up to my mailing list. Thanks for listening! xo

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Propelled by the Manic Street Preachers’ lyric “libraries gave us power”, The Anchoress(aka Welsh producer and multi-instrumentalist, Catherine Anne Davies) is a voracious devourer of words and music. From her early roots as a classically-trained flautist, to her current obsession with vintage synthesizers, Davies has spent much of the last four years developing her writing and engineering skills to become one of the most interesting up-and-coming songwriters and producers in the UK and has collaborated with a variety of artists including the London Philharmonic, Nitin Sawhney, Ed Harcourt, Bernard Butler, Liam Howe and Paul Statham.

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Visit penfriend.rocks/catherine for the posh show notes with links to explore Catherine's work, and visit speakpipe.com/penfriend to contribute to a future episode.

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Get two free Penfriend songs when you sign up to my mailing list. Thanks for listening! xo

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Growth with no reward. Finding strength in your less desirable traits. Coming up with the perfect comeback hours later in bed, glaring at the ceiling. Asking yourself: am I improving, or am I just changing into something unrecognizable? Chicago quartet Ganser probe the futility of striving for self-growth during the chaos of our times for dark comedy and jagged sounds on their potent new album Just Look at That Sky, released July 31st on Felte.

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Welcome to my conversation with bassist, vocalist and award-winning art director Alicia Gaines. Visit penfriend.rocks/alicia for the posh show notes with links to explore her work, and visit speakpipe.com/penfriend to contribute to a future episode.

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Get two free Penfriend songs when you sign up to my mailing list. Thanks for listening! xo

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An artist of enduring international acclaim and a justly revered lyricist, Thea Gilmore’s musical settings have taken many ingenious detours in the 22 years since the release of her debut album, Burning Dorothy. Uncategorisable, whip smart and unafraid to speak her mind, her Twitter bio reads “Singer. Songwriter. Tall bird. Corruptor of words”.

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Visit penfriend.rocks/thea for the posh show notes with links to explore her work, and get two free Penfriend songs when you sign up to my mailing list. Thanks for listening! xo

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Visit penfriend.rocks/rat for links to get hold of our new song PLUS tickets for Ned's Atomic Dustbin live in London and Stourbridge in 2021, and get two free Penfriend songs when you sign up to my mailing list.

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Ned’s Atomic Dustbin are an English rock band formed in Stourbridge, West Midlands, in November 1987. Formed at sixth-form college, the band recorded their first album while some of the members were still teenagers. 

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From these humble beginnings, the band went on to sign to Sony Music, and their debut album “Godfodder” shot to number 4 in the UK albums chart in 1991. They released three albums and travelled the world, plus played Top Of The Pops twice before disbanding in 1995. In 2008, Ned’s reformed for a show at The Astoria, and since then have been playing regular reunion shows with The Wonder Stuff and Pop Will Eat Itself.

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In 2019 they released 14-track album “Ned’s Acoustic Dustbin”, and in 2021 they will be performing in London and Stourbridge to celebrate the 30th anniversary of “The Ingredients” EP.

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Thanks for listening! xo

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Visit penfriend.rocks/robin for links to Robin's work, and get two free Penfriend songs when you sign up to my mailing list.

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All music in this series is by yours truly, and the song at the end of this episode is my collaboration with Rat from Ned's Atomic Dustbin. Get "Let It Snow" as a pay what you want/can download and pre-order the limited edition pink 7" vinyl / CD at http://penfriend.rocks/let-it-snow

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Thanks for listening!

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Thanks for listening! Visit http://penfriend.rocks/kat for links to Kat's work and collect two free Penfriend songs while you're there!

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In this episode, we talked about what it's like to do well on the biggest TV talent show going, and how Kat built an independent career afterwards, how failure and setbacks bring a whole new world of possibility, and the mental health impact of losing the validation of a live audience during the pandemic. Also, how some sage advice and support from Amanda Palmer and Neil Gaiman helped set Kat on her journey towards creating Misfit Cabaret, what to do when famous artist managers say you're not "leading lady pretty" plus the importance of our patrons and why we love and appreciate them so much.

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Thanks to Nick Xylas for sponsoring this episode via my Correspondent's Club, powering the making of new music and podcasts since May 2020. Browse free and paid tiers at http://penfriend.rocks/join

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My new single "Exotic Monsters" is available wherever you get music, but the best way to support me directly is to visit http://penfriend.rocks/monsters

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Until next week... xoxo

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Thanks for listening! Visit http://penfriend.rocks/david for links to David's work and collect two free Penfriend songs while you're there!

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In this episode, we talked about how David's brush with the music industry, how he survived a breakdown to create a thriving career as a lone wolf figure, why pumping content into the world isn't beneficial for popular music and song as an art form, and why we shouldn’t judge artists on the quality of their accountancy. I also quizzed David on his brilliant song "State Of The Union", he kindly broke it down for us and I accepted a songwriting challenge.

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Thanks to my Correspondent's Club for powering the making of new music and podcasts since May 2020. Browse free and paid tiers at http://penfriend.rocks/join

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My new single "Exotic Monsters" is available wherever you get music, but the best way to support me directly is to visit http://penfriend.rocks/monsters

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Until next week... xoxo

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Thanks for listening! Visit http://penfriend.rocks/rlt for links to Rebecca's work and collect two free Penfriend songs while you're there!

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In this episode, we talked about how becoming a solo artist and making exactly the work she wanted drastically changed Rebecca's mental health, how dancing brought RLT back to her body, bridging the gap between Slow Club and Self Esteem and bringing her joy, becoming a badge entrepreneur - how designing badges and fulfulling her own merch during lockdown has helped Rebecca feel useful (despite having the handwriting of a little naughty boy"!), the pros and cons of relentless touring, and how that changes as you grow older and wiser and leaving no surface unstatemented - how RLT is making up for lost time after years of not being able to say what she meant.

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Thanks to Angie Stallings for sponsoring this episode via my Correspondent's Club, powering the making of new music and podcasts since May 2020. Check out Jekyll's Basement in Florida for all your curio and collectibles!

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Browse free and paid tiers at http://penfriend.rocks/join

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My new single "Exotic Monsters" is available wherever you get music, but the best way to support me directly is to visit http://penfriend.rocks/monsters - and keep your eyes peeled for the video on my YouTube channel.

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Until next week... xoxo

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Thanks for listening! Visit http://penfriend.rocks/liz for links to Liz's work with The Beths and collect two free Penfriend songs while you're there.

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In this conversation, we discuss the value of establishing creative rules for songwriting and making videos, touring New Zealand during the pandemic, and Beths' bassist Ben's secret breakfast blog, the success - and shelf life - of an indie band, coping mechanisms for happier touring - why The Beths always take a cricket bat on the road and the ever-expanding skillset of the modern musician.

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This episode was sponsored by a kind member of 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

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My new single "Exotic Monsters" is available wherever you get music, but the best way to support me directly is to visit http://penfriend.rocks/monsters - and you can watch the brand new video there as well. Hooray!

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Until next week... xoxo

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Thanks for listening! Visit http://penfriend.rocks/mike for links to Mike's work and collect two free Penfriend songs while you're there.

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In this conversation, we discuss how a teenage Cat Stevens inspired a slightly younger teenage Mike Batt to write songs, blagging versus reaching - using projects to teach yourself how to do the thing you've been hired to do, savvy negotiating - how refusing a one-off payment to write for The Wombles while broke led to great things, what it feels like to bet hundreds of thousands of pounds on an artist through buying TV advertising and why someone needs to invent anti-gravitational brandy sauce.

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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

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My new single "Exotic Monsters" is available wherever you get music, but the best way to support me directly is to visit http://penfriend.rocks/monsters - and you can watch the brand new video there as well. Hooray!

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Until next week... xoxo

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Thanks for listening! Visit http://penfriend.rocks/liela for links to Liela's work and collect two free Penfriend songs while you're there. My album pre-order just launched too at http://penfriend.rocks/newalbum <3

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In this conversation, we discuss learning to give space to other aspects of life as a touring musician, evolving as an artist – letting go of the ego-driven side of being on stage while still being in love with singing and words, the life-changing power of meditation – Liela’s experience of silent Vipassana retreats and how to bring the benefits of meditation into everyday life *and* music making, releasing an album during COVID-19 – the reasons for going ahead and blushing all day long – the day Liela got to sing with Nick Cave.

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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

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If you're interested in trying meditation after listening to this episode, my recommendations were:

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Yoga With Adriene - https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=yoga+with+adriene+meditation

The Mindful Movement - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu_mPlZbomAgNzfAUElRL7w

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Until next week... xoxo

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A peek behind the songwriting curtain at my synthy single "Exotic Monsters".

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Get this song plus two more immediately when you pre-order my new album at http://penfriend.rocks/newalbum

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Watch the video at http://penfriend.rocks/monsters

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Thank you for listening! xo

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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!

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Get this song plus two more immediately when you order my new album at http://penfriend.rocks/newalbum

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Watch the video at http://penfriend.rocks/cyh

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Thank you for listening! xo

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Thanks for listening! Visit http://penfriend.rocks/eliza for links to Eliza's work and collect two free Penfriend songs while you're there.

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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.

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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

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My album pre-order is now live at http://penfriend.rocks/newalbum <3

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Until next week... xoxo

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Visit the deluxe show notes page: http://penfriend.rocks/danz

Read the text version: http://penfriend.rocks/danz-ts

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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.

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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!

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My album pre-order is now live at http://penfriend.rocks/newalbum - thanks for supporting independent music!

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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

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Until next week... xoxo

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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".

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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.

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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?

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My album pre-order is now live at http://penfriend.rocks/newalbum - thanks for supporting independent music!

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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

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Until next week... xoxo

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Thanks for listening! Visit penfriend.rocks/ryan for the deluxe show notes for this episode.

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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”.

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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.

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My new album "Exotic Monsters" is available to pre-order now via http://penfriend.rocks/newalbum - thanks for supporting independent music!

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If you'd like to sponsor a future episode of this show, visit the Sponsorship page for three easy ways to get involved.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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My album pre-order is now live at http://penfriend.rocks/newalbum - thanks for supporting independent music!

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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

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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

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Until next week... xoxo

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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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.

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My album pre-order is now live at http://penfriend.rocks/newalbum - thanks for supporting independent music!

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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

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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

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Step backstage and hear more about the making of my recent single "Black Car".

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Get three songs immediately when you order my new album at http://penfriend.rocks/newalbum

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Watch the video at http://penfriend.rocks/blackcar

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Thank you for listening! xo

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Step backstage and hear more about the making of my recent single "Seventeen".

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Get three songs immediately when you order my new album at http://penfriend.rocks/newalbum

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Get "Seventeen" pay what you want/can here.

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Thank you for listening! xo

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Step backstage and hear more about the making of my new single "I'll Start A Fire".

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My new album "Exotic Monsters" is out nowwwwww! http://penfriend.rocks/exoticmonsters

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Thank you for listening! xo

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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"!

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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.

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Order your copy from http://penfriendrocks.myshopify.com - thank you for supporting independent music!

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Thank you for listening xo

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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.

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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

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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.

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Juliana Hatfield's 17th original solo album "Blood" is out now - http://julianahatfield.com

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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.

Content warning: two brief mentions of suicide, in the context of having lost friends.

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Visit the deluxe show notes page: http://penfriend.rocks/shingai

Read the text version: http://penfriend.rocks/shingai-ts

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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My new album “Exotic Monsters” is out now: http://penfriend.rocks/exoticmonsters

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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

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Til next time xo

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Visit the deluxe show notes page: http://penfriend.rocks/lou

Read the text version: http://penfriend.rocks/lou-ts

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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My new album “Exotic Monsters” is out now: http://penfriend.rocks/exoticmonsters

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Visit the deluxe show notes page: http://penfriend.rocks/mary

Read the text version: http://penfriend.rocks/mary-ts

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Thanks for listening!

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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.

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She also offers online courses in Ableton Live (with producer Rachel K Collier) and Fingerstyle Guitar for Beginners on her website maryspender.com.

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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.

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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.

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Here's the direct link for my YouTube video about slaying your inner critic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3RQWj88Jck&t=1s

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AND my new album “Exotic Monsters” is out now: http://penfriend.rocks/exoticmonsters

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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

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Visit the deluxe show notes page: http://penfriend.rocks/ginger

Read the text version: http://penfriend.rocks/ginger-ts

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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.

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Pre-order The Wildhearts’ 10th studio album “21st Century Love Songs” now – out on 3rd September 2021.

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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.

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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.

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My new album “Exotic Monsters” is out now: http://penfriend.rocks/exoticmonsters

Sponsor the podcast here: https://penfriend.rocks/sponsorship

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Have a fab day!

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Get my FREE 12-track album + 31-page zine http://penfriend.rocks/helloVisit the text version of this episode at http://penfriend.rocks/miki-tsContent warning: this is a very joyfully sweary episode so probably not best listened to in the presence of kids.

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.

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.

I'm Laura Kidd, an independent music producer, songwriter and visual artist based in Nottingham, UK, making music as Penfriend (formerly She Makes War and Obey Robots).

Join The Correspondent's Club on Patreon and support future podcasts, music and videos http://patreon.com/penfriendrocks/about

Get my FREE 12-track album + 31-page zine http://penfriend.rocks/helloVisit the deluxe show notes page for this episode: http://penfriend.rocks/rou.Read the text version: http://penfriend.rocks/rou-tsRou 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.

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.

I'm Laura Kidd, an independent music producer, songwriter and visual artist based in Nottingham, UK, making music as Penfriend (formerly She Makes War and Obey Robots).Join The Correspondent's Club on Patreon and support future podcasts, music and videos http://patreon.com/penfriendrocks/about

Visit the deluxe show notes page for this episode at http://penfriend.rocks/grace - and read the transcript at http://penfriend.rocks/grace-ts

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. Visit www.gracepetrie.com for music and more.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.

I'm Laura Kidd, an independent music producer, songwriter and visual artist based in Nottingham, UK, making music as Penfriend (formerly She Makes War and Obey Robots).

✅ Get my FREE 12-track album + 31-page zine http://penfriend.rocks/hello

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.I'm Laura Kidd, an independent music producer, songwriter and visual artist based in Nottingham, UK, making music as Penfriend (formerly She Makes War and Obey Robots). Get my FREE 12-track album + 31-page zine http://penfriend.rocks/hello