Attention Engineer: Artists on creativity, grit & determination show

Attention Engineer: Artists on creativity, grit & determination

Summary: Deep conversations with musicians and other artists, hosted by me, Laura Kidd. I'm a music producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist releasing music as Penfriend, on a mission to encourage self-expression in every listener. Come backstage with me to learn from some of the best - you don't have to make something of your own after listening...but you can if you like!.In a noisy online world, our attention is priceless - so my show aims to treat you like the VIP you are for tuning in. Thank you!.Now visit http://penfriend.rocks for two free songs and a warm welcome to my friendly online community, and find episode transcripts here: https://penfriend.rocks/transcripts.Thanks for listening! xo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Ep50: Matthew Caws (Nada Surf) on giving yourself permission to be creative | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:23:37

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..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.

 Ep49: Grace Petrie on connection and communion | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:32:42

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.

 Ep48: Rou Reynolds (Enter Shikari) on wielding music as a tool of unity | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:04:57

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.

 Ep47: Miki Berenyi (Piroshka / Lush) on celebrating a breadth of voices in music | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:31:32

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.

 Ep46: Ginger Wildheart on creating a you-sized shape in the world of music | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:06:05

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.

 Ep45: Mary Spender on finding a smarter route to a full-time music career and building a huge fanbase on YouTube | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 48:23

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.

 Ep44: Ken Stringfellow (The Posies / R.E.M. / Big Star) on saying "yes" | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:31:01

Visit the deluxe show notes page: http://penfriend.rocks/kenRead the text version: http://penfriend.rocks/ken-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 fixture on the music landscape, indie and otherwise, since the debut of his band The Posies in 1988, Ken Stringfellow has over a quarter century of experience as a performer, composer, producer, arranger, programmer and more. In addition to his 8 albums with The Posies and 4 solo albums, Ken spent a decade touring and recording with R.E.M.; he was also involved in the rebirth of Memphis cult band Big Star, playing with Alex Chilton and Jody Stephens from the band's first reunion shows in 1993 until Chilton's death in 2010..Ken has played onstage or in studio with such artists as Neil Young, the Afghan Whigs, Mercury Rev, Thom Yorke, John Paul Jones, Patti Smith, Wilco, Robyn Hitchcock, Ringo Starr, Damien Jurado, Nada Surf, Brendan Benson, Mudhoney, the Long Winters...a very long list indeed. In fact, Ken has appeared on over 300 albums (totaling 9 million sales), and performed in 96 countries..The Posies play their first livestreamed gig this Saturday 24th July 2021 - watch live or at any time over the following 24 hours. GET TICKETS: https://www.konnectclub.com/branded/events/260063625445.In this episode, we discuss putting in the work - how to be a super productive musician, the importance of treating everyone the same in the studio, regardless of fame or experience, going viral via cassette in the late 1980's, and how The Posies' outsider status in the '90s Seattle scene has led to longevity for the band, plus how sharing a stage with your musical heroes gives you no choice but to level up..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 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

 Ep43: Lou Barlow (Sebadoh / Dinosaur Jr / The Folk Implosion) on building a body of work...however the f*** he wants to | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 49:20

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.

 Ep42: Shingai (Noisettes) on finding creative freedom through generosity | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:22:14

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.

 Ep41: Juliana Hatfield on drawing without looking | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:06:43

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.

 Bonus Musical Mini Episode - I'll Start A Fire | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 5:19

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.

 Ep40: Laura Kidd (Penfriend) quizzed by Miles Hunt (The Wonder Stuff) on "Exotic Monsters" and always going deeper... | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:28:28

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.

 Bonus Musical Mini Episode - Seventeen | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 5:50

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.

 Bonus Musical Mini Episode - Black Car | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 6:50

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.

 Ep39: Stephen Jones (Babybird) on surviving chart success and finding true connection with music fans | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:27:50

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.

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