184. Laura Kidd Discusses Belly, Star

Nottingham-based multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, producer, YouTuber and podcaster Laura Kidd (Penfriend, Obey Robots, She Makes War) joins Al to get him acquainted with Belly’s 1993 debut album Star. Laura talks about how she was first introduced to Star and how its uniqueness inspired her to follow her own musical path. She also revisits the time she performed Belly’s “Slow Dog” with Tanya Donelly as well as Donelly’s subsequent performance on “Paper Thin” from Laura’s Direction of Travel album (as She Makes War). Laura and Al wrap up with a discussion of Laura’s new Penfriend album, House of Stories (out April 18), and her upcoming tour plans.

As Laura mentioned on this episode, you can get a free album and zine when you visit her website, so check it out! https://penfriend.rocks/

You can also join Laura’s Patreon community, The Correspondent’s Club, at patreon.com/penfriendrocks.

Follow Laura on Instagram, Bluesky and YouTube, all at @penfriendrocks.

Al is on Bluesky at @almelchior. This show has an account on Instagram at @youmealbum. Subscribe for free to You, Me and An Album: The Newsletter! https://youmealbum.substack.com/. You can also support the show on Buzzsprout at https://www.buzzsprout.com/1542814/episodes or at the link at the bottom of these show notes.

1:27 Laura joins the show

3:41 If not for Laura, this podcast would probably not exist

5:29 Laura describes the circumstances under which she first listened to Star

9:21 Laura explains how hearing Tanya Donelly inspired her to pursue a musical career

13:02 Laura and Al talk about the qualities they have noticed in Donelly’s vocals

15:44 Laura and Al share what they get out of Donelly’s lyrics

19:46 Laura and Al take different approaches to listening to music

23:03 Were the songs on Star too sad for Al?

28:48 Laura and Al talk about the value of giving an album several chances

31:48 Laura explains how she wound up performing “Slow Dog” with Donelly

36:47 Laura talks about her father’s reaction to her performing with Donelly

38:46 Laura discusses working with Donelly on “Paper Thin” and its music video

43:48 Laura talks about the importance of fan communities to the artists they support

51:03 Al loves the big sound of “House of Stories”

53:01 Laura explains how she developed the theme that connects the songs on House of Stories

57:34 Laura talks about what her intentions were with the album’s opening and closing tracks

1:01:57 Laura discusses her return to touring

1:05;35 Laura and Al recall shows that were played in front of small audiences

Outro music is from “Emotional Tourist” by Penfriend.