Penfriend is the solo project of Laura Kidd, a British music producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Salisbury, Wiltshire. Formerly known for her work under the moniker She Makes War, she launched Penfriend in May 2020 as a creative reinvention, aiming to foster deeper connections in an increasingly digital and impersonal world. Before embarking on her solo career, she gained extensive experience as a session bassist and vocalist, touring globally and making notable appearances on Top of the Pops with artists such as Tricky, A-ha, and Viv Albertine of The Slits. She also featured alongside David Bowie in the TV series Extras. As Penfriend, Laura Kidd's debut album, Exotic Monsters, was released in May 2021. The album blends influences from artists like Tanya Donelly, Juliana Hatfield, Nirvana, Nine Inch Nails, and Depeche Mode, addressing themes of technology, isolation, and hope. It charted at number 24 on the UK Albums Chart and number five on the Independent Albums Chart. In April 2025, Penfriend released her second album, House of Stories, continuing her exploration of personal and societal narratives. Alongside her music, she produces the Attention Engineer podcast, engaging in thoughtful discussions with artists about creativity and balance in the modern world.
