My new album “House Of Stories” has been beautifully pressed on four delicious vinyl colours. Out 18th April.

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

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