Where were you at in your music career when you had your first child? Was there much discussion about how that life choice would affect your career within the music/entertainment industry?
When Lia (my first and only child) was 6-months old, I returned to work at CMRRA to negotiate the first big digital streaming publishing deals in Canada, allowing Spotify and Google Music to launch in Canada. I was also coming back to a new leadership team at CMRRA, which included me in a newly promoted role. What was special about joining that executive team at that particular time in my life was that it was an all-women team. Caroline Rioux (then President) and Lori Ellis (VP, Operations) were both moms themselves, so in a way there was little discussion needed. The necessary flexibility for daycare pickups or a sick kid at home were well understood, and being an executive and a mom wasn’t an “either/or” discussion.
What changed for you when you became a parent in this industry? (or faced when your children were younger if relevant)?
One thing I really love about my job is how it allows me to attend so many shows, events, and conferences – often in the evenings, or in other cities or countries. Once I became a parent, that schedule of daytime work plus evening functions, not to mention the travel, became a lot more challenging, especially when she was younger. I had to be more deliberate about my choices of what to attend and what to miss. Now I am a single parent with joint custody, and I am fortunate that Lia’s dad and I are able to work out our schedules in a way that allows for that part of my career to continue. But I still have to be discerning about my choices, not to mention that I’ve had to get much better at scheduling!
What is one change (big or small) within the industry that could make a positive impact for working parents?
I think it depends on what aspect of the industry someone works in, but for those working parents who have day jobs as well as evening industry commitments, flexible work hours would be helpful to allow for time at home with their kids.
Finish this sentence: “Being a parent in music is…”
is like negotiating all the time, both at work and at home (in my role, anyway)!
How do you find support and community with other working parents in or out of the music industry?
I am so fortunate to have amazing support and a community of friends and family, working parents or not. Yes, there’s a different type of connection when relating to those in similar circumstances, but I think I find the best sense of community with like-minded people, and the music industry is full of those for me!
What’s one specific example of an organization/venue/company doing something great to help support working parents?
Those companies that have maintained a hybrid working environment post-pandemic are definitely helpful for working parents.
What could a music event (festival, conference, etc.), do or provide to make it easier for you to participate?
I think “childcare services” is probably the universal answer to this question — and I’d say that’s not unique to the music industry.
What advice would you give to someone in music who’s thinking about becoming a parent? (Could be submitted in video)
Follow your heart and do what feels right — that’s probably what got you into music in the first place, anyway.
Can you shout out another music mama doing great things?
Andrea Kokonis at SOCAN
