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?

I have always been a musician and a songwriter, but I didn’t record my first album until I was pregnant with my second child. My path in music evolved in a very organic way, one (baby!) step at a time. When I was on my first maternity leave, I would put my baby daughter in the baby carrier on my chest and play piano and sing to her. One day she reached out and touched three keys on the piano and I immediately heard a song forming around those notes. I recorded it (I called it “Her 3 Keys” and it is on my “Starry Skies” album) and sampled her baby voice in it. As parents, we strive to be fair to our children, so my second daughter also has her own song now, entitled “Confessions to my Daughter” (the 6th track on my EP “Everything’s a Love Song”, released on May 8, 2026) and I am immensely proud of the beautiful soft backing vocals my 3-year-old daughter contributed to this track. I really hope it makes people smile!

What changed for you when you became a parent in this industry? (or faced when your children were younger if relevant)?  

Seeing as I released my first album after having become a parent, I guess I have always been a “parent in music.” I will say that one of the biggest changes in becoming a parent is realizing how very precious time is. So often it feels that every minute is counted in the day! It has been said that once you become a parent, “you belong to another,” which is such a beautiful thing. But not only do you belong to another as a parent, your schedule also belongs to another, and that can take some getting used to.

What is one change (big or small) within the industry that could make a positive impact for working parents?

Extending deadlines as much as possible! The “administrative” aspect of music is often my third shift of the day, after work and once the kids are down. As I mentioned, time is a scarce resource as a working parent, and sometimes I hear of opportunities when it is almost too late. So any leeway on applications, etc. would be much appreciated.

Finish this sentence: “Being a parent in music is…” 

…a privilege and an honour. It is also an opportunity to be a role model and show this next generation what is possible. I have involved both my daughters in my musical endeavours and am grateful for those shared memories and proud that music is a part of them because music is such a gift.

How do you find support and community with other working parents in or out of the music industry?

I have found that support and community finds you! Life has a beautiful way of connecting those that are meant to be connected and I have made some amazing, talented and supportive friends thanks to being a parent in music. It is really never too late to make new friends, and parenthood (especially when you meet people with kids the same age as yours) allows for innumerable opportunities for connecting. For example, I have scheduled playdates with other mom musicians where our kids play together and we “jam” together. I think it is important to do what you love in front of your kids as it spreads positivity and sets a good example for them in terms of what is possible. 

What’s one specific example of an organization/venue/company doing something great to help support working parents?

 For many working parents like myself, Audio Valley Recording Studio (located here in Ottawa) is our “happy place”.  It is a stellar place to record music and a safe, creative space for everyone. They offer “indie rates” to support independent artists and are flexible in accommodating working parents’ schedules. For example, I have had to interrupt sessions to do daycare pick-ups or drive my daughter to her cello lessons. When I was collaborating with another working mom (a top-notch cellist!) on my first album, my producer Steve Foley was flexible with scheduling evening sessions that would work for us. And as I mentioned earlier, I even brought my 3-year-old daughter into the studio to record backing vocals for my latest EP (pictured) and we “accommodated” her by lowering the mic to the level of a 3-year-old. That day will always be such a precious memory for me.  In sum, it is a luxury for me to be in a place where I can fully devote myself to an artistic project without managing household chaos at the same time. 

What could a music event (festival, conference, etc.), do or provide to make it easier for you to participate?

Providing childcare would certainly help! That and extending deadlines to apply as much as possible.

What advice would you give to someone in music who’s thinking about becoming a parent? 

Becoming a parent will enrich your world immeasurably. As a parent you will feel, hear, see and, yes, smell things you have never experienced before! 🙂 And your songwriting world will just open up because you will experience a whole new range of emotions. You will also gain a new perspective on what is really important in life. Your resolve to make the world a better place may become stronger, your heart will become more tender and your nights will become shorter.

Can you shout out another music mama doing great things?

Val d’Avalon (@val.davalon) is currently working on releasing her first EP, also recorded at Audio Valley Recording Studio and I can’t wait to hear it! She is incredibly talented, bright, warm, creative and fun and her music makes this world a more beautiful place. She is also a kindred spirit as we have a similar career path and her two daughters are the same age as mine. 🙂 Bravo, ma belle Val!