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?

Becoming a mother inspired me to pursue music as a career. When I was pregnant with my first child, I did a lot of soul-searching and I resolved that if I was going to tell my daughter to follow her dreams, I would need to lead by example and follow mine. I graduated with a Masters degree in Science two days before going into labour but I knew my heart was in music; I began my journey as an artist at the same time that I began my journey as a parent. In other words, I have only known the music/entertainment industry from the perspective of a mother so I accepted all of the inherent challenges, upfront.

My children have always played an important role in my artistry. I write music with them in mind; I specifically wrote “The Dream” as a positive affirmation of abundance when we were living under challenging circumstances. My eldest daughter is following in my footsteps; she writes, sings, and plays five different instruments and we will be working together on her upcoming music projects. All three of my children were involved, musically, in the production of my debut album; they all have album credits. It was inevitable that they would be involved in the music, in some way, shape, or form, because artists never stop working... even when they’re not working!

My first partner and I split up when my first two children were very young; I strategically scheduled most of my music and business activities to align with the time the children were with their father. Now that I have a third child with a new partner, it’s a bit more of a juggling act! When I was a single parent, I deliberately kept my identity as a single mother separate from my artistic branding; there was some tacit understanding that I could sabotage certain opportunities if I disclosed my status. I think this speaks volumes about stigma within this industry and the barriers that women face.

As a working parent in the music industry, what are some of the biggest challenges you are facing?

Being a parent of a toddler and two teenagers, time and energy management is a challenge. At the same time that I have to breathe life into my artistry and my career in order for it to thrive, I am responsible for nurturing, guiding, supporting, and managing three other lives. When my children need me, I drop everything for them, unless I am in a position where I am able to multi-task; it is difficult to give my complete, undivided attention to music for long periods of time (I literally recorded parts of my album while physically holding and nursing my baby daughter!). Freedom of movement is also challenged (because I have a young child who is still nursing, I can’t be away from her for too long) and money is never guaranteed, especially since the pandemic. There is a large amount of capital that is required to give an artist the necessary boost to succeed and raising a child requires a steady and significant financial investment. I am grateful to have a supportive partner to share the work of parenting but continuing to build a team that understands the challenges (and strengths) of a mother working in the music industry is going to be integral to my success.

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

We need grants, labels, publicists, managers, agents, and festivals that not only support but, also, celebrate parents in the music industry. We are a special (and important!) demographic of artists, raising little humans. It would be great to have a central database of specific resources available online.

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

Every week, I bring my children to my girlfriend’s house for a “work/play date”; she has two children around the age of my two older children, who are interested in music. I teach individual private lessons to her children and we all have the opportunity to socialize at some point over the course of the evening. This opportunity has been a Godsend; it’s the most time I get to socialize, on a weekly basis!

My family lives downtown and most of the parents I have worked with in the music industry live outside of the city so I haven’t had much opportunity to connect with them, outside of work; we all seem to be the first to rush off at the end of a gig or a practice to return to domestic duties! I think it could be great to be part of some sort of network but it is neither something that I have actively pursued nor attracted. I am grateful for the love and support I have received from the musicians I work with who don’t have children but appreciate the hustle of a parent.

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

I was blessed to receive a grant from FACTOR to support the production and release of my debut album Love Money. As a parent, the completion of a project can depend on securing funding from the various granting bodies (e.g. FACTOR, OAC, TAC, SOCAN, etc.). I would love to see more grants available, specifically to parents working in the music industry.

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

Funding for parents and space for their children would facilitate participation in festivals and concerts. Specifically, specialized grants/funding for parents and designated areas and activities for small children would be a welcome addition to a music event.

Can you shout out another music mama doing great things?

I would like to give a shout-out to Divine Brown. She has been a huge source of inspiration, as a mother and Canadian woman in music who has continued to crush it in this industry over the course of several decades. I am inspired by her talent, her work ethic, her ability to balance family and career, and her prowess in navigating this industry with grace and class. She has successfully built a home and a thriving career; that is the ultimate dream, as a working parent. My respect goes out to her and every mama who is actively following their dreams and inspiring the next generation to do the same.