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?

In 2019, I was working on my debut album, “Element” when found out I was pregnant. It was a rollercoaster of excitement and anxiety because I felt like my career as an independent artist was just getting started. When my baby was born during the COVID lockdown, the music world was on pause. This weirdly felt like a blessing because it let me focus completely on being a mom without the usual pressure to remain relevant in an all-consuming music industry. It felt like a big reset for us all. Despite my worries about being sidelined in the industry, motherhood ended up inspiring me. I wrote my second album, “Roses” from 2020 to 2022, and released it in October of 2023. Becoming a mom has given my creativity a whole new life. I thought I'd lose myself, but I actually feel more connected to my art than ever before.

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

The music industry isn’t really set up for parents, especially moms. Balancing career and parenthood is tough, and while there are amazing artists/moms crushing it, it’s still hard. My job involves a lot of travelling and late-night shows, making childcare expensive and hard to find. Thankfully, I have an amazing support system that helps me work and assures my child is taken care of, but I know that isn’t the case for everyone so it leaves a lot of mothers feeling unsupported in this industry. Networking and performing opportunities often don’t pay well, so I have to think twice about taking them on. It's frustrating when we're offered “exposure” instead of fair pay. This exploitative practice impacts not just me but many other artists too and it has got to change.

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

I’m not sure if this is happening yet, but having a childcare stipend included in payouts would be amazing for those of us who need it. For travel, I’d love to bring my child along, especially for longer trips. Financial assistance would help me avoid the tough choice of leaving my child behind because of costs.
I'd also love to see more industry events that welcome and support parents. The music world often separates parenthood, but many of us are parents. It's great to see this slowly changing, and more family-friendly spaces are being created.

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

I've found that being open about being an artist and a parent is often a great icebreaker. It helps me bond with other parents. Even though we’re often told to keep quiet about having kids to avoid judgment or not being taken seriously, being vocal about the ups and downs of parenting while pursuing my art has connected me with others, parents and non-parents, in a really unique and beautiful way. It sheds light on the misconception that you have to choose between being an artist and a parent. I’m here to show that, even though it's challenging, you can do both. I want to be an example for those considering starting a family but feel they can't because of stereotypes. Being open about my experiences helps reduce the stigma around parenthood in the music industry and shows others that balancing both is possible.

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

Women in Music Canada is truly making waves by championing and supporting working parents in the industry. Huge kudos to you all! Personally, I had the privilege of participating in the Artist Entrepreneur Accelerator Program, where I connected with fellow music industry parents who are making remarkable strides. It was incredibly empowering to feel part of a community and less isolated in my journey.
Also, initiatives like the Springtide Music Festival, where I'll be headlining this year, are shining examples of women-led initiatives. They're doing fantastic work by prioritizing a roster of women-led bands/artists. This acknowledgement and support make me feel valued as an artist and ensure my financial well-being, all while allowing me to include my child in my professional life.

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

Make sure you're paying artists and bands a decent fee when you invite them to join in. And if your conference is out of town, perhaps a daycare service could prove very valuable. That way, parents can bring their little ones along and still feel good about being part of the action.

Can you shout out another music mama doing great things?

There are so many amazing moms in music doing big and exciting things and it inspires me daily to keep doing the same! Here are some amazing moms in music that come to mind- including their IG handles:
Janisa Weeks @janisaquoi
Sammy Jackson sammyjacksonmusic
Shann Aberdeen @heyimshann
Gabrielle Rubaine @gabirubaine
Jessica Deutsch @jessica.hana.deutsch
Barbra Lica @barbralica
DJ Cher @djcher45rpm
Lieke @liquefabrique
Thanks so much for reaching out to me for this, it means a lot to be supported in this way :)