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 had just started working with Sting as a background singer when I found out my now-husband and I had become pregnant. I had just turned 29, and this was something we hadn't planned nor expected. But as soon as we got the news, we knew it would be a game-changer – both for our relationship and our careers. To be completely transparent, I was initially grieved over how this would shift things during such a critical time in my professional life, but now we wouldn't have it any other way. Josh, our son, is the greatest gift in our lives.

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

Our son Josh is now a teenager on the cusp of entering high school, and we are constantly making concerted efforts to balance our freelance lives with as much stability as we can provide as parents. It's been difficult to support certain activities, particularly sports, that require a consistent presence in terms of regular practices and games, and this is something we really want for Josh if he wants it for himself. He loves to come on tour with us, but as school and extracurriculars become more serious, he just can't be away as often. That said, we need to keep working, and touring is an important part of our livelihood – so we keep looking for new ways to do this sustainably and in a way that doesn't affect Josh adversely.

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

If venues or presenting arts organizations might consider having an active list of vetted childcare providers for musicians touring with children, it could be very helpful for those who can't afford to bring along their own nanny but still need some support while in soundcheck and on stage.

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

We reach out to one another over social media. We talk about it when we cross paths in person. We notice the other musicians who are making a go of it with kids in the mix, and we ask the tough questions and exchange experiences and resources. Nicky Schrire began a series called "Mothers in Jazz" – expanded recently to "Parents in Jazz" – where she has candid conversations about these very issues. It's so helpful to hear from others who are in a similar position.

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

London Jazz News is a media platform, and they have given Nicky Schrire a regular column for her Mothers in Jazz and Parents in Jazz features. This has helped Nicky reach many more people; and frankly, we all benefit when these stories are amplified.

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

I had mentioned that venues could keep an active list of vetted childcare providers musicians could hire during events; however, a festival or conference could go one step further by allocating some of their budgets to provide that care themselves on-site. Can you imagine having a dedicated space where parents could safely leave their children for a few hours while they perform or present? I realize this would require quite a bit of organization and support, but I think it would be both practical and a huge step towards establishing greater equity for musician parents.

Can you shout out another music mama doing great things?

One of my all-time favourite Mama musicians is Jodi Proznick. She is whole-hearted in her parenting and creativity, and the two seem to have ultimately complemented and enriched one another so beautifully, though I know she has had to make sacrifices as part of her journey. I admire her beyond words.