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?

The whole reason I had kids when I did was because I knew it would greatly impact the career I built. I didn’t know how it would impact it but I knew everything would change and I wanted to make sure I was at peace with the unknown and ready for that major life change. We had just won rock artist of the year at the WCMAs and a few months later I was expecting. I knew I had to be at peace with how my music career would change because my partner works away so I become a solo parent half of the year. If I’m honest I’m still finding my footing and balance with it. 

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

Right now I’m having a hard time finding time for my music. I’m writing this with a newborn sleeping on my chest and my toddler running around. I’m in the thick of it right now so the thought of touring or playing a late-night show is overwhelming. I know this is just for a season and things will find their footing but it’s hard to “not keep up the momentum and visibility” through live performance and social media but it’s just not something I can do right now. Finding enough time and energy in a day for anything for me and my music is my biggest challenge right now. 

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

Ah so many things… I think “make things easy for the artist” in every way would be great. I would love to normalize earlier show times, especially during the week (it’s what I loved about touring Germany), a private place for mothers to breastfeed, a safe space for kids/babies to be while sound checking, having catering (feed your artists at venues), I could go on. 

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

I reach out to artists who I discover are mothers to build myself a community that can understand what I’m going through. It’s very small though. Like three people and our interactions are very sporadic. It’s very hard to foster a community within the music industry. Outside of it, I find free playgroups to go to during the week. 

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

I was a part of the Keychange program and they made a point of talking about motherhood and creating a dialogue around it, which I appreciated when I was pregnant. It was so great to normalize all the fears and guilt that come with being a musician and a mother. They also provided funding for any aspects around childcare while you attended the meet-ups and festivals which is incredible and frankly unheard of.

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

Funding for childcare. Provide artists with a childcare budget that they can allocate in the areas that serve them best. 

Can you shout out another music mama doing great things?

Literally, any mother working in music is a hero because it is the hardest job paired with the hardest job. It requires an incredible amount of patience, compassion, creativity and love. If I ever discover someone I work with or play with is a mother I always want to bring them up and applaud them. Mothers and musicians need champions to support and defend them.