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?

My first and only child was born the year after my former band, Chic Gamine, won a Juno for our first album. We were brand new and were pouring our hearts into the project and getting a lot of positive attention - we were also getting ready for what turned out to be some of our busiest years. I toured in Canada and the U.S. with the band until I was 8 months pregnant, got back into pre-production for our 2nd album 6 weeks after giving birth, was in the studio recording 2 weeks after that, and by the time Lélio was 3-months old, we were on the road again doing shows. It was hectic. My partner Sacha was also in the band, and my mom Nicole - a music industry Mom in her own right - was on the road with us until Lélio turned 5 and started school. I was extremely fortunate to have my mother on the road with me, she understood what I was facing and knew how important having a career was to me. Sacha and I could not have done it without her.
We knew we wanted kids and I think we kind of had rose-coloured glasses on. I’ve thought about it a lot and I feel that if we had waited and planned for a good time, it probably never would have come. And having kids was something we both really wanted. I remember being so nervous telling our bandmates that I was pregnant, but they were so, so supportive. We all had such high hopes for Chic Gamine and it caused all of us a fair amount of stress at the time, obviously. Grants didn't include tour support for childcare and the band ended up footing the bill for the extra plane tickets, hotel rooms, food, etc. for my child and my mom to come on the road with us. I know my child’s well-being would have been at risk if we hadn’t been able to take him on the road with us. It would have broken my heart to quit touring - leaving him at home in those early years especially was not an option.
I have so much love, awe and appreciation for my Chic Gamine sisters, Ariane Jean (Sala), Andrina Turenne and Alexa Dirks (Begonia) for the way they rallied behind us and helped us make that life possible. We've since moved on to other projects, but we still remain the family we became at that time.

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

My son is in his teens now and whenever I tour he stays at home with my partner. Still, when I’m travelling for a long time, it’s tough being apart. When he was younger the biggest challenge was the cost of childcare and proper financial compensation for gigs. Always having to figure out where the money was going to come from was really challenging, not only for me but for my bandmates. Also, as a woman, I was automatically treated differently than my colleagues when it became known that I had a child. I could be wrong, but I am about 99% sure that the fact we toured with a child made us less desirable in the industry at the time. That’s the vibe I got. Though some presenters and festivals were amazing and helpful, they were the exception. Most venues are far from being family-friendly.

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

Parents in the industry and the arts in general, all have the same concerns that revolve around having too much to manage since we’re in such a major DIY moment. Making a living at this music thing has become a very complex endeavor and it seems to me we’re all acutely aware of the fundamental problems. Music performers and creators need to be paid proper wages. We need our royalties back, something needs to be done about streaming. Our rates have barely gone up in the last 15 years, as the cost of living continues to rise. I honestly think that’s what it always comes down to. If music is the primary “product” of this industry, it makes no sense that creators are the ones who get paid the least. Everyone in the industry gets paid better, even on the low end of the salary scale. I don’t see how most parents can provide for their families with any dignity if this continues. There needs to be solidarity within the industry and political will to create change in this direction. Financial and career stress comes up as the biggest block to being able to parent in a healthy way.

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

When my son was younger, with the exception of meeting other touring parents every once in a while on the road, where we’d exchange stories, tips and gripes, haha, I didn’t find community with other parents in a consistent way. My bandmates didn’t have children at the time, but along with my mother, they were our family and super present in a very loving and supportive way.
These days, I find support with my parent colleagues mostly by sharing concerns, going for coffee and exchanging over what works / isn’t working. My son is older now, so I find myself in a position to offer comfort and advice to mothers of younger kids.
- What’s one specific example of an organization/venue/company doing something great to help support working parents?
Maybe I’m just out of touch, but to be honest, I’m not aware of working parents having an easier time in the industry thanks to what any one organization/venue/company in particular is doing.

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

Provide stipends for parents to bring a caregiver along for younger children (up to age 4 or so, depending on the child), and paid onsite babysitters for older ones. Family-friendly rest areas, nap spots, and nursing spaces for those who need privacy. Someone on the food crew dedicated to making sure Moms are getting fed and watered, as they juggle reduced sleep, nursing, playing shows and all the rest. It sounds dumb, but sometimes when you’re playing a festival, getting a meal can be a challenge if the kitchens are only open at certain times and it happens to be a moment your child needs you.

Can you shout out another music mama doing great things?

My friends and colleagues Blanche Baillargeon and Andréanne Muzzo are both amazing musical artists busy with their own projects, accompanying other artists and being incredibly dedicated mothers all at the same time.