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?

We got pregnant June 2020, just a few months into covid. It was hard for my husband and I to understand how a baby would fit into our life with the amount of touring and travelling we were doing. But for us, the timing was perfect. Our first daughter arrived on Valentine’s Day 2021 and as the world began to open back up the slow start was actually quite welcomed. We began to travel and play again when she was only 3 months old. Because my husband tour manages me and also plays with me, touring was made possible with the helping hands of both our mothers and when they couldn’t, a nanny. It’s easy to think your career is over when you introduce babies to the equation, but it’s not. It just looks different. We just completed our family with our second daughter, Emerald. She is now 6 months old, and we are currently touring Canada with our whole team in a tour bus!

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

When they say ‘it takes a village’, it really takes a village. When my village isn’t available, it’s a scramble trying to find the right people to come alongside us. At the end of the day, I’m a mom first. That's my #1 job and priority. And if you’re a mom reading this, you know that that part of your brain never shuts off. When I’m on tour, my brain is so divided. Playing for hundreds each night, being as present as possible while thinking ‘Is my baby fed/happy/sleeping?’. So finding the right person or people to travel with you is a huge deal!

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

Nanny grants! Ha! Leaving our 2 daughters behind isn’t an option, and those sitters can be quite expensive. And rightfully, they’re looking after the most important part of you. I’d pay them my right leg to know my babies are being loved, nurtured and cared for while I’m on stage or occupied with load-ins and set-ups. But, yeah a grant to help with that steep cost would certainly be welcomed in my world!

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

I am a part of a beautiful community that is forever cheering me on and championing me. People are so respectful and understanding of my situation and offer to help however they can. They recognize how challenging and tiring it can be, and are always offering up their time or resources. This community includes my best friends of 25 years, my family and others in the faith community. I also work in Churches across Canada, and it feels like in every city I visit, there is a built-in community for me and my girls. We are thankful and blessed.

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

As I mentioned before, I work in Churches or with faith-based organizations. Whenever we show up to a new venue, 90% of the time that venue is a church with a nursery. In that nursery, there are toys for my 3-year-old and swings/mats/rattles for my 6-month-old.
It lends a helping hand to a working mom doing set up / sound check/meet and greets etc etc because when the babies are set up for success, it sets mom up for success!

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

A designated room with toys, activities or crafts. A place for kids to stay in to have their playtime, snack, nap or whatever it is that they need. Freeing up a mom to focus on her work for a certain amount of time helps more than can ever be articulated!

Can you shout out another music mama doing great things?
My friend Hollie Taylor - is an amazing friend doing cool things in the industry while continuing to be present for her two beautiful daughters!