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 the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, I embarked on a personal and professional transformation. As a passionate musician, I had always dreamed of diving into a new genre that I've always loved. In 2021, I joined a virtual music camp called SPUT, led by my mentor Kerwin Du Bois, alongside over 20 talented musicians from around the world. This experience was an exciting leap into uncharted musical territory, pushing me to stretch my talents and learn new skills.

In 2022, my life took another significant turn as I became pregnant. Despite the physical and emotional demands of pregnancy, I remained committed to my musical journey. I navigated late-night writing sessions, early morning meetings, and home recordings, which I had to learn from scratch. My husband and I frequently discussed how this new chapter might affect my career and we said it wouldn't as I was determined to continue pursuing my passion. However, it changed everything, I had to put music on hold while mom was being discovered.
Fortunately, in today’s world, having a baby is no longer the career-ending event it once was, but it certainly requires a lot of adjustments. Balancing my schedule has been challenging; I'm accustomed to moving on my terms, but now I have to consider my baby’s needs in every decision. The shift from being able to work at any time to needing to plan around my child’s schedule has been a significant adjustment.
Balancing time for myself, my work, my baby, and my husband is an ongoing process. It’s not easy, but I strive to make time for my family while continuing to grow as an artist. This journey has been about finding harmony between my personal and professional life, and while it's still a work in progress, I am committed to making it work.

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

Balancing work, life, and "me" time is challenging under normal circumstances, but as a musician, it becomes even more complex. Our schedules are anything but regular, and the demands of being on the road add an extra layer of complexity. While this lifestyle may seem exciting to others, it can be a significant source of stress for us moms. Questions about childcare become constant: Who's watching the baby? Can we bring them with us? Finding reliable childcare or childminding services is a huge hurdle. We need tailored support systems that address both professional and parental responsibilities.

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

A significant positive change within the music industry for me personally would be the availability of vetted childcare services or designated areas where we can have our own childcare on-site. In my early days after giving birth, having a private area to pump and store breast milk would have been incredibly beneficial. Additionally, it would be helpful if bookers and management were educated in motherhood practices and rights, ensuring they understand and support the unique needs of musician moms. I hope organizations like Women in Music continue to advocate for a more supportive and accommodating industry environment. This demonstrates how thoughtful accommodations can make a significant difference for new mothers in the industry, showing that supportive environments are both possible and impactful.

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

I am fortunate to have a supportive group of fellow mom musicians who are an invaluable resource. However, being an older mom means that my friends' children are older, and they often don't recall the specific challenges of early parenthood until after I've needed their advice.

Parents in the music industry face unique pressures that those outside the industry often don't encounter. While most parents have access to maternity leave, allowing them time to bond with their newborns without jeopardizing their careers, taking such a break can be detrimental for musicians. In our industry, being out of the public eye for a year can make it feel like you no longer exist.

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

Three months postpartum, I had a video shoot while I was still breastfeeding and pumping. The organization provided dressing rooms where I had privacy, and no one on site was uncomfortable with me pumping, even when I stepped out of the dressing room. They even had a fridge for me to store my milk. It was an awesome experience. At the end of the day, I would like a practical solution that would enable musician parents to balance their professional commitments. This makes for a more inclusive and supportive industry environment.

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

As mentioned above, it would be great if music events, festivals, and conferences could provide childcare or childminding services. If this is not feasible, having a designated area where we can bring our own childcare while we work would be immensely helpful.

Can you shout out another music mama doing great things?

I can name so many music mamas, but one I need to shout out is Renee Wynter. She is an awesome mom and an incredible friend. Despite having her own tribe to look after, when I didn't know I needed her, she dropped everything and came to my rescue. I will be forever grateful. The importance of supportive relationships among musician moms is important. It Emphasizes the strength and solidarity within our community.