Stefanie Johnson
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.