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?

It could have went one way or the other with two dramatically different outcomes. First off, there is no one answer. Any woman who makes the choice whether to stay home with children or continue a career should not be condemned either way.

My career was thriving. I had found a beautiful balance of about 100 shows a year, much more manageable than the 250 shows a year I was doing in my mid-twenties. I had established myself and found a wonderful equilibrium complete with rec companies, agents and management. Things were always exciting and there were no signs of slowing down.

But when I was expecting my first child, I assumed, before even talking to Donnell, that it required leaving most of my career. Sure I’d imagined I would still play music and do what I could but that my growth and development would stop, and that I would have to give most of it up, especially the touring.

Donnell encouraged me that I should first see what it feels like to perform and tour with a baby in tow. So we kept the run of shows that were booked a year prior. My baby was 5 weeks at that time and I loved it. I loved it. And we never looked back. I was able to do both, but of course, always with the best interests of the kids in mind. The balance wasn’t an easy one, but I would never change it for the world….for their sakes as much as mine

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

The greatest challenge for us has been to find the balance, and just when we find it, it changes again as kids grow older and have different needs and capabilities. You just have to accept it is always in flux. Stay flexible

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

Finding support has never been anything I have sought. We have our own unique dynamic here and so we just work within that.

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

One change that I’d like to see is in attitude…

We are women, stronger than we realize. We have this amazing ability to care for a family, which often only gets discovered when we have a family to care for. I will say that for me, there is nothing more deeply fulfilling than raising good kids. So, I would hope that the mother who feels her best self is there at home with her children, may she have every encouragement for that.

Other moms, like me, will choose to continue their careers. I’ve always felt supported in that at every angle. I am so grateful for that. Even my own children encourage me to continue the music.

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

Honestly, everyone has always been great!! I love it when we show up somewhere and they have our green room stalked up with colouring books and crafts and markers!! Or when they put some fun kind is kids' food like Mac and cheese and Oreos on the menu!! These special gestures make the trips so exciting for the kids and shed positive light on making it all work. Makes you feel so supported.

Can you shout out another music mama doing great things?

Rhiannon Giddens❤️ She’s an absolutely incredible artist and is a mother of two.