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?

Well into my career when I had Zoe, mid-pandemic. One positive thing about being pregnant during the pandemic, I could easily wear elastic band shorts or pants, be on a call and be fairly comfortable. I do have a bit of regret not trying to start a family sooner, I’m truly the happiest I’ve ever been, as a mum, but I really loved going to shows, events, dinners, vacations - wherever it may have been - much more frequently, with zero concern over schedules and commitments. Now is another story, everything is calculated, thought out, less spontaneous…still as epic, and much more appreciated. Going into motherhood, I wanted to continue my planning and execution methods from work into it…but we all learn pretty quickly that planning as a parent is cool when it works, far less cool when it doesn’t go as planned, and how quickly things can change…so knowing this early helped me determine that heading back to work would be a “take each day as it comes” approach. Luckily, I did a bunch of hours to help out the JUNOS team during my maternity leave, so I got a taste of the working mum vibe before returning full-time.

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

Oh, there’s a snowstorm? Pick your kid up early. Oh, someone rubbed pink eye all over the classroom? Super. Caring for a sick toddler alongside work commitments, attending evening events and not missing too many family dinners & bedtimes, while needing to be mentally sharp and alert for a 9 am meeting and people giving zero shits about how little sleep you had. I struggle with the balance of working for more hours than I see my child during the week. Sure, it makes those couple hours extra special and weekends even more, but it’s still heartbreaking. So when Zoe is sick or has to come home early, it’s those “extra” hours that I am extra thankful for, even if she’s not herself with a fever or me trying to dodge pink eye - it’s time I didn’t think I’d have with her.

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

Recognizing that parenthood for one person is a different experience for another parent, not one person has the same situation. Recognizing that flexibility is mandatory. Recognizing that leaving the office for a kid-related thing doesn’t mean we are less dedicated or committed. Being a parent doesn’t mean I don’t want to continue to excel in my career, I’m still hungry and willing and always will be. Accept that we can’t be at everything and every invite is considered and all options weighed. 9 am and 4:30 pm meetings have to go. Pay artists fairly. Provide insurance coverage that includes a lactation consultant.

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

I’m one of the last of my best friends to have a kid, so I’m lucky to have some amazing parents, to look to whenever I need advice or guidance. I also feel super welcomed into the motherhood group in the music industry, I’ve had too many meetings turned into parenting chats, and they’ve been some of the most impact convos I’ve had…
TikTok parenting videos can be unhinged, but also super helpful. Respect to the parents who put their lives out there online with tips and tricks, I’m watching.

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

Someone send me a list.
The most critical piece for employers to consider for supporting working parents is recognizing that each parent has a different situation and an “apply to all” approach doesn’t work.

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

More all-ages shows, more matinee shows.

Can you shout out another music mama doing great things?

My colleagues who do more than they know to guide me - Angela Noonan, Kristy Fletcher, Michelle Kobakov, Rebecca MacDougall.