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?
I had put out 2 albums prior to having children and had been doing gigs around our province and beyond since the age of 15. When my then-husband and I decided to start a family I knew it would make doing music harder, but it would be worth it. I had high hopes for both dreams (motherhood and music). We decided I could do both things so we went for it! Ultimately It has definitely slowed down my music dreams but that's okay, my dreams shifted once a new life was brought into the world.
As a working parent in the music industry, what are some of the biggest challenges you are facing?
Music takes up a lot of evenings and that is when my kids are home from school. My girls are both quite young still and they have a hard time 'letting' me go in the evenings for gigs. However, I have an incredible husband (we've now been married for just over a year. January of 2023) who they love and that sure makes it easier! While I was single moming, It was hard to find care for the kids for the hours I needed to be at work for music! I also find it challenging that the world doesn't seem to place good value on live music. Most places offer very small compensation or think 'the exposure' is enough to get me to do a set. Musicians learn and craft and grow their skills for years, we are often writing our own material, renting our buying our own equipment... a lot of people and places don't understand the value of our job. So that makes it hard to do this full-time.
What is one change (big or small) within the industry that could make a positive impact for working parents?
Two things come to mind. First, understanding the worth of hiring a musician and having the budget for it. and 2nd I know it's "cool" to start shows at 9 pm so the headliner goes on at midnight... but that can be hard for us parents who still have to be up at 7 am with the kids! haha.
How do you find support and community with other working parents in or out of the music industry?
My youngest child has Atypical Cerebral Palsy which is a very new medical condition (There are lots of people with CP but atypical is new to the world) and so for the past 6 years, I haven't been able to work a 'normal' job. Pre Covid my daughter had 15 appointments a month to go to. We've had specialists appointments in Regina and Edmonton, countless hospital visits and too many tests and exams to count. Music was my saving grace for many years as I tried to navigate motherhood and take care of my kids. I found beautiful community and understanding through Medical Mamas trying to hold down jobs at the same time as the appointments and Musicians who are so passionate about creating good things for the world they can't see themselves doing anything else.
Both communities (medical mamas and musicians) tend to see the world differently than most, and it's beautiful. An easy connecting point for anyone who shares pieces of those worlds, simply because of the heart behind the person and what they deal with daily. I'm blessed to know and love many musicians who are parents and rocking both worlds.
What’s one specific example of an organization/venue/company doing something great to help support working parents?
The Sask Jazz Fest is amazing at offering a range of talent and times, accessibility and fun! I have great respect for the work they do for our province each summer. They treat their musicians (whether you are a big headline or not) with respect and do their best to catch the small details. They do an awesome job.
What could a music event (festival, conference, etc.), do or provide to make it easier for you to participate?
If conferences had a childcare system in place for all volunteers/musicians/ speakers I think that could be a great option. A lot of work to put together... but I love having my kids with me when I gig (when possible) so they can see what kind of work their Mama does! They both love coming to events with me, it just doesn't work out often that it's a time or place they can come. My husband and I do a lot of gigs together, but when it's just me on stage, he often brings them along! Having Childcare drop zones would be so helpful tho.
Can you shout out another music mama doing great things?
Lana Winterhalt out of Winnipeg, MB! She is KILLING it right now, just came out with a beautiful EP "Recovering Theatre Kid" and is having a child THIS MONTH. She's amazing. She was my producer for my latest EP "Bloom" and she just has all the skills and love.
