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 year I had my son, I was performing in a Jazz festival in Eleuthera Bahamas, I had the honour of singing for Sting at his private event, and I performed with incredible musicians and artists throughout the year. That year was filled with opportunities and amazing musical experiences.

When it came to being a Mother, there wasn’t a lot of discussion about my career after Motherhood but I did have some fears that being a Mother could pause my musical journey for longer than I wanted it to. I had always resigned myself to focusing on Motherhood and allowing the music to take a back seat for the next year with no knowledge of how COVID lockdowns were about to affect my original decision. I found myself focused on learning my son and learning who I was as a Mother. I was healing from the grief of being a Mother without my Mother. I was doing a lot of inner work and it was a powerful time for us. It was a time of self-discovery and reflection. I had so much time to be fully present with my son, which I really loved. It deepened our bond, without question. What I did not expect was all the creativity that would pour out of me as a result of becoming a Mother. I created a lot of music during those first two years of my son’s life. I was brimming with inspiration and I wrote throughout that special time we had early on together. I realized that being a Mom helped me to go deeper emotionally into myself, and my songwriting and break open a new expression of my creative self that was waiting to be birthed. I was changed and my writing had reflected that.
I realized the creative in me didn’t have to pause but rather needed to express the newness that had happened to me, to my life. I have been very blessed to have the support of my partner throughout this journey which truly does help a lot. Some days he would go with our son to Grandma’s for the day or plan outings with our son just so I would have time to record songs and videos at home with no interruptions. I have learned for myself that music doesn’t end when you become a Mother, it goes through stages of stillness and can return in my experience, with more passion, more love, and a deeper purpose.

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

I am always finding time management to be an issue personally. I will organize everything for my son while dropping the ball on my musical priorities. Also trying to prioritize self-care can sometimes be a challenge when you’re on autopilot with family and work. Trying to make sure that I am present for my son while simultaneously being present for myself and my creative life is something I continue to work on. Work-life balance is a challenge. If I miss my son’s martial arts class because of work, I do feel like I’ve missed out on something important! It’s never easy and as a parent, you do sometimes feel that guilt.

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

As someone who is in Music education along with being a singer/songwriter, I believe it would be helpful if there were grants specifically for parents in music that allow us the time to do what we do creatively while providing some financial support to assist with our livelihood.

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

I have a lot of play dates for my son with other working moms. The children play, and us moms speak freely about Motherhood. No judgement. It is always wonderful to be heard and to feel you’re not alone with all that you go through as a Mother. I ask questions, we share resources, information and laughter and we all leave feeling so supported. We also schedule brunch dates which I find very helpful and nourishing on all levels.

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

The Mother Artist Society founded by the extraordinary creative/singer/songwriter Janisa Weeks is a great organization. Janisa is a natural connector of brilliant creative women. She fosters an environment of Sisterhood, uplifting working Mothers by shining a light on what we do as creatives and businesswomen. She creates a space that allows us Mothers to learn about one another, and share ways that Mothers can prioritize our well-being.

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

It would be great to have more performance opportunities in the day for us parents. It would also be fantastic to have a childcare stipend built into the artists’ fee.

Can you shout out another music mama doing great things?

I have to shout out the phenomenal Zaki Ibrahim who is consistently innovative and fearless in her expression of creativity. I also must shout out Aphrose who is a beautiful singer/songwriter artist sharing her soul with the world. Her joy and love come through her voice effortlessly.
And a special mention to the brilliant Janisa Weeks. She is a boss entrepreneur, singer/songwriter and actor and she is an incredible human being. I truly admire these Mamas!!