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?

When I had my first child, music was already a big part of my life, organically. At this point, I was very much involved in the production component of music. I would consider myself “new” on the scene back then (8 years ago). Present day, my experience in the music realm is deep-rooted and multi-faceted. From being recognized as an established Live Music Curator in Canada’s Capital, Ottawa, to being a highly recommended visual artist and art director, my passion lies in highlighting artists. However, when I first had my child, I was told my life would change drastically and that I would have to “get serious” about committing to a boring 9-5. That was never me. I wanted to raise my child in an environment where dreams or goals did not need to diminish because of motherhood. I also wanted to show my child that art is a viable source of living and existing. Motherhood motivated me and ignited my passion even more. For me, my work, the culture and how I show up in the music industry is organic and my daughter has grown up in this space.

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

The biggest challenge as a working parent in the music industry is that our jobs are typically not just Monday to Friday, daytime gigs. Especially when you work for yourself, you have to be very creative in finding ways to show up for your job(s) and more importantly yourself and your family. The sweet spot is finding ways to involve your family in this realm whether that be taking them to shows, involving them in the behind-the-scenes process etc. In the past two years, the Ottawa-Gatineau community has become known for multi-generational events that involve folks of all ages from elders, to children to babies! And I’d like to think I have had a hand in cultivating that!

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

One change within the industry that could make a positive impact on working parents is an understanding that parents working in this space are balancing a lot, so scheduling and making the most of planned times is crucial. Also, funding or grants aimed at assisting with child care would be crucial as many creative hours are after bedtimes or specific routines, or during times when it may be difficult to attend. This would allow creatives to balance and show up for their work without having to bear any additional burden of cost.

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

We create it! When I was a new parent I felt that there wasn’t necessarily a space that welcomed me without judgment, so I created an organization called Colours of Mama. When I pull up in spaces, I pull up with my family for the most part and I’ve found that it encourages other parents to bring their kids out. We don’t have a lot of support outside of ourselves so we get creative to find solutions. Present day, many of my peers are parents now, so naturally we all pull up with our children/families which is becoming the norm and it is beautiful to witness and be part of. Our children are growing up in an environment where being artists and musicians is normal and what they can pursue in their lives as well.

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

Organizations within our community that are doing great work to support parents are Colours of Mama Ottawa and Support Sistem. Colours of mama is a safe, inclusive and equally represented community resource for mamas of colour and their families to be acknowledged, valued, and celebrated. Support Sistem is a community-led initiative that offers mutual aid programs and events for single parents in the Ottawa-Gatineau area. The Cranium Arts Project are also a wonderful organization and leader in hosting events/initiatives that are inclusive to parents and families, particularly racialized families. The Ottawa folks are quite resourceful because we have to be! As artists and music industry workers, we are often overlooked and are the home of a lot of underdogs in the music scene but our community is strong, vibrant and very supportive of each other.

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

Music festivals and events could do a few things to make their events more accessible for parents. For one, they could provide free passes/access for the kids to attend so that it is more affordable for families and also so that children feel genuinely welcomed. Furthermore, they could set aside a portion of their budgets to provide childcare subsidies to attendees which, again, lessens the burden and frees up flexibility for parents who are creatives to attend and be fully present. The childcare could be in the form of funding for families and their babysitters OR by providing childcare in the form of art camps/classes.

Can you shout out another music mama doing great things?

I could shout out SO many! But I will shout out my girl, Paula C Music. A mother of two and an incredibly talented singer!

@pearllyyb & @pearly.media