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 my first at the very end of 2018 and it was an extremely busy year for me, career-wise. In the year leading up, I spent a lot of time wondering when the best time to have a kid would be. I remember being quite nervous about the decision. I asked Google questions like, “When is the best time to have kids?”. I didn’t want to do anything that would negatively affect my career, but I also have always wanted to be a parent and that felt more important in the bigger picture. Looking back, the timing was great because the world shut down in 2020 and I had a lot of time to spend with my son.

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

I was surprised how hard it was to leave home and go on tour. I knew it would be a lot of work to juggle parenthood and a touring career, but for some reason, I didn’t expect leaving to be quite so hard. I think I thought my touring would feel like a break, but it can be quite stressful to be away. Now when I’m not on the road, I keep more of a 9-5 schedule for writing and admin, which is not traditionally how I work. I reserve weekends for my family. It’s taken a couple of years for this to feel normal, but I quite enjoy this schedule now.

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

If the industry could create a cloning machine so we can disappear for days at a time to write, while still being home with our families. (Please and thank you).

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

I find myself gravitating towards artists and collaborators who are also parents. There’s often a common value of time and how precious it is. I was told I’d be way more productive as a parent, and that has definitely been the case. I’m lucky to have a great support system inside and outside of music. I think that’s really important. If you don’t have that (yet), make that a priority.

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

More kid-friendly/parent-friendly atmospheres at festivals would be amazing.