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 was 15 years into my touring/recording career when I had my first child. The same for my husband. There was much discussion about how life would effect our careers but it was a big unknown. We just knew we couldn’t wait too much longer and even though we had no idea what was next we just had to start trying. It was a big leap of faith, honesty, but so much of this career is just that. We looked around at our peers and saw that they just figured out how to make it work and we could do that too. I ended up coming off the road halfway through my pregnancy. Turns out the universe had quite a timeline for us as I gave birth in March of 2020. Even though that was maybe the most challenging time to bring home a newborn, I'm grateful for the time we had with her at home.

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

There is this idea still thrown around that as a woman your career will be over when you have children. I think that’s the biggest challenge, going against these ways of thinking, trying to change the status quo. Even reprogramming my own the deep seated think that I’ll be written off, or have less value because I’m a mama, where in fact the opposite it true.

I believe that being a mama has made me a better record producer. I’m more in tune with the artists I work with as well ad my own intuition, an even better multitasker, and just an overall better listener.

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

The industry/media needs to stop asking women “How are you gonna balance your music career and motherhood?” Men never get asked this question.

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

I live in Nashville TN and there is an abundance of working parents in every facet of the industry. The musician mamas seek each other out, eager to share our triumphs and failures and just how we make everything work. I definitely lean on my mama friends.

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

hmmmm.... maybe let's leave that out. nothing is jumping to mind for me but i live in the usa. lol

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

Some sort of childcare, whether it’s a play group, a nanny service, or full time hrs. Any bit of help is a lot especially for parents that decide to travel/ tour with their children.

Learn more about Brandy Zdan HERE.