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?

It was a week before the pandemic. March 5, 2020. Whole world shut down as I was cancelling full summer festivals and tours on my postpartum bed ! Not much pre-discussion, very few female agent colleagues or mentors I had who had kids especially who I knew in Toronto. 

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

Working in live/touring, doing toddler or kiddo bedtime often happens when my support acts or headliners go on stage. I've had to miss out on a lot of shows and industry events post-work, I have to be quite selective about which shows to go to !  

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

More day parties and events !  

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

I always ask about how agents and people working in live, had to handle in the early kiddo years - how to handle bedtimes, school pick ups  amongst email work + shows ! 

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

I've had direct conversations and offers from Break Out West, Regina Folk Festival,  offering childcare at their festivals ! So enticing to bring the whole family and take advantage of a weekend away and have kiddo enjoy music. 

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

Have kiddo friendly play area with toys, lendable headphones (for little eardrums), quiet area toddlers can play together, with crafts, music toys and instruments of thier own, little tents for naps perhaps, little stations with sunscreen, hats,  small water stations. Thinking outloud here...

Can you shout out another music mama doing great things?

Beth Curry from Regina, production manager at Regina Folk Fest, Calgary Folk Fest, and more. Another queer parent. No social handles but she's awesome!