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 quite established as a working musician and live performer in the Toronto/GTA live music scene when I had my son, and I was emerging as recording artist. There was definitely discussion about how having a child would impact my music career, but with the support of my husband and extended family, I was confident that I'd still be able to continue making and performing music.

Of course, there are so many things that you just don't know until you know. I'm glad that I already established a lot of great connections and decades of performance experience before becoming a parent, because I think that a lot of the 'hustle' that is required to break into a scene is very challenging once you're a parent and juggling care work alongside musical work.

As a working parent in the music industry, what are some of the biggest challenges you face or have faced?

Some of the biggest challenges are with scheduling. My husband and I are both working musicians and we used to play together a lot. Now we have to make sure not to schedule gigs on the same nights because someone needs to be home with our son. If there's a really special show that we're committed to working on together, we ask family members well in advance if they can help us out so we can be in rehearsals or gigs at the same time.

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

More options for affordable part-time childcare, and availability of childcare outside of the typical 9-5 hours.

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

Playing gigs and shows with other parent-musicians is always empowering. Being able to talk about your kids and the balancing act of childcare between performing and parenting is helpful and makes you like you're part of a community.

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

Women in Music Canada has some great initiatives that are helping to support women with parenting responsibilities. I'm grateful to have learned about this organization last year and the amazing work they're doing!

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

Have sound-checks and load-in times closer to the actual performance time.

Can you shout out another music mama doing great things?

I would like to shout out the amazing bassist Lauren Falls and the incredibly skilled pianist Eunjin Kim!