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 took the leap into the music industry a few weeks after the birth of our fifth child, Mr.Wilder Forest Henry. My spouse and I decided that following our mutual dream was an important lesson we wanted to demonstrate for our children, and since my role could be done at home it fit with our situation nicely!
As a working parent in the music industry, what are some of the biggest challenges you face or have faced?
My biggest challenge would be surrounding childcare when there are events that both parents need to attend (my husband is an Artist), and balancing the mindset of being at work while returning to a hotel room or airbnb full of children and their needs. Furthermore to that, it definitely restricts my ability to attend events that may not be necessary for me to take part in, but would help build my network, present opportunities, or even just fill my cup back up and inspire.
The second biggest challenge for me because I work from home with a pre-school aged child is finding balance and attempting to stick to a structured schedule with work/life boundaries when this job isn’t your typical 9-5. I often find myself writing grant applications sitting in the bathroom during bath time, or logging into a zoom session in the parking lot of a scouts meeting. I’ve paused this questionnaire three times already to switch the laundry, make lunch, and find a baseball cap that just couldn’t wait!
What is one change (big or small) within the industry that could make a positive impact for working parents?
Increased funding not only for childcare (at home or on the road) but the additional expenses that come with travelling with children such as extra accommodations and meals, and/or help with the cost of family benefits - I’d do a big happy dance to get on a dental plan again!
How do you find support and community with other working parents in or out of the music industry?
Having open conversations about the challenges and realities of what life looks like, as well as sharing strategies and stories of the benefits we see in our children from being a part of this unconventional lifestyle. Making sure there is conversation happening because there are more parents in the music industry than people realize I think, and normalizing the fact that the norm is not “sex, drugs, and rock and roll” but is more often being in bed by 9pm and planting gardens.
What’s one specific example of an organization/venue/company doing something great to help support working parents?
Music in Communites based out of Canning, NS is a shining example. They offer free on-site childcare for Artists as well as audience during concerts to remove barriers for everyone who wants/needs to spend some time enjoying music and a couple hours off parent duty.
What could a music event (festival, conference, etc.), do or provide to make it easier for you to participate?
Providing family-friendly safe spaces at conferences, festivals, venues, etc. where children and their caregivers can be comfortable (activities, snacks, not worrying about noise levels of excited children) and possibly even offering the option of trained and property vetted childcare (paid or free, just the option would be amazing!)
Can you shout out another music mama doing great things?
There are so many! Allegra Swanson (Executive Director - Music NS), Tenille Goodspeed (Executive Director - TD Halifax Jazzfest), Kim Barlow (Artist/Director-Music in Communities), Leona Burkey (Artist/Radio Host - WomenFolk).
