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 child (currently 18 months) when I was fairly established as a vocal coach and vocal producer. I was in my 17th year of coaching and was working with professional artists as their vocal coach and vocal producer as well as coaching for programs like the JUNO Master Class, Canada's Music Incubator and Music BC's ARC program. Yes, to be honest I was quite worried about how becoming a parent would impact my career.

My work weeks had incredibly heavy loads and I travelled/travel a lot for work.. how could I balance this? I didn't know very many moms working in the music industry and I was worried about how I could balance all the sides (coach, producer, artist, entrepreneur, wife and now mom).

Many of the women that I knew had told me that it felt like they weren't allowed/it seemed unattainable to do both, I understood that feeling. I understand this is a negative narrative and stereotype that I and I know many women want to combat. I know there have been and are many amazing women in the music industry who do have children and are also badass leaders in this industry. However, I do want to say that the fear and worry was real and the discussion was a deep dive with my partner and community. Would I be able to do it? Would I be viewed only as a mom and not as all the other things I have invested nearly 20 years in becoming? Would I want to/have the energy to invest in my career while raising a tiny human? I can say.. no and yes.

Having a baby has made me more efficient and creative with my career and the first year (and a bit) was very tiring. My desire to show up hard for my career hasn't changed but the reality of giving all my time to it has. Instead I am slowly finding a balance of showing up for the artists I work with, my industry and my family... which is a beautiful positive where my life is not only work.

I hope more women get the support they need to be able to feel and believe they can do both if they desire to go down that path. You are not alone. It is hard, it's a challenge and it's so damn amazing. We can do all the things, it might just look a little different.

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

One of the biggest challenges is having time to do it all. In my city (Vancouver) childcare is really hard to get, waitlists for daycare are 2-3 years. Somedays I have to be at the studio for long hours or coach artists on tour with emergency vocal health issues at random times and it doesn't always line up with the child care I can find.

Luckily, my partner and I have been able to share the load in many respects and I am able to be present in the music industry and support my clients throughout raising a baby and toddler. As a breastfeeding mother I would say being away for multiple days is the hardest part.

I do want to shout out Music BC, when my son was 10 months old I worked at an artist incubator called ARC away from my home for 7 days and 6 nights and they allowed my son and husband to come so I could breastfeed him throughout the day on breaks. I would say another challenge is that I operate my business from my home but that is also where I raise my child. So the challenge is always finding the balance between a space where my son can be and where I can still show up for my clients.

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

I would love to see more childcare support at events, conferences or showcases. I think it's really challenging to leave my child for long periods of time, so far I have brought him to most music industry events I have worked for and found childcare or support along the way. It would be wonderful if there was some option or even a grant for childcare while parents in the industry are travelling.

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

I have noticed since having a child I have met more parents in the music industry, I think this helps build camaraderie and a desire to support each other in this wild balance of life. I still find it hard since a lot of my community does not have children but I am slowly finding more people who are navigating the beautiful struggle that is working parent life.

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

Music BC allowing me to bring my child to the ARC program while I breastfed him.

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

Provide childcare or grants that help with childcare while a parent is attending the event.

Can you shout out another music mama doing great things?

Danielle McTaggart from Dear Rouge, Liz Rodrigues, a songwriter!