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 played in bands until I was around 28 when I went to Capilano University for the Advanced Arts & Entertainment Program. I had my son when I was 35 after establishing my career in the music industry. Then I started writing songs again when he was a toddler. I was going to record a solo album back in 2019 but was in two car accidents and so my music plans were delayed as I had a bad concussion and had to relearn how to play and write music. But I worked really hard and even though everything took a lot longer I was finally able to get some music out and play live shows again. Took 2 years to memorize an 8 song set, but I did it.

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

I have an amicable co-parenting situation so I try to mostly use my solo time to do art. I don't have my family in town so touring and more long term things would be tricky for me. But with a 50/50 shared parenting schedule, I do have time to work on music. So that is the silver lining. I didn't want to be a part-time parent. It was devastating to let go of having my son with me everyday. But the art keeps me occupied. Scheduling things can be hard sometimes. But my band and our DIY record label make it work. Things just take longer to get done.

My son has been to the recording studio, or on a video set or photoshoot. But not very often. I wanted to share that world to see if it interested him. But try to limit it. I want the time we have together to be more focussed on things we share - but I did want him to understand what I am up when he is with his Dad. ""This is what Mummy is pursuing on top of my day job. It's good to have dreams""... etc. When I started my current band I did warn the band mates that i wouldn't feel comfortable going on tour for more than two weeks at a time because I wouldn't feel good to be away from my son for longer than that. And of course financially. I find it harder to justify spending money on "non essentials."

So I find myself not doing social things as much or spending money on clothes and trips or dinners out. My music budget is has become my socializing and ""treat yourself"" budget. It's sort of sad that one has to rationalize making art and do it in lieu of other things. But the reality is also if you don't have funding, you simply have a limited budget with which to do things. So being a single Mom plus trying to make music makes it all take way longer to get things done. I have enough songs written for 3 albums but we only release a few singles a year. But I wouldn't trade being a Mom for anything. So you just do what you can and don't give up on it just because it's a slower process. You are still making art at the end of the day.

As far as my day job with Play MPE I am very lucky to work from home 4/5 days a week. On the office days my son goes to his Dad's after school and I pick him up after my work day is over - if it falls on my day with him. So I am grateful to have a job and co-parenting situation that supports my being a single working Mom, songwriter, musician, band member, diy indie label co-founder and solo artist. It can be exhausting. Trying to ""do it all"" as they say. School drop offs and pick ups end up being my lunch breaks.

Working a FT day job 5 days a week and being a Mom, plus rehearsing with my band, recording, filming music videos, doing photo shoots... Essentially I am busy 24/7 and in between all of it I take naps lol. I don't see friends very often so I am lucky to play in a band with my besties and to have a producer who is also a friend. So like I said, my social life is pretty much my music life. But I do try to find time for special people in my life too, friends, family or otherwise.

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

Maybe some funding for musicians, songwriters and artists specific to parents? I am not sure. I haven't tried applying for funding in years and should probably try again haha. Would make things a lot easier. I have release rollout and promo plans for years and years worth of content. I write video treatments for songs I haven't even recorded yet. I want to sign other indie bands too but there is only so much time in the day.

So I don't know. More funding opportunities. Not sure what else. But curious to hear what ideas other working musical parents have!

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

I have the support of my son's Dad who is really a life saver and has been so great and I am absolutely grateful. But I don't really know many parents in the music industry. Kind of doing this thing alone as far as that goes. If I didn't have the support of my kid's Dad on top of having a flexible work environment it would be a lot harder to do anything to be honest. All of my very limited music budget would go to childcare probably.

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

I have no idea. Please inform me!

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

Actually no clue. I basically don't do anything unless I have childcare in place. So if I book a gig my kiddo has to be with his Dad etc.

Can you shout out another music mama doing great things?

Katy Krassner who is the co-host of Sirius XM's WHOOOSH! with Simon Le Bon. Fabulous human being who I am lucky to call my friend. We also work together on Play MPE's blog and socials.