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 3 children before making a commitment to pursue the music industry. Then I had my fourth after I had started in music. 

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

 It is challenging to balance the work and be present while also maintaining the creativity to write and create music when you are tired and juggling motherhood duties. Often times, show and your opportunities also conflict with being a mother and the kids’ priorities. You really need to have a strong support network to have those things happen…and they happen more slowly because you can’t say yes to every opportunity that arises. 

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

Things like available places to pump milk or breastfeed or be with your children at festivals, or child minding services would be great. 

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

 You just have to network and be open to creating a community group of people who can support each other and who understand what it’s like, to create positive encouragement and a place for kids to get to know other kids whose moms are facing the same challenges and aspirations 

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

Not aware at the top of my head!  

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

As mentioned before, child minding for kids and a family positive environment where kids can still participate and be alongside their parents for the experience when they aren’t performing  

Can you shout out another music mama doing great things?

Alice Jane of Meadowsweet!