Wait-What did they say?
Ok. Before I get into it, I want to dedicate this post to Shaela Miller.
“Second time was lucky for Lethbridge’s Shaela Miller as she was announced winner of the $100,953 grand prize in the Project Wild artist development series last weekend.
Miller earned the top award in the final season of the series after performing Saturday at Calgary’s King Eddy Hotel.” Read more here
I have been a fan of Shaela’s, turning it up on CKUA whenever I hear her very recognizable voice and style come on. Her Big Hair, Small City track always made me tap my toes and put a smile on my face during my commute to and from work. So, naturally when I found out she had won the BIG prize this Spring, I was very happy for her. As a fellow Albertan, Female and as I found out later, Mom, this kind of money and support makes a rather big difference. It allows for different decisions to be made, perhaps less compromise. After her big win, she was signed by Midnight Agency, and it was a victory on so many levels. As she shared on social media:
A couple years ago I was told by a few different booking agencies that they would never have me on their roster because I am a mother, and because of that they didn't think I'd be able to hustle even though these specific agencies had several father musicians on their rosters. Bullshit. I am really happy to announce today that I am now working with Midnight Agency. When meeting with them to talk about future plans they didn't bring up this sexist garbage. They respect me for my art and believe in what I'm doing and what I have to offer. That's all I ever asked for. To be treated as equal. Thanks guys. Really looking forward to kicking ass together. Read the original post here
I was completely struck by her announcement, like an A-HA moment in suspension. While this has never been outright stated to me personally (I’ve never gotten that far anyhow) it was a real moment of clarity. As mothers, how are we supposed to get anywhere? How do we gain momentum while having babies and making homes and fulfilling our innermost purpose, desires or even gifts? We keep having to stop and start again. Stop to have babies, pick up our babies when they are sick, hold our house together when things fall apart.
Does society put more into people who aren’t mothers, because of the price tags we can place on them? Because of their monetary value? Are we as a society so stuck on efficiency and productivity that we can’t see the people crawling to the never ending finish line?
When Bill Callahan (SMOG) released his album “Shepherd in a Sheepskin Vest” about Fatherhood, it was written about like he had pooped solid gold. I remember thinking, is this a new thing? Women are writing about their experiences in parenthood all the time and yet the coverage seems thin. The closest I have seen is Martha Wainwright’s coverage for her new album “Love Will Be Reborn” alongside the release for her memoir “Stories I Might Regret Telling You Later.” But only when she has bared herself and her family open to her past-does she gain the recognition deserved for her craft as a songwriter and artist.
I think that the visual arts have a better handle on this, as in my research for support, I’ve found more grant and residencies that are specifically directed at mothers. Perhaps, as a visual artist, it is easier to “work from home” and be available to your family. How can mother’s who are musicians take a residency with no child care? How can we tour with no help? If you’re lucky you partner up with someone who gets it before you do. Anticipates your needs, gives you space and time and has the luxury to do so.
I don’ t have any answers. But one thing I know we can do for our fellow Moms is support them by listening, promoting and buying their music. And so, here are some of my favourite Canadian Mothers and their “other” babies.
Rebecca Hennessy- All the Little Things You Do
Also, further reading on a young pop star and her experiences on Mothering.
Much Love,
From The Hood.