The Mothers in Music network in Bristol are putting on an All-Dayer of music and talks in Bristol on 7th March to coincide with Mother’s Day and International Women’s Day. The group have been meeting up to share experiences of what it’s actually like juggling motherhood and a music career, identifying the barriers in the music industry and coming up with some innovative solutions.
“I’ve discovered a remarkable sense of understanding and solidarity within a supportive community of creative women. We’re all navigating the unique intersection of motherhood and careers in the music industry.”
Beth Rowley musician
“After just a few meet-ups of sharing our experiences as mothers working across all sectors and genres of the music industry, there was massive solidarity and new energy among us. It was the natural next step to produce this event, giving an accessible platform to many of our group who struggle to tour and perform in the standard way. I used to tour in Japan with my children when they were tiny, and witnessed a model of daytime family cultural events that allowed me to be a mother and musician at the same time.”
Rachael Dadd, musician and leader of the BYOB mother and baby choir
Building on the momentum created by the MOTHERS IN MUSIC network from MAMA Coaching, a group of musician mothers are producing an All-Dayer of music and discussion in Bristol on 7th March at The Mount Without, a 900-year-old deconsecrated church.
Hosted by MAMA Coaching, with a conversation chaired by Alice Ballantine Dykes, they will shine a spotlight on some of the challenges women face in the music industry when they become mothers – and present some of the solutions that would make a different version of success possible.
“We aim to bring about change so that women will be able to be both mother and musician simultaneously, building creative and professional practice that brings together these brilliant skillsets. Part of the group’s ambition is to create more inclusive events so that women do not “drop off the radar” once they become parents”.
Alice Ballantine Dykes, founder of MAMA Coaching
The Mothers in Music All-Dayer will showcase the many talented women in the Mothers in Music network: Rachael Dadd, Beth Rowley, Jenny Lindfors, J*M*A*, and Rita Lynch will be joined by Rioghnach Connolly (The Breath, Honeyfeet), and DJs Natalie Littleton and Sarah Hulme.
Within the network are creators from all sectors and genres of the music industry. The day will platform artists spanning genres from soul and gospel to electro-pop and rock via folk, classical and choral. There will be DJs in the crypt for a pre-evening networking gathering, and Emma Butterworth will be premiering excerpts from her new opera in the early evening, followed by sets from Rachael Dadd and Rioghnach Connolly (The Breath, Honeyfeet).
“This gig brings together some of Bristol’s most exciting talent, and the juxtaposition of different musical styles and genres is thrilling. The classical and popular music worlds don’t have to be poles apart, and our network shows that challenging accepted conventions leads to innovative and inspiring new musical experiences for audiences.”
Emma Butterworth, classical composer
To encourage people to attend during a Thursday daytime (a daring experiment), there will be limited free tickets for children under 14 and some child-friendly quiet activities. There is also wheelchair access, and the network are hoping to welcome a crowd that spans the generations.
Beth Rowley, who’ll perform during the afternoon, had already discovered how fruitful daytime gigs can be when she sold out her recent 3pm show: “I would especially love to see gigs during daylight hours become a part of a normal touring schedule, providing an opportunity to experience top musical performances for carers of the young, kids, elderly people and all those who’d rather stay at home in the evening.”
Alongside the event, there are other progressive ways these women are challenging the status quo: “We’ve had enough breakup albums and albums about boyfriends and girlfriends now. We need more albums about motherhood.” Jenny Lindfords, musician.
Mothers In Music All Dayer
It is taking place at The Mount Without on Thursday 7th March. The event starts at noon and finishes at 23:00
DAY TIME LINEUP (12 – 5.30pm)
Bring Your Own Baby Choir * Jenny Lindfors (Sailing Stones) + J*M*A * Rita Lynch * Beth Rowley (plus band + guests)
SOCIAL (5.30 – 7pm)
DJ sets by The Black Astral and Queen of Pressure
EVENING LINEUP (7 – 11pm)
Extracts from ‘Orchard Street’ by Emma Butterworth * Rioghnach Connolly * Rachael Dadd (plus band + guests)
Tickets and info: https://www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/whats-on/the-mount-without/thu-7-mar-mothers-in-music-all-dayer-102204#e102204
Listen to / read about the artists: https://mamacoaching.org/mothersinmusic