EP#32: Motherhood & Music: Live Panel Discussion at Women’s Work Festival

Send us Fan Mail

How well are mothers supported in the music industry, how does it change a woman’s music career and how can it affect your creativity? These are all questions that Isobel explored with three musician mothers, Olga Fitzroy, Ruby Colley, Abigail Smith during a Live panel discussion at Belfast’s Women’s Work Festival on June 17th, 2021 and boy was there a massive response from women of all ages. Also discussed inside this recording of the event, is the choice not to have kids, as well as making music without children when you’d desperately love to become a parent.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
{00:00} Intro
{01:15} Episode overview
{04:48} Panel introductions
{08:11} Parental Pay Equality
{14:17} How to reserve energy for your music as well as your children
{19:42} How does becoming a mother affect creativity?
{26:10} How does the public perceive a mother in music?
{32:27} Can we relate to those in the commercial world?
{34:20} Panellist tips for mothers-to-be
{42:47} Balancing work pressures and motherhood
{48:39} Touring with children
{51:24} How to keep your passion for music
{54:34} Challenges as a single parent
{58:43} Finding the time to be creative
{01:03:00} The Oh Yeah Music Centre ‘Mothers in Music’ Project
{01:07:18} What support is available for mothers in the industry?
{01:12:31} Episode summary

Tell us what you think about this topic and the podcast by leaving a rating and review HERE >>

Find out more about Olga Fitzroy HERE >>
Listen to Ruby Colley’s Work HERE >>
Check out Abigail Smith’s music HERE >>
Find out more about the work of Parental Pay Equality HERE >>
Check out the Music Producer’s Guild HERE >>
Find out about Women’s Work HERE >>
Read the article ‘18 Musical Moms Talk Motherhood’ in Paste Magazine HERE >>
Read The Guardian’s interview with Marina Abramovic HERE >>
Check out Parents In Performing Arts HERE >>
Find out more about The Musicians’ Union HERE >>
Find out more about Pregnant Then Screwe

---------------------------------------------------

Girls Twiddling Knobs has ended, but you can stay connected to Isobel's artistic work here.

Girls Twiddling Knobs was hosted by Isobel Anderson and produced by Isobel Anderson and Jade Bailey from Nov 2020-Jan 2026 and will remain live on all major podcast platforms throughout 2026. 

We are grateful to the British Library who have archived the podcast in their Sound and Vision Collection.

Learn more about the Girls Twiddling Knobs legacy here.

Watch this episode on YouTube

Explore more episodes here.

Listen on Spotify.