American vocalist and songwriter Maci Miller has released five independent CDs and has had notable collaborations and licensing/publishing deals with Disney, as well as international jazz releases in Asia. She has worked with musicians including Jeremy Pelt, Aaron Graves and David O’Rourke, and performed internationally, from the USA to Asia. She lives in Philadelphia with her sixteen year-old daughter.
UK Jazz News: What is the best advice you received about balancing/juggling motherhood and career?
Maci Miller: I try to do my work, rehearsing, writing, etc, while she’s at school or at extra curricular activities so I can carve out some one on one time when she gets home. When the schedule allows, we do Mother and Daughter days where we go out and do something together – sometimes just taking a walk in nature, sometimes out to dinner, or anything together. We take turns deciding what we’d like to do so there is an arcade day in my near future!
UKJN: What information or advice do you wish you’d received but didn’t (and had to learn through trial and error or on the go)?
MM: You have to fill your own cup first. When she was little, I stopped singing and dove completely into the role of motherhood. Although it was the perfect choice at the time and I savored every precious moment, I later realized I missed the music and had lost “me” somewhere along the way. I was afraid to leave her side, but as she got older, I saw that not only did I need to sing again, but she was happy for me to do it! And seeing her 50 year old mother rebuild her career was great for her to see that you can go for your dreams at any age and stage of life.
UKJN: Your top tip(s) for other mothers in jazz:
MM: Be organized with your time. Meditate. Journal. Remember you can do it all, but you can’t do it all AT THE SAME TIME. Spending the time doing nothing with your child is still doing something and it’s so very important. Also, spending time doing what lights your soul on fire is equally important so don’t feel guilty about it!
UKJN: Baby/child gear tips for travel/touring/gigging:
MM: I didn’t tour/work much when she was younger, but on the rare occasions I did, I either had my husband bring her to hear me or did a video where I was to make her feel included.
UKJN: Best general travel/gigging/tour-with-child advice:
MM: Not applicable to me right now, as she is a teenager in school so I can’t bring her with me. However, we’ve talked about it and she is cool with my traveling as long as I take lots of pictures and bring back a souvenir!
UKJN: What has surprised you about becoming a parent and remaining engaged with your professional activities and ambitions?
MM: That it’s not just possible, but it’s showing them they too can go for their goals and dreams.
UKJN: What boundaries have you set for yourself as a mother in jazz (could be related to travel/touring, riders, personal parameters, child care decisions, etc.)?
MM: I always carve out time to talk to her no matter how busy I am. I always let her know she is first in my life and what matters the most.
(*) Mothers in Jazz was started by vocalist Nicky Schrire. The initiative aims to create an online resource for working jazz musicians with children, those contemplating parenthood, and jazz industry figures who work with and hire musicians who are parents. The insight of the musicians interviewed for this series provides valuable emotional, philosophical and logistical information and support that is easily accessible to all. “Mothers In Jazz” shines a light on the very specific role of being both a mother and a performing jazz musician.
