Music,
Matrescence,& Me

The Full Story

My name's Kelly. Since the early 2000s, I've worked as a touring musician, collaborating with major label artists on global tours, album promotional campaigns, and studio recordings. This experience has given me a unique perspective on the inner workings of the music industry and the intricacies of successful campaigns.

At the start of my career, as a 20-year-old recent music school graduate about to undertake my first major tour, I knew that music was a path I wanted to pursue for the long term. However, none of the modules I'd studied provided a blueprint for navigating and sustaining a career when life became more complicated and balance was needed.

Fast forward to 2023 and I was planning to start a family. It wasn’t long after I found out I was pregnant that I encountered my first blatant discriminatory situation. I had been offered a tour with a major label artist. Dates had been confirmed, music sent to learn, conversations had with the artist's managers and musical directors, and rehearsal and tour dates locked in the diary. After two decades in the music industry, I had let my own views on pregnancy and motherhood become entangled in the systemic prejudices rooted so deeply within it. I was almost ashamed of my pregnancy and had told no one except my partner, believing it necessary to remain cloaked and keep it hidden. Now, I was facing my first test and the possibility of my worst fears materializing. At only three months pregnant, I felt perfectly fit and able to work. Though I didn’t want to reveal my pregnancy, I knew I had to.

When I informed the management, my worst fears predictably came true. Excuses were made, and I was dropped from the tour. This rejection cut far deeper than any simple job rejection. I had been turned away because of my pregnancy. I knew this was wrong, but I didn’t know who to turn to, so I did nothing. I let the ground beneath me shift with the realization that, with this baby, I was entering uncharted territory. I would have to fight against an industry that simply wasn’t built for women to succeed in the long term.

With the motherhood penalty ringing loudly in my ears, I needed both my career and life to metamorphose, but how? What & who would I become as a result of this painful transition? In an industry where women felt compelled to hide their maternal side, there was no blueprint to follow, no established role models, or supportive communities to soften the blow or point me in the right direction.

These experiences planted the seeds for this project, Music, Matrescence & Me. My hope now is to build communities and provide artistic expression, challenging the prejudices surrounding motherhood and a career in music, and give voice to these issues so other women don't feel as lost and unseen as I did.

Feeling lost and unseen, I entered a period of self-reflection, unaware that I was, in fact, at the beginning of my matrescence journey and transformation. I knew the music industry was fundamentally flawed, and to foster career longevity, I had to find a way to forge my own path and negate the need for external validation.

But, this wasn’t the first time the live industry had closed its doors to me. On a broader scale, when COVID-19 brought the live events industry to its knees, it forced me to reassess my business structures. At the time, I didn't realize that this was the start of a transition that could prove pivotal to sustaining my career into parenthood and ultimately provide the light at the end of the tunnel I was searching for.

Since 2020, I'd been shifting my focus to explore the world of music technology, music production, songwriting, and musical direction. These paths offer opportunities to step into leadership roles, sidestepping traditional power structures, and allowing me to take control of my own career trajectory.

Writing, recording, and releasing your own music is a fantastic way to explore these roles as well as develop creativity, crucial music technology skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the music industry. Building a body of songs also helps me create multiple additional income streams, contributing to a more stable future.

So, I started to self-produce my own music.

Music technology & Leadership roles

examples of Past works

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Here is an example of my music production & songwriting

Lose My Head is written & produced by Kelly Appleton featuring vocalist JJ rosa, Bassist Sara Farina & Drummer Sara Leigh Shaw (all confirmed partners on the Music, Matrescene & Me project)

As a music producer & songwriter I often explore themes related to women empowerment. Lose My Head is a liberating anthem, encouraging listeners to shed societal expectations and norms. It invites individuals to embark on a transformative journey where authenticity reigns supreme. The music becomes a guiding force, propelling the listener into a space where self-expression and genuine identity take center stage.

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Here is another example of my music production & songwriting

In Body is written & produced by Kelly Appleton featuring vocalist The Pearl Harts & Mix Engineer Barny Barnicott (all confirmed partners on the Music, Matrescene & Me project)

Through its defying chant “I’m not any bodies” In Body becomes a rallying cry for women, urging them to break free from societal norms and embrace their authenticity. It carries the weight of a larger narrative, challenging the status quo and advocating for a redefinition of a woman's worth, both in her personal identity and her professional pursuits within the music industry. Through it I hope to contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the empowerment of women, challenging stereotypes, and reshaping the narrative for a more inclusive industry.

the story of matrescene reflexted in original song

The term "matrescence" is not yet widely recognized in mainstream dictionaries, but it serves as a critical framework for understanding the profound journey women experience as they transition into motherhood.

Recognizing matrescence, is essential for appreciating the multifaceted nature of motherhood and supporting women through this significant life stage.

Currently, birth and the maternal experience are underrepresented in art and music. I wish to fully explore the journey of matrescence by creating a collection of original songs and releasing them as an album. Through it I will highlight the complexities and challenges of this transformative period, encompassing shifts in identity, relationships, and responsibilities. Giving voice to the painful yet beautiful and transformational time of becoming a mother, offering a relatable and authentic perspective to those in similar situations.

The creation Of role Models
community building
& the formulation of Educational materials

Research shows there is still a long way to go before gender disparity in the music industry is eradicated. In a cross-sectional study by The Annenberg Initiative, just 2.8% of women were credited as music producers.

This explains, in part, why there are so few role models available to guide women through the complexities of transitioning to motherhood while managing a career. The scarcity of visible and supportive examples, underscores the broader issue of systemic barriers and cultural biases that hinder the representation and success of women who strive to balance both professional aspirations and family responsibilities. This lack of role models perpetuates a cycle where women are left without the mentorship and encouragement needed to navigate these dual roles effectively.

A significant component of the Music, Matrescence & Me project is dedicated to spotlighting role models, fostering communities, and developing educational materials. This aspect of the project is designed to amplify voices, provide guidance, and build supportive networks for women navigating the challenges of balancing motherhood with a career in music. By highlighting successful women who have managed these dual roles, the project aims to offer inspiration and practical advice, while also addressing the systemic barriers and biases that can impede their progress. The educational materials will serve as valuable resources, helping women to understand and navigate their unique journeys, ultimately empowering them to achieve their personal and professional goals.

Project core values

artistic expression

education

community

visibility

Fostering the core values of visibility, community, artistic expression, and education will be vital to this project's success. Here’s how I will achieve this:

Education

Step-by-Step Guides: Create comprehensive guides that outline each stage of the album creation and release process and examine other career balanced job roles within the industry. Include practical advice, checklists, and actionable steps.

Video Tutorials: Produce video tutorials that explore specific music production techniques and tools.

Interviews With Successful Entrepreneurs: Reach out to women who have successfully managed to balance their business and family lives. Look for entrepreneurs across various sides of the music industry to provide diverse perspectives.

Artistic expression

Creative Freedom: Prioritize authenticity and stay true to the artistic vision and messaging. Experiment with different styles and genres to fully explore and express creativity.

Storytelling: Use music to tell the story of matrescene, convey emotions, and address the important themes.

Visuals and Performance: Enhance artistic expression through compelling visuals, including album artwork, music videos, and live performances. A strong visual identity will complement and elevate the music.

Visibility

Online Presence: Leverage social media platforms, a personal website, and music streaming services to showcase all project works. Regularly post updates, behind-the-scenes content, written blogs, vlogs, and a newsletter to engage with audiences and build a strong online presence.

Collaborations: Partner with other artists, influencers, and industry professionals to expand reach. Collaborations can also provide fresh perspectives and inspire creativity.

Press and Media: Actively seek out opportunities for media coverage, such as interviews, reviews, and features in blogs, podcasts, and magazines. Visibility in the press can significantly boost the projects profile.

Podcast: Incorporate a podcast into the content strategy to foster visibility, including interviews with industry figures.

Community

Community Interaction: Create spaces to foster community support such as social media groups or community forums.

Collaborative Projects: Involve the community in the creative process by inviting them to contribute ideas and vote on decisions. This inclusive approach strengthens community ties and makes the audience feel valued.

Live Sessions: Regularly go live on social media to answer questions or discuss topics of choice. Guest speakers can also join to add value and variety.

By emphasizing these core values, I aim to create a music project that is not only artistically fulfilling but also fosters a vibrant, supportive, and engaged community.

Music, Matrescence,& Me