What’s it like to be a working mother when you’re a singer?
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We asked singer-songwriter Sara Storer that question, as she heads to Armidale this week.
The winner of 21 Golden Guitars has not toured much in recent years, with four sons at home aged seven and younger.
But with the boys getting older, she is now getting back on the road and playing live music, while her husband Dave holds the fort at home.
“I guess you could call it getting slightly serious,” Sara said. “I can’t do 24/7 touring with four littlies, but I have hit the road. We select some weekends every month and try and get back to some of these regional towns.
“It starts off as a holiday,” Sara said about being away from home. “But that is short lived. I start to miss the kids when I'm on the plane or in the hire car.
“I do wish sometimes they could be with me on the road, but I come back to my senses very quickly.
“I call them and we face time. They are happy to see me when I'm home... but none more so than Dad!”
Sara said her biggest challenge as a working mother comes before she heads off to play her shows, as she get everything sorted at home before she hits the road.
“Making sure Dave is across the weekly school things and sport. Making sure there is enough food in the cupboards and clothes are clean. I'm tired thinking about it!”
Once she is on the road and playing gigs, her fans get to hear all about her home life. Sara said they can usually relate to the stories she has to tell.
I love to tell my audience a little about what's going on at home. It's just the same as them. It's hard work, crazy and fun.
- Sara Storer
“I love to tell my audience a little about what's going on at home. It's just the same as them,” she said. “It's hard work, crazy and fun. The crowd love to here about the naughty stuff my four boys are up to!
“I can finally laugh about half of it and enjoy retelling the unique things they get up to.”
Sara made her name in country music writing and performing bush ballads. But with four sons to look after at home, songwriting is not as easy as it used to be.
“I don't write as often as I wish. And sometimes when I want to write I'm too tired. So the moral of this story is to write a good one... because it may be my only or last chance!”
She is playing at Armidale City Bowling Club on Friday night. Tickets are available from the club.
