Corinne Bailey Rae Navigates the Dual Demands of Stardom and Parenthood
As she celebrates two decades since her debut album topped the charts, singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae reveals that family has become an integral part of her professional life. The Grammy-award-winning artist, known for hits like Put Your Records On and Like a Star, continues to tour globally, but now with her two young daughters, husband, and mother in tow.
The Touring Family Dynamic
"I'm enjoying motherhood, but it's definitely a challenge," admits Bailey Rae, who resides in Leeds and is currently touring the United States. She expresses gratitude for the ability to bring her children on the road, citing the support of her husband, who performs in her band, and her mother, who assists with childcare.
The singer emphasizes how this arrangement normalizes extraordinary experiences for her daughters, aged six and eight. "Sitting on a tour bus driving through America, or visiting museums in San Francisco, or stroking koalas in Australia – all of that is normal to them because they're always with the same people, Mummy and Daddy and Grandma," she explains. Bailey Rae feels fortunate that her children have been able to enjoy such a unique upbringing thus far.
Adapting to Changing Priorities
Recognizing that school commitments will eventually limit her daughters' ability to travel extensively, Bailey Rae acknowledges the need for ongoing balance. "As they get older and school becomes more important, we have to balance when we're away or how long we're away, or how much they come and how much they don't. That's just something we're figuring out as we go along," she states.
From Hit Song to Children's Book
Beyond music, Bailey Rae has ventured into literature with her new children's book, Put Your Records On. Inspired by her chart-topping single, the story follows a young girl named Bea who discovers emotional connections through her great aunt Portia's record collection.
The book's development was a collaborative family effort. Bailey Rae began writing during her youngest daughter's infancy, "because all these ideas started coming in my head, and I had a lot of time on my hands because I was breastfeeding." She refined the manuscript by reading drafts to her daughters, using their reactions as a guide. "When they yawned and were squirming around, I'd think, okay, there's too much description here," she recalls, highlighting the iterative creative process.
The Evolution of Motherhood
Now transitioning out of the early stages of parenthood, Bailey Rae reflects on the profound changes. "The early years of motherhood are so all-encompassing, and they really affect how you sleep and where you go and what you do and even who you see. But I feel like I'm coming out of early motherhood now – no more breastfeeding, no more nappies," she shares.
She resonates with the adage that "the days are long and the years are short," noting the accelerated pace of her children's growth. Bailey Rae is determined to remain present and cherish each moment, while also honoring the memories of their younger selves.
The Universal Parenting Juggle
Addressing the broader challenges of work-life balance, Bailey Rae stresses that her experiences are relatable to many parents. "It's the same for every parent, isn't it? You've got to think how can you keep them safe and make them feel loved and give them the attention and the support they need, but how can you get enough support for yourself that you can be a useful parent, and then how can you fulfil yourself in terms of your work?" she questions, affirming that it has been "a real juggle" for her family.
Looking ahead, the possibility of future children's books depends on the reception of Put Your Records On. Bailey Rae, who married musician Steve Brown in 2013, enjoys storytelling as a creative outlet and a means to engage her daughters. "I like to tell stories, I did it a lot when the girls were really young, and I like to do it now and see if I can hold their attention or put them in the story somehow – I find it's a good way to use my creative imagination," she concludes.
Put Your Records On by Corinne Bailey Rae is published by Fox and Ink Books, priced at £8.99, and is currently available.
