MPW Podcast

Ever wondered how to balance motherhood and a career in music without having to choose between the two? In this episode, Xylo Aria sits down with musician, producer and artist Catherine Anne Davies, also known as The Anchoress, to explore the realities of motherhood in the music industry. Catherine shares her journey through pregnancy loss, raising her daughter while continuing to make music, and navigating the challenges of touring, childcare and creative work. She also offers practical advice on managing time, building a support network and staying creatively productive, while discussing the barriers women and mothers face in the industry and why motherhood should never mean the end of a music career.

DistroKid has kindly offered all MPW listeners a 30% discount on the first year of their annual subscription. Use the following link to redeem your discount: http://distrokid.com/vip/mpw

Resources 
👉 Become a member of MPW: https://musicproductionforwomen.com/membership 
👉 Free Intro to Music Production Masterclass: https://musicproductionforwomen.com/webinar-registration 
👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicproductionforwomen/ 

More from The Anchoress: 
Website: https://www.theanchoress.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theanchoressofficial 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/iamtheanchoress
Latest Album – As We Once Were: https://iamtheanchoress.bandcamp.com/album/as-we-once-were

Ever wondered how to create a visual identity that truly reflects your sound? In this episode, Xylo Aria sits down with Malawian artist, producer, DJ, and community organizer Chmba to explore how culture, sound, and personal experiences can shape an artist’s visual world. Chmba shares their journey from making mixtapes in Malawi to performing internationally, how their cultural heritage influences both their music and visuals, and why authenticity and simplicity can be more powerful than perfection. They also discuss creating impactful visuals on a limited budget, embracing genre fluidity and finding creative ways to translate your sound into a visual identity.
Resources 
👉 Become a member of MPW: https://musicproductionforwomen.com/membership
👉 Free Intro to Music Production Masterclass: https://musicproductionforwomen.com/webinar-registration
👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicproductionforwomen/

More from CHMBA: 
Website: https://www.chmbamusic.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chmba
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv_jz8fpyAo7cBotcfyeTIA

Ever wondered how the role of a music producer has evolved in today’s rapidly changing industry? In this episode, Xylo Aria sits down with Grammy-nominated producer and mixing engineer Adrian Breakspear to explore the modern producer’s workflow, the impact of remote collaboration, and the balance between technical skills and artistic vision. Adrian shares insights on working with artists, building sustainable creative practices, and the importance of intentionality in sound design and production.

Resources
👉 Become a member of MPW:https://musicproductionforwomen.com/membership👉 Free Intro to Music Production Masterclass: https://musicproductionforwomen.com/webinar-registration👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicproductionforwomen/

More from Adrian Breakspear: 
Website:https://www.adrianbreakspear.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adrian_breakspear_producer/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AdrianBreakspear

Ever wondered why being creative can come with such intense emotional highs and lows, especially in an industry changing so rapidly because of AI? In this episode, Xylo Aria sits down with clinical psychologist and author Julie Crabtree to explore the connection between creativity, mental health and the growing impact of AI on musicians. Julie shares practical insights on managing anxiety, rejection and negative self-talk, alongside why artists should value their own originality, build strong relationships and develop self-care practices that support a sustainable creative career.

Resources 
👉 Become a member of MPW:https://musicproductionforwomen.com/membership
👉 Free Intro to Music Production Masterclass: https://musicproductionforwomen.com/webinar-registration-150571
👉 Instagram: / musicproductionforwomen 

More from Julie Crabtree: 
Website: https://zebrapsychology.comSubstack: https://substack.com/@drjuliecrabtree

Ever wondered how just five minutes could change the way you approach making music? In this episode, Xylo Aria sits down with producer, educator and author Brian Funk to explore how small, consistent creative actions can help overcome procrastination and keep you making music. Brian shares the thinking behind The Five Minute Music Producer, alongside practical insights on using limitations to spark creativity, building momentum through action, and focusing on the process rather than waiting for inspiration to strike. 

Distrokid has kindly offered all MPW listeners a 30% discount off the first year of their annual subscription! Use the following link to redeem the discount:⁠ http://distrokid.com/vip/mpw 

Resources 
👉 Become a member of MPW:https://musicproductionforwomen.com/membership
👉 Free Intro to Music Production Masterclass: https://musicproductionforwomen.com/webinar-registration-150571
👉 Instagram: / musicproductionforwomen 

More from Brian Funk: 
Website: https://brianfunk.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianfunkmusic 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BrianFunkMusic