The Weekly Croissant: Hard Launch
Mini Croissant Almost Cooked
Hello Dear Croissants!
Hope everyone is doing well. I wanted to let y’all know that The Weekly Croissant will be featuring some guest writers in March/April. I’ve had a crazy parasite growing in my belly for almost nine months now, and she is being evicted in just a couple of weeks, so I’m going to be taking a short leave from writing (but NOT from being an art hoe, obviously).
For the past months, I’ve been intentional about not sharing this news publically, out of fear that the music business would treat me differently and that my career opportunities would diminish as soon as anyone found out I was pregnant. This was a somewhat selfish decision. I have not been furthering the cause of women, mothers, and/or parents of all kinds in the music biz…But, it’s a decision that has felt right for me and the way that I want to present myself as an artist and a musician.
Having gone through this pregnancy in this somewhat secretive (by modern internet standards) way, I will never know if my fear of losing gig offers and being treated differently was, or is, or will be, valid. But, I am feeling relieved to now have a full schedule of gigs on the books for the Summer, and an exciting new project in the pipeline, TBA this Spring. I guess what I’m saying is, I’ve assuaged my own professional fears, somewhat. My team has really shown up for me with their support, understanding, and encouragement, and I’m grateful to have only had to deal with very minimal comments and questions about “how I’m possibly going to tour or perform after this baby arrives” (nobody asks my husband this).
It has also been an interesting lesson in the extent to which one’s internet presence is just one curated angle. It turns out that your social media persona is completely in your control, and you can instruct people on how they should think of you. What freedom!
The one main drawback to not sharing this news on the internet is that I’ve been finding it hard to write openly on this platform. This newsletter has always come with a sense of freedom and honesty, and I’ve enjoyed sharing behind-the-scenes details and stories with you all. Lately, when I’ve sat down to write, I’ve found myself at a loss for what to say, because of the many stories I’ve felt I “couldn’t” share.
Like the one about puking into a tote bag in the Glasgow Airport security line…a tale that I PROMISE you can all look forward to for next week.
So, now that I’m almost done being pregnant, I’m hoping I can reclaim the freedom of writing about all the fun nitty gritty details… I also know that you art hoes, my ride or dies who read this newsletter, will not write me off as an artist or a professional just because I’m having a baby, (and that is an order!)
And thank you also to those of you who are and have recently become paid subscribers! I don’t talk about it a lot but it renews my faith in humanity every time someone signs up to for a paid subscription because I’ve never done anything to incentivise it. Which is the whole point! Not trying to sell anyone this Substack has allowed me to maintain my joy around this platform. I love being able to share everything freely and connect with you all, regardless of paying status.
Free subscribers, I love you! Paid subscribers, I love you!
I love you all!
OK,
That’s all for this week. I’m nervous. Be nice. Don’t say anything stupid. Thanks.
Rachel
Congrats Rachel!
Congratulations to you and George!