Parenting Panel with Sydney Macfarlane

The Provo, UT-based folk pop quartet, The National Parks, have just released their new love song “Sunshine,” from their upcoming LP, 8th Wonder, set for release on March 3rd. A true-to-form love song, “Sunshine” rides a righteously catchy groove while likening a lover’s affection to the sun’s life-giving rays. The song depicts the bands many inspirations as it’s hip-hop-tinged delivery feels equally split between current-day, evolved folk-pop and early 00s radio waves.

Listen to Sunshine here.

Pre-save or pre-order their upcoming LP, 8th Wonder, here.

We got a chance to speak with Sydney Macfarlane, the keyboardist and vocalist for the band, about motherhood and music.

How many children do you have? And what are their names and ages?

I have two boys. Will who is 8 and sawyer who is 4.

Did you have fears or concerns about how becoming a parent would interfere with your artistic endeavors? Have those fears come true, or no?

I think my biggest fears were always that I wouldn’t be a good enough mom for them, that I wouldn’t meet certain expectations that I realized I was only putting on myself. I didn’t know any other moms who left their kids for weeks at a time, so there was a lot of guilt tied to that. But slowly over time, working on my own self love, I realized that I am the perfect mom for them, and just because something hasn’t been done before doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be done. There are things my kids need to learn that I will never be able to teach them, and that’s part of living in this world! I’m grateful for the help I get from my support system and that isn’t a worry anymore.

In what ways has parenthood helped your creativity, if any?

Especially with this last album, I feel like I am more and more aware of the things I’m creating and life I’m living, and being a mom really makes me want to live a life my kids would be proud of and to show them that they can follow their dreams too.

What has parenthood taught you about yourself, your music, or your creative process?

After having my first son I thought I had everything figured out, but then my second came and I felt like I was doing it all over again. They are so unique in every way, and I love them both equally and differently. They both have such unique talents and abilities and personalities, and it helps remind me that I am unique as well, that I don’t have to fit into some specific mold, and that I am meant for something really great, just like they are.

How do you juggle your family and your career? Who’s your support system?

My husband has always been my number one supporter from the very beginning. He has made this dream a reality for me. He helps any chance he has and a lot of times pushes me forward and is my rock when things are hard or I begin to doubt if I can make this thing work. I think it’s important to find people in your circle who make you feel more than you are, and help you see your true self. He definitely does that for me.

What’s one thing you wish someone had told you before you became a parent? Any advice for others?

To get as much sleep as you can, and to not sweat the small stuff. To be where you feet are, and to realize that your kids came to you for a reason, as long as you love them, and love yourself, everything falls into place.

Connect with Sydney and The National Parks:

Website / Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / YouTube / Spotify