Combining musical career and motherhood

Mothering a pre-schooler while starring in two tribute shows is not challenging enough for Killcare country music singer songwriter Melinda Schneider.

"I am focusing on a new album at the moment, writing songs for a new original album which will come out later in the year," Ms Schneider said.

That doesn't mean she has stopped touring her much-loved Melinda Does Dorris show or her Great Women of Country tribute.

It means that in addition to touring, performing and looking after her three-year-old son, Ms Schneider is about to head off to Nashville for some intensive song writing time.

The Great Women of Country tribute is a solo version of an album and show she worked on with Beccy Cole.

"I am still waving the flag with great women of country," she said.

"I did Campbelltown Catholic Club last Saturday night and it was very interesting.

"A lot of people who came to see me after the show had seen me as Doris Day at the Opera House.

"They are people who love country music, who love all the women and the songs but they are people who have been really dedicated to me as well and want to see me which is great.

"All the songs are so incredible.

"They are written to such high standards.

"They are some of the best songs ever written," she said.

Ms Schneider said she was particularly fond of performing material written by Dolly Parton.

"There are four Dolly songs which are some of her best and she is just such a prolific songwriter and, of course, the audience sings along and I encourage that," she said.

Melinda's trip to Nashville next month will be a little different.

Before motherhood, she had made the journey at least once a year but this time she will be taking her family along.

"It is very difficult to focus when you have a three-and-a -half-year-old toddler running around."

While it's a challenge, she is also expecting motherhood to be a theme in the songs she writes for the new album.

"I have already written a few songs about becoming a mum and this album is going to be about women and women's issues in general.

"I have finally joined the club and became a mum and learned about the challenges like balancing your career and motherhood."

Women of Country is something Melinda plans to keep doing, even when the album is complete and released.

"There are a lot of areas I haven't taken that show to regionally, so probably will when the new album comes out and I can do some of the Great Women songs and some from the new album," she said.

Interview, 24 May 2016

Melinda Schneider, Killcare

Reporter: Jackie Pearson