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Behind every hard-working, dream-chasing musician is a mom who let her son or daughter convert the garage into a studio, or drove the minivan to their first show, or made them practice guitar for an hour every night before TV-time. As we lead up to Mother’s Day on Sunday, we’ve decided to salute these hippest of ladies through stories and quotes from many musicians (and their moms!) Here is Rob Higgins of Toronto alt-rock band Dearly Beloved and his mom Susie to indulge us:
From Susie:
When did you first notice your son’s musical talent?
Rob was three years old when he first picked up the guitar which was bigger than he was. I had to help him balance it on his lap but once in position he held it naturally. He hugged it so earnestly with his fingers gliding over the strings as though he really knew what he was doing. I knew then and there that his fate was sealed. Going forward he had the uncanny ability of playing by sound, mastering all aspects of musicianship, writing, producing, singing.  His talent never ceases to amaze me. He wants it. He learns it. He does it…and does it well!!!
Are you musical yourself? Play an instrument?
Today I am a very animated car singer. As a child I played piano, although others may not say I was actually making music.
What career advice have you offered your little rock star?
Music is in every fiber of Rob’s soul. This is his passion. As hard as it is as a mother to watch the frustrations that go along with being in this business, I have always encouraged him to follow his heart and to be true to himself.
What is your favorite song by your son/daughter?
I have many but right now it’s definitely “Candy Coated.” I have that song in my head all day long and it makes me smile!
Any big plans for Mother’s Day?
We are having a family barbecue together with my siblings and mother. I’m the happiest when I’m with my kids and spending time with them is the best present on Earth!!!
From Rob:
Growing up, what kind of role did your mom play in your music?
Ha! My mom let me turn our basement into the Cultural Centre for the Diabolical Arts. Our full band rehearsed down there, we partied down there and we painted anything that wasn’t nailed down with psychedelic freakadelia so that anytime anyone went down to the basement they knew to carry a soft foot and to mind their pace. When I was growing up I often took care of my kid sister, Erin, while my mom worked and that gave me and my friends a place to hang and, in turn, a place to creative. My mom’s role in my musical development growing up is pretty much immeasurable. She encouraged and allowed me to be me and without that support and influence I’d be an artist with a quieter voice and less to say it with.
What was the first show of yours that your mom attended (beyond your 4th grade band recital)?
Damn. I think it was the battle of the bands show at our high school. Thankfully, we lost the hell out of that contest by being too loud and obnoxious, which is fine with me. I had smoked so much weed prior to our set that I didn’t notice that I was wearing a suede vest over absolutely nothing. Yes, I think the first gig my mom came to featured me wearing a frilled suede vest over my bare upper body with round John Lennon glasses on my face and my hair shaped into a fine pseudo ‘fro. Her son looked like an idiot and lost the battle of the bands by a mile, her brother, Allan, was one of the judges (poor guy) and then she hosted the after party back at our house with a smile and grace. That’s Susie for ya.
What kind of music would your mom play in the car?
Growing up I remember hearing a ton of Elvis Presley. The Beatles, Lennon, old school rock ‘n’ roll like Chuck Berry, a bunch of pop vocal stuff like Sinatra and Co. But classic-rock radio was usually preferred listening as she, being the supportive type, would often scan the airwaves looking for her brother’s band who was/is known to get spun from time to time on the ‘ole radio, eh. So yeah, I was pretty familiar with all the hits of the day as well as a bunch of music from my grandparents’ generation by the time my voice started to change.
What career advice have you gotten from her?
To be respectful while not to taking any shit from anyone. To be myself and to go for it, no matter what it is. She’s always been the type to remind me that things often happen when and how they need to and when a parent has that kind of faith in a son or daughter it can pretty empowering. The empowerment to draw my own conclusions and make own decisions has been invaluable to my process and to my journey and she’s largely responsible for fostering that confidence in my instincts.
What are you going to do for Mother’s Day?
I’m going to celebrate with the whole family, actually. My grandmother, uncles, aunts, cousins and, of course, Susie, my mom, are all going to get together for either a bbq at one of our places or a brunch at a brunch-y establishment. I voted for the outdoor bbq meat party vibe but have yet to hear what was decided. Regardless, it’s an opportunity for us to get everyone together, relax, eat our faces off and raise a glass to the moms, which they deserve. Hopefully, none of them will get too drunk. There’s nothing uglier than a drunk mom sidling up to the buffet table with snow peas sliding off her plate. Kidding! That’s an adorable image. :Happy Mother’s Day, ma!

Source: LimeWire Music Blog