In this week's episode of ReFolkUs, we chat with Kaeley Jade.

We dive into her incredible journey from gigging at just 9 years old to becoming a recording and performing artist. She reflects on how attending industry conferences opened her eyes to the business side of music, shaping her path as an independent, DIY artist.

Kaeley also takes us behind the scenes of her work in theatre, including writing the music for the award-winning Two Headed/Half-Hearted musical. As a multidisciplinary artist, Kaeley emphasizes the importance of practicing various art forms and having hobbies outside of music to enhance both your artistic career and creative process, staying refreshed and avoiding burnout.

Find Kaeley Jade online
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About Kaeley Jade

Kaeley Jade is an award-winning Métis and Settler singer/songwriter, actor, and multidisciplinary artist based in Edmonton, Alberta (amiskwaciwâskahikan). Blending lush imagery and hooky melodic lines to create her own brand of pop-forward indie folk music, Kaeley has performed at venues and festivals across Canada, including the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, JUNOfest, Folk Music Ontario, the Canmore Folk Music Festival, and Coldsnap. Kaeley moves between ballads and bops with ease, and she brings an electricity to the stage whether she is playing an intimate acoustic set or playing alongside her full five-piece band. Kaeley’s deep involvement within the music, theatre and film ecosystems have presented her many opportunities to weave her disciplines together; in 2022, Kaeley joined forces with award-winning playwright Trevor Schmidt to create the critically acclaimed country-folk musical Two-Headed/Half-Hearted, which premiered at Northern Light Theatre with Kaeley in the role of “Venus”. Her music has received radio play across the globe, has been reviewed by publications worldwide, and has been featured in several film and television productions. Her vibrant debut full-length album, Turpentine, has earned her significant recognition in the Canadian music scene—she is a Canadian Folk Music Award Winner and 3x Nominee, Western Canadian Music Award Nominee, Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Award Winner and 3x Nominee, SOCAN Indigenous Songwriter Awards Finalist, and 2023 Henry Armstrong Award Recipient.

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Join us in celebrating the finest in folk music at the Folk Music Ontario Conference this October 2nd-6th, plus don’t miss the Ontario Folk Music Awards, recognizing the best talent in our vibrant community. Register today at folkmusicontario.ca and use promocode REFOLKUS20 for 20% off registration and awards tickets. See you there!

Tune in to the latest episodes of the ReFolkUs Podcast, featuring the latest releases from Folk Music Ontario members as well as some of our special guests, now broadcasting on CKCU FM 93.1.

Presented by Folk Music Ontario

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn