School of Song’s Kaiya Kodie and Lily Monaghan make Folk Fest debut

Every year the School of Song, organized by CJSR radio host Rhea March, brings four emerging, often Albertan, musical acts to the Edmonton Folk Music Festival (EFMF). Of the four School of Song acts, Kaiya Kodie and Lily Monaghan are the two newest to the scene, both with one EP under their belts. 

Together, School of Song artists have a concert at the festival. Additionally, between main stage acts, School of Song artists perform as in-betweeners, getting to fulfill a dream of many folk artists — performing to the main hill of approximately 20,000 people.

“If you’re an artist of any kind and you’re not putting your art out there, why?” Kodie says

Kodie has had an undeniably busy last 12 months. A songwriter, singer, guitar player, and pianist, Kodie released her first EP when the lights have all gone out in September 2023. The reception after the release, and in the months since, is something she never expected. Before, Kodie spent a long time “not wanting to release music for a number of reasons.”

“I think a big part of not wanting to put your art out there is not wanting to be perceived, at least for me, because it’s really vulnerable,” Kodie said.

Playing EFMF — the biggest show Kodie has ever done — is a result of “biting the bullet.” 

“The biggest takeaway is if you’re an artist of any kind, and you’re not putting your art out there, why?” 

Playing to the hill — where attendees famously lay out their tarps each morning — was both overwhelming and dreamlike for Kodie. Born and raised in Edmonton, she grew up attending the festival.

“I’ve never experienced any feeling like it. Looking out into the sea of people and everyone is projecting a similar energy that is excitement, passion, and gratitude,” Kodie said.

“Being here on the hill is the greatest gift that I could have been given. I am very grateful and aware of how lucky and privileged I am to be here.”

At the end of August, Kodie is releasing a single called “The Water Crane,” which is part of a bigger, upcoming project.

“They want to support you just because you’re part of the small, little community,” Monaghan says

Although many festival goers saw her performing with the rest of the School of Song or in-between main stage acts, singer-songwriter Monaghan could also be spotted in the crowd, enjoying the show. An Edmonton local, Monaghan has attended the festival more than once but never played. While excited to share her music — she released her EP Introspection in 2023 — she’s also taken advantage of other opportunities.

“Now that I’m here, I think what I’m most looking forward to is meeting as many different artists as possible. There’s people that I’ve been walking around and seeing that I’ve been looking up to for a really long time. It’s really cool to be able to have the opportunity to start a conversation with them and talk to them.”

Still, on the Thursday before Monaghan performed for the main hill, the familiar environment did nothing to curb her nervousness. 

“It was the anticipation that was so scary. Throughout the day I’ve never experienced adrenaline like that. My heart was beating,” she said. “But once I was up there it was much different.”

Although this is her first time playing EFMF, this is far from her first time performing for a live audience. Edmonton’s appreciation for live music is one of her favourite parts about the community here, she said. 

“If you post something, if you rally the troops, people [in] Edmonton will show up because they want to be there. They want to support you just because you’re part of the small, little community.”

Monaghan is currently working on a second, five-song EP which focuses on themes of growing up and mortality.