Twin Flames (band)

Twin Flames is a Canadian Indigenous folk and indie pop musical duo from Ottawa, Ontario. The duo consists of husband and wife Chelsey June and Jaaji Okpik. Their music blends English, Inuktitut, and French lyrics with Indigenous instrumentation and storytelling.

History:

Chelsey June and Jaaji Okpik met at a National Aboriginal Day event in 2014. They began writing and performing together shortly after. Their music draws heavily on their respective cultural backgrounds, with Chelsey June being Métis and Algonquin, and Jaaji being Inuk from Nunavik. Twin Flames has released several albums and EPs, garnering widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards and nominations. They are known for their passionate live performances and commitment to promoting Indigenous language and culture through their music.

Musical Style and Influences:

Twin Flames' musical style is a unique blend of folk, indie pop, and world music. They incorporate traditional Indigenous instruments such as the jaw harp and throat singing into their contemporary sound. Their music often explores themes of identity, reconciliation, and cultural pride. Influences include artists such as Buffy Sainte-Marie, A Tribe Called Red, and Mumford & Sons, while maintaining a distinctly Indigenous voice.

Discography:

• Jaaji and Chelsey June (EP, 2015)
• Twin Flames (Album, 2016)
• Signal Fire (Album, 2017)
• Omen (Album, 2020)
• Human (Album, 2022)

Awards and Recognition:

Twin Flames has received several awards and nominations, including:

• Canadian Folk Music Awards
• Native American Music Awards
• Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards

Activism and Advocacy:

Beyond their music, Twin Flames are active advocates for Indigenous rights and cultural preservation. They frequently speak about issues facing Indigenous communities and use their platform to promote language revitalization and cultural understanding. They conduct workshops and performances in schools and communities across Canada.