Twin Flames
- Folk, Inuttitut, Rock
Witness the extraordinary connection of Twin Flames as they effortlessly bridge gaps between cultures, continents, and musical styles. Their talent has been recognized and celebrated worldwide, leaving no doubt that they possess a unique and remarkable gift. In a mere seven years, Twin Flames have amassed an impressive collection of 44 music awards and nominations, a testament to their undeniable talent and dedication. Prepare to be captivated by their unforgettable performances, where music, comedy, and thought-provoking stories intertwine to create an experience like no other. The undeniable synchronicity and genuine love that radiate from Twin Flames will leave a lasting impression on your heart and soul.
Twin Flames are a husband-and-wife who deliver a powerful sound that is both contemplative Folk and unapologetic Rock ‘n’ Roll. Their songs have earned them a unique place among contemporary music-makers and songwriters, which has, in turn, led to them touring all over the world.
Together, they create sonic soundscapes using Indigenous spirit flutes, traditional drums, and Western instruments. They share a genuine love for songwriting, which stands out lyrically and melodically for the world to hear.
Jaaji (Inuk from Nunavik and Mohawk from Kahnawake) and Chelsey June; (with Settler and Indigenous heritage) write songs delivered through a mix of English, French and Inuttitut. Well, on their way to becoming a Canadian household name, the sky seems to be no limit for this pair.
Twin Flames were also selected as artist-in-residence for the 2019 Folk Alliance International conference and partnered with UNESCO to write ‘Human,’ the official song to celebrate the 2019 International Year of Indigenous Languages and a track that reached #1 on the Indigenous Music Countdown.
Twin Flames have toured extensively, playing over 2,000 shows in Canada, Greenland, the United States, Australia, France, and the Cayman Islands while also spending substantial amounts of time in Canada’s Northern and Arctic communities.
Originally from the Arctic, Jaaji (Inuk from Nunavik and Mohawk from Kahnawake) was raised by his grandparents in traditional Inuit ways. Chelsey June grew up in Ottawa and Gatineau with her mother, who originated from Maniwaki, QC. Both had an early aptitude and passion for music. Chelsey June recalls sitting on a plush carpet listening to vinyl records on her parent’s old school stereo and later, literally shocking a room into silence when singing a boisterous happy birthday to her grandmother as a child. Jaaji, by comparison, speaks of his desperate long-time desire to play music, his first halting steps as a guitarist and singer, abandoning music for a time, but ultimately deciding to honour his late cousin’s memory (a guitar player himself) by seriously committing to music in 2014.
Having reached a point where the love of music and song writing prompted them to eschew their straight jobs and embrace an uncertain future as creators, after crossing paths on the set of APTN’s Talent Autochtones Musical in 2014, each recognized the other as a kindred spirit and soon found themselves touring extensively in Northern Canada.
In addition to their substantial chops as songwriters, singers, and instrumentalists, Chelsey June and Jaaji share a sense of adventure and a love of travel, which made their near-constant touring during the first year and a half of the band’s existence more a pleasure than a hardship. “Although it was still an eye-opener,”Jaaji says, laughing at the recollection of duct-taping a lamppost and a broken hockey stick in a venue without mic stands.
“I think, rather than hard touring, we see adventure,” the duo says, “and we don’t tour like a normal band. It’s Vancouver one day, Nunavut the next, or down to the desert in California – all over the map. But it makes us feel alive, and we both feel extremely privileged that we get to go to places that many people will never see in their lifetimes. What we find most inspiring is the beauty, love and resilience that exist in the tiniest places.”
