Twin Flames - Our Story
Twin Flames build bridges across cultures, continents, and styles, and have been celebrated internationally. This, alongside their substantial body of work, make it clear that they have something special going on. In just seven years of recording and performing as Twin Flames, the duo has accumulated 41 music awards and nominations.
Twin Flames offer a memorable show with the perfect blend of music, comedy and thought-provoking stories. Their synchronicity and love shine through at every show.
Recipients of 4 Canadian Folk Music Awards, 3 Native American Music Awards, 3 Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards and the 2022 Capital Music Award (Group of the year.) Jaaji and Chelsey met on-set during the filming of APTN's TAM in 2014. In 2015 they created the band Twin Flames.
Indie rock, synth rock, and folk pop are just a few of the labels critics have assigned to the music of Twin Flames. Their unique style and sound make it difficult to narrow their work to a single genre.
Twin Flames create sonic soundscapes using Indigenous spirit flutes, traditional drums, and western instruments. They craft enticing musical arrangements, standout harmonies, and beautiful rhythmic patterns. The result is a warm, perfect blend of sounds. In addition, Twin Flames shares a genuine love for songwriting that stands out lyrically and melodically for the world to hear.
From the beginning, this husband and wife duo has chosen to let their music speak for itself. Jaaji (Inuk from Nunavik and Mohawk from Kahnawake) and Chelsey June (Algonquin, Métis, Cree + Settler) write songs delivered through a mix of English, French and Inuttitut.
A revered powerhouse couple well on their way to becoming a Canadian household name, the sky seems to be no limit for this pair.
Chelsey June and Jaaji have shared the stage with many session musicians, but the band, at its core, is made up of Chelsey and Jaaji.
Jaaji pronounced (Yaa Yee)
Jaaji is the lead male voice and songwriter for the multi-award-winning, chart-topping Indigenous folk duo Twin Flames. Jaaji is also a public figure, published author, model, and actor. He has contributed to many community wellness campaigns and continues to dedicate his time to raising awareness about Canada’s past from an Indigenous perspective. Jaaji is a proud father and mentor.
“Jaaji” is an Inuit name derived from the English “George.” Jaaji grew up in a humble fly-in community called Quaqtaq in Northern Nunavik, QC. His grandparents raised him in the traditional ways of the Inuit. Much of his songwriting reflects this upbringing by depicting life on the land. Jaaji spent his childhood summers with his biological father in Kahnawake, a reserve of the traditionally Iroquoian-speaking Mohawk nation on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River. He was raised in two different worlds and cultures. He advocates for language revitalization and preservation, passionate about including the Inuttitut language in his songs.
In 2014, Jaaji decided to commit to music full-time. With his first album Nunaga, he won Indigenous Language Album of the Year at the 2015 Indigenous Music Awards.
Before his music career, Jaaji served as a police officer for 12 years in Quaqtaq, QC and Kuujjuaq in the Nunavik region of Quebec. After he retired from policing, he served as a behavioural tech at the local high school in Quaqtaq. He also took on the role of a cultural teacher, implementing projects that offered Inuit youth opportunities for land-based learning. He further worked for Makivik as the head of the Inuit Dog Slaughter compensation files. Jaaji lives a life of sobriety and shares his recovery story openly.
Chelsey June
Chelsey June is the lead female voice and songwriter for multi-award-winning, chart-topping Indigenous folk duo Twin Flames. Chelsey is also a public figure, published author, poet, model, and actress. She co-hosts the Canadian Folk Music Award alongside Benoit Bourque and is involved in many community outreach programs and charitable organizations. She is fluent in both English and French. Chelsey is a proud mother.
Chelsey June grew up in Ottawa and Gatineau with her mother, who hails from Maniwaki, QC. Chelsey spent her childhood surrounded by music. This early introduction to a wide variety of music influenced her own unique sound and style. Chelsey is proud of her Indigenous heritage (Anishinaabe) Algonquin, Métis and Cree) and openly shares her perspective on living as a Canadian with both Settler and Indigenous heritage. Chelsey also advocates for mental wellness, healthy relationships, and sober living. Her soulful voice and unique songwriting skills stand out. She released her first album (Seize the Day) in 2013 and her first EP (Finding Me) in 2014.
Before joining under the moniker of Twin Flames, Chelsey June and Jaaji had independently successful music careers. They met on set during the filming of APTN’s Talent Autochtones Musical.
Statement from Chelsey June:
“My name is Chelsey June. I am a non-Status Indigenous person. I was raised with so much pride in my cultural identity. My ancestral connections include Anishinaabe (Commandant-Brascoupé), Métis (Ontario, Hodgson), and Cree (James Bay region). I am the sum of all my relations. ”