BIGSOUND 2019 Artist Focus: Twin Flames

Answered by: Chelsey June

Give us a short description of your music: Building bridges across cultures, continents, and styles, multi-award-winning band Twin Flames bring together a richness of personal history and musical experience. They create a sonic landscape that spans Canada’s vast country, blending together Indigenous and western instruments.

Which acts are on your must-see list at BIGSOUND? We are so new to Australia as it is our first time visiting. We are looking forward to discovering all the amazing bands from there!

Why should people come and see you among the many amazing bands at BIGSOUND? Jaaji and I represent all three Indigenous groups in Canada - Inuit, First Nations and Metis. We make the difficult subjects of Canada’s dark history approachable and speak about our experiences first-hand. Our latest song Human was written as UNESCO’s official song to celebrate the Year of Indigenous Languages.

What music trends do you think are dominating right now, and do you have any predictions for the coming year? We feel that indie-folk is really dominating right now, as well as '80s-influenced sounds. The coming year I believe will be futuristic sounds, but stemming from '80s and '90s influence.

In your career to date, what have been the key watershed moments? Winning music awards in Canada and the United States. Being chosen by Folk Alliance International to write the official song for UNESCO's International Year of Indigenous Languages. Touring and getting to do what we love every day. Being chosen to come to Australia!

What industry lessons would you like to take away from the BIGSOUND conference? Meeting with additional industry people will be awesome and getting to understand the climate of the industry in Australia. Many bands that we have spoken to from Canada have expressed a loss in money touring in Australia and we want to find out why. How we can do it cost-effectively?

What do you identify as the most pressing issue impacting the Australian music industry at present? We hope to find out more. Also, how Australia's Indigenous peoples are supported in the Australian music industry.

What is the best bit of advice you've been given to prepare for your time at BIGSOUND? None yet.

When and where is your BIGSOUND showcase? 3 Sep, Empire Hotel, 9.10pm; 6 Sep, Indigenous North @ BIGSOUND, X Cargo, 2.30pm.