Honourable mention for Twin Flames at songwriting awards

Folk-rock duo Twin Flames has received an honourable mention in this year’s TD Indigenous Songwriter Awards.

Featuring Chelsey June and her husband, Jaaji, who is from Nunavik, Twin Flames is known for celebrating the distinct cultures and history of Canada’s three Indigenous Peoples through music.

The Ottawa-based group will receive $1,000 from the SOCAN Foundation.

The award, which was announced Monday, was created to recognize and celebrate artistic merit demonstrated by Indigenous songwriters, a spokesperson for SOCAN — the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada, the organization that licences music in Canada and distributes royalties to musicians.

Mohawk songwriter Logan Staats, from Six Nations of the Grand River in Ontario, took the top prize for his song Deadman. He will receive a $10,000 cash prize in addition to career development support and a chance to perform in front of music industry professionals.

Other honourable mention awards went to performers Aysanabee, Ila Barker, Kaeley Jade and Uncle Joe.

This year marks the fifth anniversary of the awards.

“Empowering Indigenous voices is essential, and we’re thankful for ongoing support from TD to celebrate Indigenous songwriters in Canada,” said Charlie Wall-Andrews, executive director of SOCAN Foundation, which gives awards to composers and songwriters.

“The award is designed to celebrate merit in the craft of songwriting.”

On Monday at 6 p.m. ET, all SOCAN Foundation TD Indigenous Songwriter Award recipients will be honoured on a special edition of The Kim Wheeler Show on SiriusXM’s The Indigiverse, Channel 165. Listeners will learn more about all the recipients from across Canada and hear their music.

The award winners were selected by a jury and advisory council of prominent Indigenous artists and industry leaders, including those of First Nations, Métis and Inuit heritage.

Previous recipients of the award include Leonard Sumner, Laura Niquay, Anachnid, and Jasmine Netnsa.