Walpole twin sisters Oceanique named youth folk artists of the year

Walpole twins Maddy and Jess Larkman have been named youth artists of the year at the 2022 Australian Folk Music Awards. Maddy and Jess Larkman formed the folk duo Oceanique in late 2019, playing open mic nights in venues around Perth while studying music at TAFE. Following in the footsteps of their local inspiration — Albany’s The Waifs — the sisters’ mix of harmonies and acoustic instruments conjures the ethereal settings of their Great Southern roots. They received their youth artist of the year medals at the Australian Folk Music Awards ceremony in Brunswick, Victoria on October 26. Speaking to the Advertiser after returning from their whirlwind trip east, the twins expressed their excitement at winning the award. “Going to Melbourne was our first show out of WA,” Jess said. “No one had heard of us, but they were so welcoming. “It makes you feel like you’ve made it.” The sisters grew up between the ocean and the forests in the south coast town of Walpole. The influence of the region comes through in their music. “Walpole just finds itself in our music without us realising,” Maddy said. The sisters attended Walpole Primary School and Denmark Senior High School before making the switch to boarding at the WA College of Agriculture — Denmark. They were able to pursue their passion for music during their time at the agriculture college, completing a certificate course in music at Denmark TAFE in their after-school hours. From there, they briefly attended university in Perth, with Maddy studying journalism and Jess studying marketing and advertising, before they both decided to commit to a career in music. The sisters recorded their first singles while studying music at TAFE in Perth, taking advantage of the equipment and studios. After their recent success in Perth and the Eastern States, the duo will be returning to the south of WA to play at Six Degrees in Albany on November 25 and then in Manjimup on November 26. “Growing up regionally is so special, we are so grateful to have grown up in the Great Southern,” Jess said. “There is lots of space to be creative.”