Gosselin sisters new summer sound
With a formidable 20 years of experience collectively, and 30 solo and collaborative projects between them, the Gosselin sisters are no strangers to the music industry. But this summer Melissa, Engara and Marion Gosselin plan to release their first ever album together. Melissa Gosselin spoke exclusively to the Herald on the forthcoming album. “We’ve had a lot of people ask us in the past “how come you haven’t done one all together?” This year we decided to do it. So it’s a mad rush now to get it done and make sure it’s ready in time for the best time of the year – summer! It’s a real summer album, I think.”
Their latest effort is a currently unnamed album, which they hope to release in time for Christmas. Gosselin describes the style of the songs on the album as eclectic. “It’ll be the first time we’ve all worked together on composing. There’s everything from classic Cook Island numbers to a more uptempo reggae feel, but still trying to maintain a Cook Island flavour.” She also remarked on the coming together of each of the sisters’ unique sound. “Everyone’s got their own style of singing. The experience is very different, which makes this album a good collaboration.”
While many locals have heard the musical offerings of Melissa and Engara, their sister Marion has not yet released any solo material of her own. “Marion has done a lot of vocal work for other artists, but this is her first solo performance. I think a lot of people are going to be pleasantly surprised hearing her sing. They may have heard her sing before but not realised [that it was] her.”
According to Gosselin, the recording process so far has “taken a few late nights”, but they have received support and encouragement from their family, who were “really happy and so proud” when they heard the first finished song. They have been working with producers Caleb Teulilo and John Toleafoa, recording in Titikaveka. Teulilo has already worked with the likes of Tara Kauvai and other established local artists. Gosselin said, “That’s definitely going to be a long term relationship, working with Caleb. He’s a super talented guy.” The sisters plan to produce a video to coincide with the release of the album, and already Gosselin stated that they are looking to future collaborative projects together. “If it works out then I’m sure we’ll definitely look at carrying on and doing another album.”
While Gosselin claimed it was difficult to choose a favourite track, she expressed that they were all excited by the first track they recorded, ‘Islands I Adore’. “We spent the most time on it - everyone wanted to make sure that we kicked off the album with a big bang. That sets the flavour for the album and I think people are going to like it. When you listen to the song you picture yourself at the beach having a barbecue, hanging out with friends, or even cruising round the island on the bike - whatever you’re doing it automatically takes you back to the islands and that’s what that song is all about.”
For those looking to follow in their footsteps to a career in music, the advice from Gosselin: “If they enjoy singing then by all means they should grab it with both hands and just go for it! There are a lot of opportunities on the island to show what you’re capable of doing: Composers competitions, talent competitions, dance competitions – it’s always happening on the island. So if you want to get involved and take performing arts seriously, then participate in opportunities like that. Get involved, don’t hold back!”
Gosselin emphasised the importance for the three of them to stay true to their musical roots for this album. “We want to make sure that we’re not straying too far from what we’ve done in the past and what our roots are - to make sure it’s a Cook Island product. That’s where we’ve grown and developed from. This is where we started singing and we want to make sure that we maintain that roots flavour.” Ultimately, for the Gosselin sisters, the album represents a long-awaited musical adventure. “It’s the first time the sisters have recorded an album together, so it’s been a long time coming. We’re relieved that we can finally do something just for the three of us.” - Ngariki Ngatae

Herald Issue 554 09 March
- Norm exposes Trio of Doom
- Briefs from PM’s media conference Tuesday
- Tourism Industry ponders $5 million draft strategy
- Norman George resigns from Cook Islands Party
- Letter of Resignation from CIP
- Norman selfish says Prime Minister