The Ennis Sisters seem far too young to be celebrating their 29th year in the music industry. However, considering Teresa, the youngest sister, was 16 when they released their first record, it makes more sense.
In most families, the kids often leave home to carve out their own, separate paths, says Teresa.
“With us, it was like we graduated high school, got in a van and hit the road. And we’ve been driving every since!”
The three started singing together when they were kids and soon, were being asked to perform at community events.
“We grew up in a musical family and it’s just something we always loved to do. We didn’t seek it out, this career, it just sort of happened, like it was what we were meant to do,” says Maureen.
The timing was in their favour.
“There was a huge focus on the East Coast when we started coming into this career,” says Karen. “The Rankin Family, Natalie MacMaster, Ashley MacIsaac, Great Big Sea, all people we looked up to. That’s the road we were following.”
“We just kind of got into it at the right time, in the right way,” she says.
Now, nearly 30 years later, they’ve collaborated with nearly everyone they used to idolize. Their unique brand of Irish East Coast folk has won them a JUNO, a SOCAN Award, and many other accolades.
They’ve been contemplating their journey, as they prepare to celebrate three decades next year.
“We’ve been reflecting on all of the things we got to do together,” says Teresa. “Success means a different thing at this point. When we were teenagers we just wanted the fame and the fortune and the attention.”
It’s different now, she says.
“Now you realize success means something so much bigger than that, it’s the experience, it’s the time spent together, it’s making a decent living where we can pay our mortgages and our bills,” she says. “To me, that means the world.”
If Karen’s teenage self could see her now, she would be impressed, she says.
“I would be so, so proud that these three little sisters from St. John’s, Newfoundland, were able to go out on the world stage and represent where we’re from, so many times.”
They’re very grateful for all the opportunities their musical career has given them, but especially that they’ve been able to do it all together.
“As teenagers, you’re bickering, and you have so much left to learn,” says Teresa. “Now, as women in our 40s, we just have so much appreciation for this friendship. We know it’s a very unique thing that we can work together and be actual friends.”
The sisters, who are multi-instrumentalists as well as talented vocalists, are working on a new album, their first in four years. And they’ll be in Alberta soon!
“We love Alberta. It’s always one of our favourite spots that we look forward to,” says Karen, noting that they always find lots of East Coasters in the province.
The Ennis Sisters play stages in Edmonton on April 28, Fort McMurray on April 29, Calgary on May 1, and Canmore on May 3. Tickets and details can be found on their website.
Are you an East Coaster who loves that CKUA plays music from your region? Show that love! Our Spring Fundraiser starts April 17. Donate now and tell us where you’re from and why you’re giving.
“Wildfire” by The Ennis Sisters:
