Jessica Mauboy reveals making a country album is her passion

JESSICA Mauboy reveals some of the classic songs she’s recorded for the next series of TV hit The Secret Daughter — and a surprise duet

JESSICA Mauboy has revealed her dream is to make a country music album.

Mauboy revisited her country roots during this year’s All the Hits arena tour.

In the concert, which airs on Foxtel’s [V] Hits on Friday at 8pm, Mauboy performed country songs by Tammy Wynette, LeAnn Rimes, Merle Haggard, Trisha Yearwood and Shania Twain.

Before her breakthrough on Australian Idol, Mauboy won the Telstra Road To Tamworth competition in 2004, aged just 14.

“I really want to make a country album, sooner rather than later,’’ Mauboy said.

“My record label know that’s my love. That would be my dream record, my passion project, an old-school country album.

“Country music is who I really, really am deeply.

“Listening to country music as a kid allowed my imagination to run wild.

Jessica Mauboy is reconnecting with her country music roots. Picture: Jay Town

“There were country songs I connected to when there was pain, when I saw things my family were going through. It was my way of acknowledging I wasn’t OK, music tapped on the door, I could work out these emotions by singing.

“The storytelling in country music is so powerful. I have my parents to thank for that, my mum especially. When she was 10 years old she got to sit on Slim Dusty’s lap when he came to Mount Isa. She passed down that love of country to me. A few years ago I got to introduce her to Charley Pride at his concert in Sydney. It was the ultimate gift for me to give back to her.”

Mauboy finished filming the second series of Channel 7’s The Secret Daughter last week — classic Australian songs recorded for the hit drama include Goanna’s Solid Rock and The Church’s Under the Milky Way.

Her new single Fallin’ (now at No. 8 on iTunes) has also been written into one scene in the miniseries.

Mauboy has also recorded a version of Amazing Grace with indigenous artist Gurrumul completely in Yolngu language — for the TV show and soundtrack.

The singer is keen to introduce more indigenous influences into her music.

Jessica Mauboy, aged 14, performs in Tamworth in 2004

“I am a part of that culture. I feel like I need to embrace myself more with it, be genuinely connected to it. Gurrumul gave me that opportunity to express what I’ve always wanted to do in Yolngu language.

“I want to pull that language into country music when I do it too. I want to work with the mob that are killing it — Thelma Plum, Briggs, Dan Sultan, Troy Cassar-Daley, AB Original — they’re incredible. And Christine Anu — when I grew up she was representing, whenever I see her I just gush. I want to do a country music record with some indigenous language and work with some of the incredible talent we’ve got in Australia. That’s my responsibility.

Jessica Mauboy on her All The Hits tour earlier this year.

“I’ve realised it is my responsibility to guide and be a leader. If that means going with my gut and making a country record people can connect with, why not? You have to be strong and have your gut instinct. I feel like I’ve had a bit of a rebirth this year after my tour, telling my story. I want what I do to have some meaning.”

Mauboy will also perform at this year’s Gympie Muster in August, alongside a who’s who of Australian country music.

Jessica Mauboy filming The Secret Daughter in Sydney. Pic Stephen Cooper