R&B legend Monica is recording a country album, according to a recent interview with Billboard.
Currently working in the studio with Brandi Carlile, Monica shared that the album, rooted in a genre she’s had close to her heart for many years, could arrive before the end of 2021.
“I felt like this was a great time for me to really step into an area that I’ve always admired and loved,” she said. “We’re just getting started, but I have so enjoyed it and been welcomed with open arms.”
Gaining admiration for country music through her stepfather, whose work as a bus driver led them to parts of Tennessee, she was attracted to country superstars such as Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, who she’s consistently named as an inspiration.
In June, Monica offered a taste of her country cadence on Jimmie Allen’s new album Bettie James on the song “Pray” with Little Big Town. This collaboration came to be without him knowing her plans to craft a country album. “He called because he wanted me on it, that means it was meant [to be],” she affirmed.
Regarding her hotly anticipated Trenches album, Monica shared that the passing of a close uncle paused its recording. The Lil Baby-assisted title track led the promo trail and had an accompanying video. Read up on everything we know about Monica’s Trenches album here.
Last year, Monica collaborated with Parton for a charity single titled “Pink,” featuring Rita Wilson and Sara Evans. She celebrated milestone anniversaries for two albums that same year: Miss Thang (25th) and Still Standing (10th).