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Monica is continuing to work in the studio, but has something different in mind for her next project. The “Angel of Mine” singer told Billboard in a recent interview she’s working on a country album and has been in Nashville, Tennessee collaborating with some big names in country music.
“I grew up loving country music and my stepfather, who raised me, is a Methodist minister, but he also drove buses and he would take us to Nashville, Gatlinburg and Dollywood in Tennessee. I became a really big fan of Dolly Parton, at about 8 or 9 years old. That was my real introduction to country music,” she shared with the outlet.
“Shortly after, it was Kenny Rogers. I started listening to the depth of the songs and the fact that they were unafraid to say whatever it was they felt,” she added.
During her Verzuz battle with Brandy, Monica debuted her single "Trenches" off of her forthcoming independent album of the same name, which isn't out yet, but the singer still has her plans set for a country album after that.
On why she wants to do a country album at this point in her career, Monica had this to say:
“I felt like this was a great time for me to really step into an area that I’ve always admired and loved. We’re just getting started, but I have so enjoyed it and been welcomed with open arms.”
In June, the “Boy Is Mine” songstress collaborated with Jimmie Allen and Little Big Town on the song “Pray.” Last year, for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Monica joined Dolly Parton, Rita Wilson, and Jordin Sparks for the benefit song “PINK.”
Now that she's an independent artist, the singer is set to release both Trenches and her country album on her label, MonDeenise Music.
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