ALL ABOUT JESS

Chart-topping Australian singer Jessica Mauboy talks love, lonliness and music legend Whitney Houston on the eve of her new release, Yours Forever

You describe your new album, Yours Forever, as “a full circle moment”. Looking back on your career, what have been some of your biggest learnings?

I’ve always been very giving and I haven’t stopped that but I think you [have to] choose when to give. It’s healthy. You have to keep some for yourself. I learnt the hard way ... realising I felt so heavy in my own private space when I was at home. For me, that’s the loneliest I ever was. I

t’s a very personal album. How do you feel putting it out into the world? 

It’s so personal that it makes me scared. That said, it also encourages me because I think anybody who hasn’t yet found their voice or hasn’t given themselves permission ... some of what I’m saying will resonate [with them]. It’s really all about storytelling and the honest moments I didn’t have the courage to say then but I’m able to say now. It’s so empowering.

The album is very much a return to your roots. Tell us about that.