Judah returns to country roots with new album

THERE was never any doubt in Judah Kelly’s mind that his next album after The Voice would be a country album.

Straight after winning the reality singing show’s title last year, Kelly released his winner’s album which peaked at No 3 on the ARIA Albums Chart.

But the 21-year-old considers his upcoming album Real Good Time, out on October 5, to be his true debut release.

“The first album was The Voice winner dude doing The Voice winner’s album, but this one is more me making my first album,” he says.

“We had a lot more time as well. The first album from beginning to end took 10 days, whereas this time I started in November (last year) looking for songs and we recorded through May.”

Kelly and producer Matt Fell, who also produced Count On Me, put the call out to country songwriters all over the world.

“I’m not really fussed on where the songs come from, or if I write them or not. I just want good songs,” he says.

“(The title track) Real Good Time is definitely one of my favourites. To me it’s not about going out and partying all the time but what we want to do. The goal is to have a real good time playing music and going out and meeting people.”

The album blends country ballads with touches of rock, blues and soul.

“I call it a country album. Country music is where I want to be,” Kelly says. “I’m definitely a country singer but growing up I listened to a lot of Motown and Stevie Wonder, and that kind of stuff influences the way I sing and play music too.”

Kelly is the most successful Voice artist since inaugural winner Karise Eden. But life as a solo artist after the reality show has been tricky to navigate.

He sums up those feelings in the song

Nothing Makes Sense, his co-write on the album with Peter James Harding, who penned his Voice winner’s song Count On Me.

When Kelly hits the road next month, his live shows will trace his evolution from back-up singer and guitar player to headliner.

He’ll also support country music stalwarts The McClymonts and Adam Harvey in November.

He will play the City Golf Club with Adam Harvey in Toowoomba on November 9.