Interview with Ashley Roberts: On Debut Album, Single 'Clockwork' & Pussycat Dolls!
The UK has embraced Ashley Roberts so dearly, the former Pussycat Doll superstar has made it the starting point of her solo music career.
Ashley's strong tie with the United Kingdom was forged when she got the call from ITV 1 executives asking her to participate on 'I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!' where she eventually finished second in a very tough finale. The UK audience learned to know the true Ashley Roberts without all the Pussycat Dolls paraphernalia. A humble and fighter girl.
After her gig on 'Celebrity!', Ashley continued working on UK television, now as judge on 'Dancing on Ice' in early 2013. Before that, Ashley released on iTunes her first proper solo single, 'Yesterday'. It was a small taste of what was to come. Most recently, Ashley has been the host of 'Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway' on ITV 1. She got so used to her life in the UK that she even found love there! Well, for a while. She dated Welsh TV presenter Matt Johnson, but Ashley says she's a single lady now!
Now in 2014, Ashley is gearing up to release her debut solo album, a project she's been working hard on for the last two years. 'Yesterday' was just an appetizer, the real first single is the power-ballad 'Clockwork', where Ashley shows off how much she's grown as a vocalist.. The single is out in the UK on May 25th, while the album hits stores this summer!
DirectLyrics recently caught up with sweet Ashley for an exclusive interview. We talked with the fierce blonde about her new single 'Clockwork', the concept of its music video, the sound and current state of her debut album, or her memories on her PCD days!
THE INTERVIEW
1. Hey Ashley! You’ve been very busy lately preparing everything for the release of your new single "Clockwork" (out May 25th in the UK). For those who haven’t heard the song yet, describe its sound and what the lyrics are about.
I did 'Clockwork' with Red Triangle. It's about a relationship that's exciting, passionate and you know it's probably wrong but you keep going back for more. It's a song that really builds!
2. We are completely in love with “Clockwork” (you sing it beautifully!), and we recently saw behind-the-scenes footage of the music video. There was a pillow fight, a 70s car, and you burning something. Tell us a bit about the treatment of the video.
I wanted it to take a cinematic approach to the video. Have it tell the story of the relationship that you know you should leave but you keep coming back for more. The fire represents me wanting to burn the memories and feelings. The car has flashbacks of us being intimate but also expressing the emotion behind those memories. I wanted to it have grit to it and not be the bubble gum pop video.
3. How far are you into the recording process of your first album? Like, how many songs have you recorded to date and when do you hope to release it?
Being honoured to record at the amazing Metropolis studios over the last year. There are about 9/10 songs on the album. We are finishing up on the last tweaks now. Album set to be released late summer. Excited!
4. Is “Clockwork” representative of the entire sound of the album? I mean, are you a full-time balladist now or will you give fans a few up-tempos too?
There is a song on the album for everyone. Not a full time balladist! (laughs). I allowed myself to be open to different sounds and inspirations throughout the album.
5. It’s evident you’re focusing your music releases in the U.K now since you’ve gotten pretty popular there (very well deserved!). Additionally, you’re signed to Metropolis, a UK label. Did you ever imagine growing as a solo artist in a country that wasn’t yours?
No I didn't! But... I believe everything happens for a reason and going solo/recording my own album couldn't have been in a better place. I am inspired by the people, fashion, culture and electricity that exists within the UK. – it just feels right.
6. Talking about your time with The Pussycat Dolls for a moment. What memories do you have from those years?
PCD was such a cool and crazy adventure. I got to perform in front of people all over the world doing what I loved to do. Performing in front of the pyramids in Cairo, to Live Earth in London. Having the likes of Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Neyo support us, and supporting Black Eyed Peas, Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears in the states!! I mean it was insane - so cool, feels like another life. But I gained such amazing fans that are still with me today.
7. What are Ashley Roberts’ Top 5 songs of the moment?
'Pathetic' by Erik Hassle
'West Coast' by Lana del Rey
'Haunted' by Beyoncé
'Simple Things' by Miguel
'Waves' by Mr Probz
8. If Pink, Adele and Beyoncé were all playing concerts tonight, and you could only attend one. Which concert would you pick and why?
BEYONCE! She is killing it. Love the new album.
9. Thanks a lot for your time, Ashley! Best of luck with the new single! Any last thing you would like to share with our readers at Direct Lyrics?
Just that I am so grateful to get to do what I love and have the platform to do so. And send love to my fans. They have stuck by me. And thank you for the support as well