I know I’m a little bit behind with this news but I’m still going to talk about it because it’s AMAZING! Nicola Roberts from Girls Aloud is releasing a solo album…AND it’s ELECTROPOP! EEEEEEE! The album is called Cinderella’s Eyes and is due out sometime this fall. The album’s first single, the Diplo-produced “Beat Of My Drum” is due out in the UK on June 5th via Universal Records.
There have been rumors swirling around since last year about Roberts’ solo music and it’s finally become a reality and I can’t WAIT to get my hands on it. Physically of course. No illegal downloads for me! While working on her solo debut, Roberts teamed up with an impressive group of collaborators including Dimitri Tikovoi (Goldfrapp, The Horrors), Diplo (M.I.A., Beyonce), Metronomy and Canadian electropop duo Dragonette. per the press release:
“The album has a very British sound, that was important to me,” explains Nicola. “I co-wrote all of the songs on the record. The stories I tell in the album are things that have happened to me and life in general. Some are happy, some songs are a little cheeky and one song is sad.”{SOURCE}
Good for her. To come from a MAJOR girl group like Girls Aloud and dive into a solo career is huge. Add to that the mix that she co-wrote all of the songs? I’m impressed…and a little surprised to be honest. I’ve been a Girls Aloud fan for some time (I bought the singles collection!), but to me, Nicola was one that faded into the background. Sure, she’s absolutely stunning – porcelain skin, gorgeous red hair – but certain stronger personalities emerged from the group (*AHEM* – Cheryl Cole, Nadine Coyle). In the videos, Nicola always seemed to be a bit player. Sure, she had the occasional solo bit as a member of the group but she never got her fair share of the camera time. Looks like that’s all about to change as Nicola gets ready to release “Beat Of My Drum.”
As a newly emerging solo artist, I can’t help but think that Nicola is a little bit nervous, given Nadine’s recent pop failures (her album barely cracked the Top 50 in the UK and her single peaked just outside of the Top 20) and given Cheryl Cole‘s relatively lacklustre performing sophomore album (which floundered after single #1). Cinderella’s Eyes looks to be Nicola’s long over due chance to emerge as an artist and I personally can’t wait to see where she takes her career. Look for the album this fall and look for first single, “Beat Of My Drum” on June 5th. A second single will be released preceding the album’s release this autumn. You can hear a snippet of “Beat Of My Drum” below (U.S. fans click HERE). Nicola Roberts overload! I’m so excited!
Note: Pre-order the single on UK iTunes HERE OR a signed copy of the CD single HERE. You can also pre-order a signed copy of her album HERE.