Ashley!

"Ashley Roberts" (more commonly known by her stage name, Ashley!) is a young female singer, songwriter actress, producer and presenter. She was born in New York City, America on February 17th 1991 before moving to the UK where she grew up.

Throughout her music career, for which she is best known, Ashley has released ten singles, 9 of which have charted in the top ten, including two number one singles with Privacy and Marionette, as well as two studio albums, both achieving a diamond status for selling over 1,000,000 copies, with the second album, Exclamation Declaration hitting the top spot in June 2012. She has sold almost 5 million copies throughout her career.

Ashley moved to the UK with her family to kick start her career. She began recording for her debut album in late 2010, but finally entered the Uraps world in early 2011 and released her debut single in March. Ashley has also ventured into other areas such as presenting her own TV Show, major film roles, including a role in the upcoming, Hunger Games: Catching Fire, and stars alongside L.E.X is a new film 'Identity' as a love interest. During her time in the spotlight she has gone on to scoring twelve top 10 hits, including four number one record three studio albums, which have all been certified Diamond at least, with latter two hitting the top spot. She has won a number of awards including 'Best Breakthrough' and 'Best Newcomer' at the Uraps Awards. She is currently engaged fellow popstar Caymon, with a summer wedding apparently planned.

1990-2010: Childhood
Ashley grew up in New York with her mother, father and sister. She is the youngest sibling, and has a close relationship with her family, and despite the distance, is always in contact with them and pays for them to fly over to visit her. She is currently looking for a place for them to live in London, so they live closer to her. Along with her family, Ashley moved to London, until Ashley was 19, and the family returned home without her. Ashley said she felt she was "thrown in at the deep end" but she felt in made her the strong person she has turned out to be. Speaking about her childhood, Ashley has always referred to it as a 'dark place' but has never offered any reasons to this. She has said, that paticularly in her second studio album, inspiration was drawn from this, as she finds it the best way to express her opinion.

During her childhood in the UK, living with her Grandparents, Ashley always expressed her thoughts and ideas through music, writing songs about her days at school, and created a band titled 'The Movement' but they did not pull through to the Uraps industry. She often brings segments of her old songs, rewriting them into new, updated songs. An example of this is, 'Ready To Go' on her debut album's re-release.

(2010-2012) New York Dreamer
Ashley was brought into the spotlight by Pop-Slut Bella-May who acknowledged Ashley's talent, and signed her up immediately to her record label, Vampire Crypt Records in September 2010 and began work on her album straight away, although she had previous material. During a press conference, it was stated Ashley has signed a contract offering a high budget, unlimited singles and support and artists control, which appealed to Ashley. The release of her debut single. Animal was originally planned for February, with Ruby and the Gems but was cancelled due to scheduling difficulties, and little promotion time. Re-scheduled for March 14th, this time on her own, Ashley re-filmed a video, (produced by Sophie Muller). The single charted at #5 in the URAPS single chart and sold 123,078 copies, just missing a silver certification.

It was then confirmed, a second single, followed by the album, was due to be released. For the single Guide Me To Love, Ashley enlisted the help of fellow newbie to the scene Kleo. Reviews for the song were generally favourable reviews from critics, with many stating Ashley and Kleo's relationship was refreshing in the industry. Mid-way through promotion Ashley fell ill, leaving Kleo to manage most of the promotion herself, leading to a mis-understand between the pair, resulting in them falling out. Shortly after however, the pair made up and they stay in contact occasionally. Due to Ashley missing alot of the singles promotion, the single sold a mere 58,886 copies, and charted at a #12, which is to date, both the artists poorest charting record and sales.

Before moving on to the re-release of the album, Ashley wanted to release the fans favourite track, Show You How To Love. The song penned by Kleo, had been the favourite among fans and critics since the album was released. Ashley announced the release at the end of June. The single was released 11th July, backed up with a video and a strong, yet short round of tv and radio promotion. The single charted at #11 on the official URAPS single chart, but climbed to #10, securing Ashley another top 10 hit. Due to the release, New York Dreamer, also bolted back up the chart to #15 at the time. Ashley was transferred over to Fusion Records after Strawberry Records entered Administration.

On 18th July Ashley began posting teasers of her brand new single, set for release 8th August. The song received an official radio premiere on 22nd July. What It Do? featured vocals from Just Ginger who wrote the song for Ashley. The single received strong airplay, and was loved by critics who praised the single and collaboration. The single was described as 'little suggestive, a little raunchy, a little flirty, a little racy, a little Catholic schoolgirl with a darkside. The single charted at #6, and sold 201,002. It was announced later in August, that Ashley has planned to release her next single, later named, Turn it On, later in September time. She flew out to New York later to record the video. Both the single and the album received positive reviews, which reviewers praising Ashley's 'grown up' style of music. The single peaked at #7, selling 147,580 copies overall. Ashley then re-released the album on November 7th under the title of (I Am The) New York Dreamer. The end of 2011 saw the album sell 709,803 copies, and was the years 27th highest seller. As of the 1st April, the album sold over 1,000,000 copies, receiving a diamond certification. Ashley sent a video thanking their fans stating she was 'over the moon' with the success. It still remains in the top 20, and is approaching it's first year anniversary. Upon the release of Privacy, the album shot back up to #6, matching it's peak position. Our Futures, the one ballad from the album was due for release in November, but due to schedule difficulties, and Ashley needing promote in the US, the UK release of the single was cancelled. The last single from the New York Dreamer album was confirmed as fan favourite, Proud Mom which was written by, and features the vocals of Bella-May. A video was shot in London as was released as part of the final day of a promotional arce, named 'Ashley's 12 Days of Christmas'. The video sees Ashley walking through a 'fairytale' view of London. Bella also features in the video. The song has been praised immensly, with many commenting on it's fun style. The single was released on January 30th, and debuted at #4. A week later the single climbed and peaked at #3.

(2012 - 2013) Exclamation Declaration
In January, days before the release of Ashley's 'Proud Mom' it was confirmed Ashley was among 11 others to take part in 2012's Tango Challenge. She was paired with fellow urban artist Honey. Ashley promoted the single brilliantly, but critics questioned her duet partners whereabouts, and her little promotion. Despite this, the single, Scaredy Cat charted at #7.

Leading up to the release of Scaredy Cat, Ashley told reporters that she was already raring to go with releasing her next single. It was confirmed that the single was a duet with a current Tango Challenge artist, and with Honey being ruled out, the week leading up to the premiere, the collaborater received a lot of speculation with large bets being placed. Tayla White was the front runner up to the premiere, and therefore people were surprised when the collaborator was revealed as No Little Thing. The single, titled Privacy premiered on April 1st, and Ashley was 'confirmed' as the frontwoman of No Little Thing, it was later revealed however that this was indeed a April Fools prank, but the single was indeed going ahead. During the lead up to the release rumours of a '4D Gig' were spread, which was later confirmed by No Little Thing's, Kip. Held on Friday 4th, just before the release date. The '4D Extravaganza' saw a whole new meaning to the 'live experience' and each act performed two sets of four songs, and finished with a final joint setlist. The concert has been dubbed the 'concert of the century'. The single was released on May 7th, and charted at #1 selling over 100,000 upons it release. Ashley discovered the news at Radio One, and broke into tears of happiness, thanking fans.

As thanks for her single charting at #1, Ashley revealed the title of her next single, Here I Am. The singer flew out to New York to film the video, which later premiered a few days before the official single release on June 25, which was also the release date for the album. The single charted at #4 in the official single chart, selling over 80,000 copies. On the same week, the album charted at #1, the first album to do this for Ashley.

During recent times, Ashley has also helped write for other artists, including new girl-duo Status

In August it was announced Ashley will be touring worldwide, playing in countries such as USA, France, Germany, aswell as headlining arenas in the UK. Ashley was also nominated for four awards at 'Uraps 22 Awards' including 'Best Breakthrough' (which she won the previous year), Best Live (for the 'Privacy: 4D Extravaganza), Best Download Single (Privacy: 4D), and Best Collaboration for her part in Privacy, alongside No Little Thing. Despite not winning any of the four awards she was nominated for, Ashley was personally invited to perform at the awards, signing a mash-up of Here I Am and Privacy (which brought Smoke from No Little Thing onto stage). Ashley also charted at #12 in Uraps Rate; the highest position of her career, receiving 80% of the possible score, charting above well established acts such as MIDNIGHT, Kazimiera and Ace Rejects. She was one of the highest risers of the rate Ashley is also confirmed to be playing at the iTunes festival, and supporting Ace Rejects for a one-off gig as a goodbye.

Ashley then went onto release the albums fourth single, which was decided by a fan vote to be Marionette. It went on to chart at number one and has since become the singers best selling track of her career, and the song she is most renown for. The single was followed by a short break before returning for the 2013 Tango Challenge, where she released We've Got A Problem alongside Aimee Stevens. The song charted at number four, and was contained on the singers mini re-release of the album. Ashley confirmed this would be the last track before moving on to a new era.

She embarked on the Ashley: The ! 2013 Tour to round off the era and promote the album further.

(2013 - Present) Silver Lining
After a short break and despite rumours of a full blown re-release of Exclamation Declaration, Ashley has confirmed that she instead had began working on her third studio album, due for release in the Summer of 2013. On 6th July, Ashley official website went black before an uploaded lyric picture and the caption 'coming soon' appeared, many speculating it was indeed the start of the new era. A few days after, Ashley revealed that her new single Light Up The World, written by Crystal Barker would be the lead single from the new album, later revealed to be titled Silver Lining. It was announced shortly after the release of the album that Ashley would partake on a worldwide tour titled Silver Lining Showcase with dates for Leg One beginning in April in arenas around the UK. She would also visit US and Canada in the first leg. After the success of the lead single hitting the top spot and becoming the biggest track of her career, Ashley immediately began promotion on the second lift from the album, with the sexy pop single, Hershey Kisses. Released a year on from Marionette, the song matched the success and hit the number one spot upon release. Along with the release, Ashley opened a one-off boutique in central London, selling chocolate and confectionary. Around this time, Ashley released an official 2014 calendar, which became a top seller.



In October 2013, the film premiere of 'Identity' was held and Ashley received mainly positive reviews for her role in the film, with critics mentioning it was 'refreshing' to see such a versatile celebrity. The following month followed the release of the second of two films starring Ashley, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire'. She once again received mainly positive reviews for her role in the film. More UK dates were added to her 2014 due to popular demand, with Ashley adding the support was 'mind numbing'.

Roberts confirmed her participation in the Christmas Chart Battle of 2013, and it was later confirmed she would be releasing Love In Your Eyes with Eoin O'Neill. Throughout promotion for the single, romance links were made between the two, which Ashley actively shot down, but were reignitied when the official video and Chart Show performance was aired, with Ashely and Eoin seemingly very intimate with each other. After a harsh battle and the biggest budget Ashley has ever used on a single (combined between Ashley and O'Neill) the single charted at number two, just behind label boss Syd Wolfe. Longevity in the first months of release, meant it to become one of Ashley's biggest sellers of her career. At the end of the promotion run, Ashley announced her involvement in a new television series between CBS and Sky, titled 'Fragments' with Ashley taking the main role.

Singles

 * still in chart

Guest appearances

 * "N/R" &mdash; Denotes that the song was not released as a single.