Cinderella's Eyes

In late 2010 reports surfaced that Roberts had begun working on solo material due for a 2011 release. In August, Roberts said, “I’ve been in the studio non-stop doing all of my own song writing.” The News of the World reported in December 2010 that Roberts had signed with Universal.

Nicola Roberts announced her first single “Beat of My Drum” in May 2011 with the launch of her official website and Twitter account. The single, produced by Dimitri Tikovoi and Diplo, was described by Roberts as as “a fun record.” She stated, “It was important my first single was different to anything else around. I love that it’s a song everyone can sing and dance along to.” The single premiered on Thursday, 2 June, followed by the video premiere and the song’s release on 5 June. The single peaked at no. 27.

Roberts debut album, Cinderella’s Eyes, was released on 26 September 2011. Roberts spent a year working on the album with collaborators including the aforementioned Tikovoi and Diplo, as well as Joseph Mount of Metronomy and Canadian electropop group Dragonette. Mount said that Roberts “will surprise a lot of people.” Roberts was inspired by artists such as M.I.A., who has also worked with Diplo, and Robyn. Roberts said, “I’ve written the songs myself. I spent a year locked away in the studio every day. It’s quite autobiographical, very personal, so it’s scary to put it out there.” She described the album as having “a very British sound.