Interview: Townsville Bulletin talks with Ashley

Roberts hails from a music-oriented family. Her father was a drummer who played for the Mamas and the Papas. Her Pilates-instructor mother, along with her father (who later became a car dealer) inspired their daughter to work in the entertainment industry.

"I definitely think it has helped my career so far," Roberts said "My dad would tell me stories of being on the road and how amazing it feels to feel the energy of the audience, the relationship you have with your fans ... they are along the journey with you."

Roberts' journey into the entertainment industry began at an early age, taking up dancing as a three-year-old and singing at the age of eight.

"I would run home to see what videos Paula Abdul, Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson were premiering," she said "I loved the performance they would give, the theatrics of dancing and singing."

Roberts has since starred in her own smash hit video clips, alongside the other Pussycat Dolls, as well as clips for Aaron Carter, P!nk, Jane's Addiction and Counting Crows.

"My favourite though was Busta Rhymes," she said "He was such a cool cat!"

Also enticed by Hollywood from a young age, Roberts made her film debut as Brooke in Make It Happen in 2008.

"On the acting side, I was influenced a lot by comedians like Chris Farley, Dana Carvey and the lovely Goldie Hawn (as a child)," she said.

Leaving the Pussycat Dolls earlier this year has given Roberts an opportunity to concentrate on her solo career, from acting and music to modelling and fashion design.

"I love being creative," she said "I don't know if I could ever choose (just one avenue), although music is the universal language, and I love being able to touch all different kinds of people."

Being a solo performer now opens Roberts up to new collaboration possibilities, and she has a few names she would like to work with.

"Justin Timberlake or Beyonce," she said "(But) on the other end of the spectrum, Radiohead or Florence + The Machine."

Roberts said she had taken valuable lessons from her time with the Pussycat Dolls, especially, "how much the music industry has changed and that a hard work ethic is important."

The 28-year-old has been working on several projects, including a pilot show for MTV, studio time for her debut solo album, and spent time in Australia earlier this year, where she launched her own line of lingerie designed for the beach.

"I would love to get a place in Oz," she said "I love the people and the vibe ... so maybe some day I would have a place in Sydney or Melbourne."

She also talked about her new solo material, which she said would be similar to what we know her for.

"I want to take all of my amazing fans from PCD and introduce them to me," she said "So it will be fun, high-energy songs that they can dance to with a strong empowering message."