[4] She then established herself as a DJ in London at private parties and a support act for the tours of Dizzee Rascal,[5] N.E.R.D, will.i.am, Taio Cruz and Eve.
[3] In the Daily Record report, she admitted that it was her London surroundings and the encouragement of Pharrell Williams of N.E.R.D which gave her the confidence to want to launch a solo career: "I always wrote songs but there wasn't much of a scene for the music I was into - the hip hop and urban stuff.
[8] Speaking to Alex Andrews of Gigwise, Yasmin elaborated on her love for Shy FX's production style, "I don't have to say much to him, he just knows exactly what to do.
[11] Writing about the independence themes of the song, Semper Azeez-Harris of Blues & Soul mentioned that Yasmin's path was not followed by the formulaic "I always wanted to be a singer" mould, adding, "Whilst a love for music is the prerequisite for wanting to be a singer the fact that she chose the male dominated world of DJing initially as a way to satiate that love of music, epitomises her independence streak.
"[12] She was also inspired by music of the 1990s during the song's development, naming Massive Attack, Madonna and All Saints as some of the acts which influenced the track.
[3] One particular experience was explained by Yasmin, "Because of being there I was not fazed by the flashy London business - champagne, footballers and models, [...] you did it because you loved it but here a lot of people get into it because they wanted that lifestyle.
[15] A separate remixes EP featuring a radio edit and club mix by Steve Smart & Westfunk was also released on 30 January 2011, but in the United Kingdom and Ireland only.
[22] Yasmin uses a floaty, soft and telling vocal tone to sing "On My Own" over its brooding, head-nodding, rolling and old school beat.
", is seen as a brave interrogatory that evokes clarity and honesty; by song's end, Yasmin finds comfort in her new-found independence and, despite the risk of failure, derives empowerment from her journey nonetheless.
[13] In an interview with Dianne Bourne of Manchester Evening News, Yasmin quipped, "I dropped out of university to pursue my music career and I know my parents were worried at the time, but hopefully I've proven that it does pay off to follow your dreams.
"[26] Nick Levine of the music website Digital Spy, interpreted the song, "[Yasmin is] singing about reaching for the stars rather than patting herself on the back for having shot right past them".
[1] Toksala from MTV Iggy described the song as an anthem to independence and fearlessly following your passions, adding, "Though just into her twenties, [Yasmin] has already learned a thing or two about making it on her own in the music business and earned the right to sing about it.
[3] Digital Spy's Nick Levine awarded "On My Own" a four (out of five) -star rating, deeming its lyrics as refreshing and its breakdown as one "Neneh Cherry wouldn't sniff at".
[1] DJ Ron Slomowicz of About.com praised the track's lyrical concept, Shy FX's production and Yasmin's vocals.
[23] Describing the song as "spunky", Slomowicz predicted it to be Ministry of Sound's first hit of 2011, adding, "Don't be surprised if this one finds its way onto a variety of floors this winter.
"[23] Paul Lester from The Guardian described Shy FX's arrangement on the track as "tastefully lavish" and felt that the song had "hit single written all over it".
[28] Mike McMonagle of the Daily Record considered the song as "spectacular", praising its "thrillingly effective" tune and Yasmin's "sensational" voice.
"[12] Additionally, Azeez-Harris praised Yasmin's vocal and songwriting abilities, and mentioned, "['On My Own'] is indeed the type of single that every artist would want: different and catchy".
[12] A writer for Aslan Media gave the track a positive response, "With a touching voice, talent, and multicultural palette, Yasmin is undoubtedly an artist on the rise.
"[9] Brandon Veevers of Renowned for Sound positively reviewed the track, writing, "Tinted with an atmospheric Drum'n'Bass vibe similar to the likes of some early Massive Attack material, 'On My Own' is a rich, well filled out piece.
"[22] He added, "Throwing breathy vocals around some confidently delivered hooks Yasmin is a talent that is destined for something pretty special.
"[22] Veevers went on to predict the single's success, commenting, "[Yasmin] is rightfully about to claim her own piece of the limelight with this sturdy and radio friendly track of independence.
"[11] While Yasmin was in Los Angeles, she called around and when she arrived back in London on 25 November 2010, she was asked to do another of the video but she still felt it was a poor representation of herself.
[11][34] O'Reilly then gave Yasmin a harddrive with the edited video which she presented to her label at 09:00 on 29 November and then delivered to television stations.