With her car packed to the hilt, singer/songwriter Alison Ray made a journey that she knew she was going to make early in life; to leave her home of Memphis for bigger cities and massive childhood dreams. "I really wanted to travel the world," explains Alison. "I knew early on I was going to get out, I just wasn't sure how. After high school I had some opportunities to travel throughout Europe. It really opened my eyes, which gave me even more drive and independence." Always being a little rebel, she decided that she would shake things up in Los Angeles. Alison drove to Hollywood for the first time, only to trek again back across the country for what became further musical growth in Nashville and then Chicago. It was here in the Windy City that during a club performance a case was made for fate and destiny. A Grammy and Oscar Award-nominated producer/ songwriter, Marc Tanner, was in the audience, and he was truly impressed by Alison's expressive and alluring vocals, Southern charm and undeniable presence. With the formation of Tanner's Chime Entertainment, he brought Alison Ray's dreams to fruition, personally producing, "Downside Up," the feisty songstress' debut album. With upbeat pop/rock gems as well as moving ballads, Ray's life experiences took shape in songs encompassing themes of overcoming adversity, the good and bad of relationships to self-empowerment. "I'm really a spontaneous and fun-loving person, so even when things are bad I try to find the positive perspective on the situation. This translates to my songs, so even in the worst of situations I try to relay a positive message." With the love and support of her Mother, all the years of hardship in Memphis were far behind her. Alison made another gypsy-like exodus to Los Angeles, but this time with a coveted record deal and the time and guidance to develop and record this whimsical and heartfelt album. "Downside Up" represents "the struggle to get there, to a happier place." "The process of recording 'Downside Up' was really surreal for me," reflects Alison. "Marc [Tanner] has always told me you have to fight to write what's in your heart, and I did. Marc and I at a point in the middle of recording, both looked at each other, knowing all that it took to get here, and I realized that my dream had become a reality. It was a magical moment of reflection and a feeling that I was really accomplishing something special, something that I had envisioned for so long."