Ashley Arrison is the singer-songwriter you might not know yet…but you will. She is the complete package of gorgeous vocals, striking beauty, and a catalog of songs just waiting to be heard and cherished. Arrison offers up songs you will love immediately and cause you to wonder why no one has told you about her before now.
Arrison’s childhood experiences set the compass for her musical passions. From performing as an orphan in a professional theatre production of the musical “Annie,” to singing along side Justin Timberlake as a duet partner for three years, to being a finalist on “The Mickey Mouse Club,” (among the names pop culture now knows so well), Arrison’s musical destiny was also framed by the rich and diverse musical heritage that existed in her childhood homes of Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee.
Now as an adult, Arrison’s credentials have only gotten more impressive. Dividing her time between Los Angeles and Nashville, she has worked closely with composer Jon Brion, as well as toured as country star Radney Foster’s background vocalist for many years. She is an established studio singer who has sung on albums for artists ranging from Badly Drawn Boy to Lindsay Lohan. Arrison has also fronted her own band for the past two years and consistently plays sold out shows in New York, Los Angeles, and Nashville.
The songs on her debut album, Hearts On Parade are created from a love of well-crafted country lyrics and pop melodies. James Taylor, Trisha Yearwood, Sarah McLachlan and Ryan Adams are just a few of the artists who have paved the way for Arrison to find herself musically and create her own sound. Her songwriting, lyrical delivery, and heartfelt honesty shine through all of her work and provides a narrative everyone can relate to. “I’ve had to learn the hard way about everything in the romance department, but at least I have these songs to show for the misery I’ve put myself through!” Although heartache and unrequited love play a heavy role in her lyrical decisions, she believes there is strength to be found in the process. “It's very self empowering to be able to transform your feelings into a tangible piece of art. I would love to be a part of a person’s life soundtrack, the way so many great artists have been a part of mine.”
Hearts On Parade offers a deeper look into Arrison’s many life experiences and offers lush, endearing instrumentation including melatrons, vibraphones, tribal drums, and even hand claps. “This album is so absolutely me. There’s not one word I haven’t lived. It took me a long time, but I know exactly who I am and what I want to say. I feel like I’ve been pregnant my whole life and I finally had the baby…” The first single, “Trying To Help You Out,” was cowritten with Kelly Clarkson, who also lends backing vocals to the track. Hearts On Parade proves Arrison has officially taken the leap as a solo artist. So, go ahead and take a listen - the music speaks for itself.
