Vocalist Hope Partlow spent her childhood in Tennessee immersed in gospel and country music. During her early teenage years she recorded homemade demos alongside family members, and one reached an aunt who worked as a Nashville songwriter. That recording eventually caught the attention of producer and Virgin CEO Matt Serletic, leading to her first contract at age 14. Two years afterward her debut album appeared. Serletic handled production on Who We Are, whose glossy pop style evoked Ashlee Simpson blended with Radio Disney elements. Its title track also served as the theme for the WB sitcom Living with Fran. In fall 2005 Partlow launched her first major tour, supporting teen heartthrob Jesse McCartney on multiple dates. She parted ways with her label that year, yet signed with Decca Records in 2008 as a member of the pop/rock duo the Love Willows.
