Vocalist Hope Partlow grew up singing gospel and country songs in her native Tennessee. While still in her early teens, she began making self-produced demos with her family, one of which made its way to an aunt working as a songwriter in Nashville. Eventually, the recording found the ear of producer and Virgin CEO Matt Serletic, and by the time Partlow was 14, she'd signed her first contract. Her debut album appeared two years later. Produced by Serletic, Who We Are's slick, bright pop sound suggested Ashlee Simpson with a little Radio Disney thrown in for good measure. (The album's title track was also featured as the theme to the WB comedy Living with Fran.) In fall 2005, Partlow embarked on her first major tour, opening a series of a dates for teen heartthrob Jesse McCartney. She was dropped from her label that same year, but inked a deal with Decca Records in 2008 as part of the pop/rock duo the Love Willows. ~ Johnny Loftus