While still in her early teens, a demo she and her family had self-produced, 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 had signed her first contract.
In November 2005, as part of the label's restructuring, Virgin made the decision to drop Partlow's contract.
Hope's music remained on iTunes, and she appeared on such outlets as teen network The N to promote her album.
On April 24, 2008 The Love Willows announced on Myspace that they have officially signed to Decca Records/Universal Music Group.