Meet the Ladies of As One
Two worlds collided forming Christian music’s first ever interracial female duo, AsOne. Lisa Wright and Theresa Bailey found themselves joined by destiny as Lisa prepared her solo project. Theresa was on hand and as a writer but their chemistry was undeniable and suddenly, a thought was born. Lisa’s producer couldn’t let their work end with one song and convinced the two ladies that they were better together, as a duo.
Since that fateful meeting, the two have become the newest artists on Capitol Christian/Universal Music and first ever black and white female recording duo. For Christian music fans, you can recall the day of Larnelle Harris and Sandi Patti’s stirring duets but together As One has combined the impact of their singular success to touch listeners around the world.
Together, the duo has accepted the challenge of bridging cultures and communities, leading them all to Christ. The two ladies’ diversities pale in comparison to their stark similarities. Simply put, they were made for this assignment. Theresa intimated to the SoulProsper Radio Show that she knows what it’s like to be the only black person in the room and has built upon those experiences. Lisa in the same interview shared that being married to a black man presents its social challenges but they enjoy life together, and she has developed a unique perspective on black/white interpersonal interaction.
Since that fateful meeting, the two have become the newest artists on Capitol Christian/Universal Music and first ever black and white female recording duo. For Christian music fans, you can recall the day of Larnelle Harris and Sandi Patti’s stirring duets but together As One has combined the impact of their singular success to touch listeners around the world.
Together, the duo has accepted the challenge of bridging cultures and communities, leading them all to Christ. The two ladies’ diversities pale in comparison to their stark similarities. Simply put, they were made for this assignment. Theresa intimated to the SoulProsper Radio Show that she knows what it’s like to be the only black person in the room and has built upon those experiences. Lisa in the same interview shared that being married to a black man presents its social challenges but they enjoy life together, and she has developed a unique perspective on black/white interpersonal interaction.
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Beyond Ebony & IvoryWhen Stevie Wonder partnered with Paul McCartney 33 years ago, it was a monumental first, pairing two colossal crooners on the same track. The AsOne debut project features much more than the bringing together of two otherwise separate singers. The song Wright and Bailey first penned together was entitled: "Meet Me" singing about how the Lord can meet anyone where they are. After the two met where they were, a real relationship and bond was created. The two are together determined to affect history and bridge the long standing gap in communities and churches across the world.
The duo is not only faced with distinct difficulties being the first black and white pair in Christian music, part of their God-given assignment affords them the opportunity to bring unity within the music community as well. It’s a hard task, but someone has to do it! From the outset, unity was the goal. When searching for a name, “One” was all they were working with and finally decided on “AsOne”. That message is not only prevalent in their music, but the desired outcome as well. In a day and time where Gospel music and Christian music remain on separate entities, the two have successfully and stylistically merged the two expressions.
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Ladies of NoteLisa is a gifted writer who wrote her first song at the age of seven. Her steadfastness in the realm of writing has kept her in demand among the Gospel and Christian music elite. She’s written for the likes of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, the Colorado Mass Choir, Chris Willis, Jana Long (Avalon), Disney’s Christmas Lullabies, Kelli Williams and Image. Theresa boasts a Berklee College of Music degree and a resumé filled with background singing highlights. She’s spent time on stage with Jennifer Hudson, Raphael Saadiq, Jill Scott, Usher, Fantasia, Smokie Robinson and many other great artists. When she’s not on stage, she can be found at her church where she serves as choir director, worship leader or the accompanist. You may also remember Theresa from her 2012 GMA Immerse Female Songwriter of the Year Award.
Ready to Change the WorldFollowing their fateful meeting and pairing, the duo was signed to a major contract. The ladies set out to continue what was birthed with their first collaboration. Eight tracks later, the AsOne debut album was ready for the masses. The album was recorded studio live, "old school" as Theresa Bailey puts it. "If there were any mistakes, we went back and recorded it again!" This arduous recording process resulted in one of the year's musical gems, the self-titled debut album "As One".
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