KTJ & Carly are a power duo, they're sisters that are shaking up the music industry with their relatable lyrics and wise-beyond-their-age insight. They just sold out the Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles and their new song "On My Mind" is absolutely stunning.
How did you get started in music?
Carly: Music has always been such a huge part of our lives. We literally came out of the womb singing. There are so many home videos of us as toddlers singing. It is something we have always wanted to do. My dad and my grandfather were both in rock bands in their younger days so they both really ingrained music in us, and encouraged us to learn more about it. They stuck us in voice lessons, piano lessons, violin lessons, and all the lessons after we begged them. We were really thankful that they were so supportive. Ever since then, it has been a journey of learning and experimenting with music. Now, here we are, about to move to the city of dreams to pursue this passion of ours.
Tell me about your new song “On Your Mind” what’s the story behind the song?
KTJ: Our music and songs are always up for interpretation and we want the listener to find a connection to the song in their own way. That being said, the story behind On Your Mind is interesting, because it is from two points of views. (Literally) I say this because we both have been in the shoes of both sides: being attracted to the guy who is a distraction and being the person that tells them to stop. The way that we interpreted the song was the first verse talking about how they are intrigued by this person who is mysterious and suave, and how they are attracted to them. Then in the pre-chorus realizing their distraction from what is important and the chorus, the second verse, through the end almost work as a timeline. Someone starts off fascinated by their S.O. and then they come to find that they are just a distraction and selfish. They are people who think that everyone benefits when they are around when in reality they only hold you down. This song is about relationships, it's about the curiosity of the unknown, it’s about magic, and it’s about toxicity. It’s about anything you want it to be. It’s up for interpretation.
What’s the hardest part about working with your sister?
Carly: The hardest part about working with each other is that since we are sisters, we are very honest with each other hahaha. While that can be a good thing, it can also be a bad thing. We fight all the time. If she writes something bad, or if I write something bad, we will straight up be like “no that sucks.” Which isn’t the worst part; its when one of us thinks its good and won’t change it. It happens ALL the time. We usually always meet the middle, like normal duos do. It just takes a little longer since we are stubborn with each other. But we love working together. We have such a close bond, especially since we are identical twins.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in the music industry?
Both: The biggest challenge that we have faced in the music industry is that our age can often hold us back from performing at certain venues. However, not for long! 21 isn’t too far away for us.
What has been inspiring you lately?
Carly: Something that has been inspiring me lately are the sounds and visuals around me. Lately, I have been making more of an effort to listen to the tangible things in life. I’ve found so much inspiration for production through doing so. It has really inspired me. Simple everyday things can turn into something beautiful. A week ago, I literally recorded a soda bottle opening on my iPhone, put it in logic, and hooked it in the the midi and it sounded so cool. Simple, little things in everyday life can make a song change completely for the better. Music is all around us, you just gotta listen.
What’s the best piece of advice you have for young women?
Carly: The best advice I could give to young women is to be brave. Stick up for other women, don’t be afraid of “not having enough credentials” to speak out on your beliefs, don’t let ANYONE tell you that because of your gender that you can’t do something. Madonna once said, “I'm tough, I'm ambitious, and I know exactly what I want. If that makes me a bitch, okay.” Own it. Another final thing I believe all women should know, no matter the age, is that you are too intelligent, too demanding, and too resourceful for a person to be able to take charge of you entirely. No one knows yourself or love yourself completely, even if they think you do. You have only yourself, and while that sounds bad, it is not. It doesn’t mean you are alone. It means you are satisfied with yourself, and all women should. Know that it is NEVER your responsibility to be beautiful, sexy, fun, gorgeous, perfect etc. You do not exist for the pleasure of anyone else but yourself. If you see yourself as those things, that is what matters. Don’t ever think you must be a certain person for someone else or fit their mold. Just fit your own mold. 🙂
KTJ: Stick to your gut intuition. Surround yourself around the type of people you aspire to be like who will push you to be better, not the people who give you a temporarily good time who don’t really care for your best interest. If you want to say something about anything or how you feel, say it because life is too short to live your life holding back your honest self. Being young, you’ll only want to be older but seriously being young is such a blessing, cherish and make the best out of it while you can, get involved in your community and decide what your passions are. And if after trying everything and you still don’t know what it is, that’s okay. Everyone’s time of self-discovery is different, and as long as you put in hard work to better yourself and the people around you, you will be rewarded with knowledge. If you go somewhere new and exciting, act like you’ve been there before and you know what you’re doing. Everyone has insecurities, so focus on the things you love about yourself and others, stand tall, overcome your fears and be confident always.
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