Pop duo KTJ & CARLY are making waves in the music scene with their debut album, “Forever Young”, which is out right now. Known for their introspective lyrics, powerful harmonies, and genre-bending sound, the sisters dive headfirst into the highs and lows of their 20s, navigating the emotional landscapes of relationships, personal growth, and self-empowerment. The album, which is entirely crafted by women, serves as a soundtrack to their journey of self-discovery, balancing vulnerability with resilience.
With tracks ranging from the fiery opener and previous single “Bitter” to the hauntingly reflective “Icarus”, KTJ & CARLY prove they’re not just making pop music—they’re creating anthems for anyone facing the complexities of growing up. Ahead of the album’s release and their upcoming tour, we had the chance to interview KTJ & CARLY in a Q&A about the inspiration behind “Forever Young”, the significance of an all-woman team, and how their immersive fan campaign offers a unique connection to the music.
Hi KTJ & CARLY, congrats on the release of your new album. We hope you are having an exciting week. “Forever Young” delves deep into the journey of your 20s. Can you share the inspiration behind the album’s title and how it reflects the themes throughout the tracks?
CARLY: Thank you! It’s been such an exciting week, and we’re so happy to have “Forever Young” out in the world. The title came from our fifth song on the album and title track. It is about that weird in-between stage of your 20s where you’re supposed to grow up, but you’re still holding onto that younger part of yourself that is joyful and finds fun in the mundane. Each track reflects different moments of that journey—whether it’s the ups, downs, pressure, or nostalgia. “Forever Young“ is all about figuring out adulthood while still clinging to the freedom and chaos of being young.
The album is 100% created by women, which is a powerful statement in today’s music industry. How important was it for you to ensure that this album was entirely crafted by women, and how do you think that influenced the overall sound and message of the project?
CARLY: We didn’t set out to make “Forever Young” 100% created by women—it just happened that way. We wanted to work with the most talented songwriters we knew, and the songs that made the cut were all written with women. We actually wrote with a few men for this album too, but those tracks didn’t quite fit the final vision. While it makes a powerful statement, our goal was simply to collaborate with people we connected with creatively, and this incredible group of women brought something special to the project.
This is an industry where women are often underrepresented, especially behind the scenes and in the production world. Having an all-women team brought a different energy and perspective to the project, and I think it really shines through in the sound and message. There’s a level of understanding and shared experience that shaped both the vulnerability and the strength in the music. It felt empowering to know that every aspect of the album, from writing to production, was done by women, and I think that’s reflected in the final product.
Your immersive fan campaign, with listeners dialing 1-855-4EV-YUNG for new experiences each week, is a unique way to engage with your audience. What inspired this campaign, and how do you think it enhances the listener’s connection to the album?
CARLY: The inspiration for the hotline campaign came from wanting to create something interactive and immersive for the fans, beyond just the music. We wanted to give listeners a new experience each week, something fun and unique that would keep them engaged and connected to the album in a more personal way. By dialing 1-855-4EV-YUNG, people can discover exclusive teasers, and little surprises that help them dive deeper into the world of our album. I think it enhances the connection by making the album feel more like a shared journey rather than just a collection of songs. It gives us a chance to engage more directly with our listeners, which is always our goal.
The opener, “Bitter”, is quite dynamic and raw. Can you talk about how this track sets the tone for the rest of the album and the significance of starting the album with this song?
KTJ: I feel like people often associate getting older with becoming bitter, and “Bitter” is almost like this cute little realization that we’re aging, that nothing lasts forever, and that even though we think we know so much, in reality, we know absolutely nothing. In the second verse, “call myself an idiot even though I’m the smartest in the room,” is a way of acknowledging that those who think they know it all are often the most clueless. That frustration and bitterness with the idea of getting older really sets the scene for the rest of the album—it’s about the realizations we have as we grow up and how we deal with those frustrations.
“Carbon Copy” touches on the emotional cost of losing yourself in relationships. How do you balance vulnerability with creating music that resonates deeply with your fans?
CARLY: Balancing vulnerability with creating music that resonates is all about being honest and open, but also making sure the message connects with others. With this song, I tapped into a personal experience, but I tried to express those emotions in a way that listeners could relate to their own lives. It’s about finding that sweet spot between being true to yourself and making sure the music speaks to what others are going through as well.
I’m an open book and have nothing to hide, and the great part about sharing music is that it puts you in a vulnerable state. You’re sharing the deepest parts of your mind, and that can definitely be scary. But I think it’s important to foster a community with your listeners that promotes a safe space and honesty. When you’re open and real with your music, it allows others to connect on a deeper level, creating a bond that’s built on trust and shared experiences. I like to think that we all share very similar experiences in life, and so sharing the view of my own, I just have to hope there is someone out there who feels the same.
In “Anne Glover”, you address societal pressures on women. How important is it for you to use your music as a platform to critique societal norms and push for authenticity?
KTJ: I think it’s very important. Even when people don’t like a song or a jingle, it can still get stuck in their heads. That’s what I want with this idea—that the witch hunt, which started when Anne Glover was hanged in 1688, is still happening around the world. It needs to stay in people’s minds until it changes. I once heard that gender equality won’t happen for another five generations—I’d rather it to be much sooner.
“Mister Bare Minimum” confronts the pain of giving your all in a relationship while receiving little in return. How did this track evolve musically and lyrically for you?
CARLY: “Mister Bare Minimum” started as a really personal take on feeling unappreciated in a relationship. Lyrically, it grew from frustration to realizing it was time to walk away. Musically, it started simple with just vocals and minimal instruments to capture that emptiness. As it progressed, we added layers—synths and strings—to build up the intensity, and by the time we hit the chorus, it had this powerful, defiant energy that really drove the message home.
The title track, “Forever Young”, speaks to embracing one’s inner child. What was the process like in creating a song that balances nostalgia with the inevitability of growing older?
KTJ: I think it all connects naturally. As a kid, you want to be an adult, and as an adult, you want to be a kid. Throughout life, your inner child keeps calling out to be nurtured—whether it’s wanting to be taken more seriously as a kid, or, as an adult, wishing to be taken less seriously.
Nostalgia hits when you’re reminded of those moments when your inner child was cared for by something pure and joyful. In a way, it’s like calling back out to your inner child and saying, “Even though I’m older now, I still remember and appreciate those moments.” Nostalgia is bittersweet because, although those moments are gone, the memories continue to bring joy, no matter how much time has passed.
“Not Complaining” is an introspective look at finding solace in being alone. How do you see this message resonating with listeners who are navigating their own emotional challenges?
CARLY: This one is about finding strength and peace in being alone, which I think is something a lot of people can relate to, especially when they’re going through emotional challenges. I hope listeners connect with the idea that it’s okay to take time for yourself and prioritize your own well-being. It’s a reminder that solitude doesn’t have to be a bad thing—it can be empowering and healing, and I think that message can really resonate with anyone navigating tough times. I hope people feel empowered on their own rather than lonely.
“Old Dogs New Tricks” is all about adapting to change. What advice would you give to your listeners in their 20s who might be struggling with setbacks and personal growth?
KTJ: Honestly, I have no idea! Don’t rely too much on my advice because I’m also figuring things out in my 20s, haha. I feel like this whole album is a reflection of that, taking in advice like, “Make mistakes, it’s okay not to know what you’re doing”—until, of course, suddenly it feels like it’s not okay anymore. People say, “Old habits die hard,” “Travel as much as possible,” “Do this, do that,” and it just goes on and on. The only thing I’ve really gathered is that we often end up chasing careers, doing the same thing every day, until we die.
That’s kind of what the song “Carousel” is about. But I don’t want every day to be the same. I want to live spontaneously, to do new things and learn about fascinating things every day. So I’d say, follow your joy. That’s how you’ll figure out what you’re supposed to be doing—or maybe not, because I don’t think we’re necessarily “supposed” to do anything specific.
We just go through lessons, try to become better people, and make sure the people we love have a good time along the way. You know what they say: the best advice you give is the advice you need to hear the most. So, I’ll turn it back to you—what advice would you give to people in their 20s who are struggling with setbacks and personal growth?
Ouch, we’re not supposed to be answering the questions, haha. Honestly, the best advice we’ve got is to just go with the flow, follow your gut, or your heart, or your brain, or your dreams, and just live and keep living. We all have our ups and downs, and we all make mistakes, it’s how we learn from them and deal with them when they arise.
Life knows how to throw expert curveballs, both good and bad, and navigating them can be both hard and easy, but it is never the be-all and end-all, things always change, whether you want it to or not, and sometimes all we need is to push it along or for someone to help us push it along, and we’ll soon be succeeding, once again, and those setbacks will be just a memory.
Now back to us asking the questions haha. The track “Icarus” deals with supporting someone through self-destruction while maintaining boundaries. How has this theme of self-care and tough choices shaped your own personal journeys?
KTJ: “Icarus” really hits home because it’s about finding that balance between supporting someone and protecting your own well-being. I used to be a people pleaser and would let people cross my boundaries all the time. Over time, I’ve learned how important it is to not do that. The theme of self-care in this song mirrors my own journey, reminding me that setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s essential for your mental and emotional health, even when it’s hard to step back.
“Carousel” explores the monotony of life. Was there a specific experience or emotion that led to the creation of this track?
CARLY: I’ve definitely experienced the feeling of being stuck in a routine, and I think a lot of people can find themselves trapped in that same cycle. For me, from January through May, I went through a really tough period mentally while recovering from major medical complications. It kept me away from a lot of social activities, and once I started healing, I was suddenly thrown back into the mix, but I wasn’t used to it anymore. I felt a strange sense of FOMO, even when I was physically there, and it became overwhelming.
To cope, I found myself repeating the same day over and over, just trying to avoid that horrible feeling. Thankfully, I’ve gotten past it, but “Carousel” was heavily inspired by that time in my life when I felt like I was going in circles and couldn’t break free from the monotony.
“Forever Young” is described as a raw and honest portrayal of the complexities of growing up. How do you hope listeners will connect with the album as they navigate their own journeys of self-discovery, resilience, and the search for meaning?
KTJ: I hope that if listeners feel the same emotions, they know they’re not alone—and that it’s okay to feel whatever they need to feel to get through what it is they’re going through on their journey of getting older. It does get easier, and it does get harder. We’re in this together. We’re not just forever young; we’re forever strong, curious, passionate, and supportive of one another. We may not last forever, but the way we live has an eternal impact in some way, shape, or form to the people and places we leave behind.
With the album’s release and your upcoming tour, what are you most excited about in terms of connecting with fans and performing these tracks live?
CARLY: There’s something special about sharing the energy of a room and seeing people react to the songs in real time. We’ve put so much of ourselves into this album, so bringing it to life on stage is going to feel really rewarding. I’m especially looking forward to hearing the crowd sing along to the tracks and just experiencing those raw, in-the-moment emotions with everyone. It’s going to be such an incredible way to celebrate everything we’ve worked on! Particularly excited for “Anne Glover” and “Bitter”.
Thank you, KTJ & CARLY, for taking the time to answer our questions about your next album, “Forever Young”. We’ve been listening to it on repeat and we know your fans are going to fall in love with every single track.
“Forever Young”, by KTJ & CARLY, is available to download and stream, right now, across all platforms. It stands out as more than just an album—it’s a deeply personal project reflecting the universal struggles of youth and the quest for authenticity. As they prepare to take their new music on tour, the duo invites listeners not only to hear their stories but to reflect on their own, forging a powerful connection through shared experiences and raw emotion.
