Archives for May 2019

Krysta Youngs and Julia Ross are the female songwriting superstars behind one of the year’s top music hits, Home, by chart-topping, record-breaking K-pop group, BTS. But before landing their song on the group’s new album, the two ladies have had a successful career. Krysta has written for the likes of Cee-Lo, Rihanna and Christina Aguilera, while Julia has been touring with Miley Cyrus and used to be the lead singer of the popular Disney girl-group Everlife.

It’s A Glam Thing caught up with the two to find out those more about their partnership and just how stylish songwriters can be…

NICK NORTHSTAR: How would you describe your own personal styles – both while relaxing at home, while working it for the cameras on the red carpet and also behind the scenes songwriting?

KRYSTA YOUNG: Bold & Relaxed! I love wearing pieces that I feel comfortable in but also that are unique & colorful. Fashion to me can be used as an icebreaker.

JULIA ROSS: I love any kind of clothing that flows with me when I walk. From kimonos, to a long duster tied around my waist, to a loose black robe when I’m chillin at home. I would say boho chic wether its fancy or lounging.

NN: What are some of your favorite beauty products that you use to get red-carpet ready?

KY: I love MAC’s “hyper real glow” highlighter. The more I glow the better. I’m also in-love with “tint in water :02 lollipop” lip stain I bought from Korea.

JR: I love pretty much anything Tarte! I use the amazonian clay foundation along with their creaseless concealer. Becca highlighter in Champagne and the amazing Anastasia contour pallet. I love a simple face with a dewy glow for daytime and the only thing I change when I go out is a smokey cat liner.

NN: Who are some of your favorite fashion designers?

KY: I’m obsessed with Versace especially their newer line. I don’t own any… yet… but I’m hoping that will change ASAP. I also love finding unique vintage kimonos.

JR: I’ve never really been into big name designers. My childhood was a bunch of either hand me downs or going to the thrift store and and getting as many things as I wanted to create whoever I wanted to be. I never matched and I love my parents for that. Now a days, one of Krysta and I’s favorite places to shop is Buffalo Exchange! There are so many great designer pieces for great prices there and a whole array of styles to choose from. I love Free People, All Saints and a lot of the hippie Dolls Kill pieces !

NN: Who in the songwriting industry do you each look up to?

KY: I hands down look up to Sia. Her career is something I strive for. When she writes songs and demos them the artists who cut them end up sounding like her so you instantly know it’s a song written by Sia. That shit is impressive.

JR: John Mayer is one of my all time favorites. His songs make me feel how I think he felt writing them. That is how I want my listeners to feel when they listen to a song I wrote. Like “hey, this is definitely Julia Ross, and wow…I know exactly what she means cuz I’ve been there”… John Mayer’s “Never On The Day You Leave” is exactly that for me. Honesty is the best policy!

NN: What are your favorite Instagram filters? Or #NoFilter?

KY: LAGOS is my go to on IG 😉 It gives me that polished look.

JR: Oooo Paris cuz duh… member that zit? Oh wait, its gone… and New York cuz that sepia and grain is everything for a good serving face.

NN: What trends in the music world do you LOVE right now?

KY: I love that there is such an infusion of different cultures. To me, k-pop is becoming Pop! Music is a universal language and I think we’re seeing that now more than ever.

JR: I second what Krysta said about music being a universal language. I have always been a huge fan of pop and I feel like it has really been becoming more universal and honest in the past few years. Also, singer songwriter ANYTHING is my favorite as well. I may not or may not be releasing a project soon in that vein and I am so excited!

NN: We now know what you wear while songwriting, but what do others usually wear? Is it a casual atmosphere?

KY: Everyone’s style is different. I believe fashion is just an external expression of our internal vibe so I think it just depends on the person and how they’re feeling that day.

JR: It depends on the person! Someone can show up being flashy AF and the other person will be in sweats. It’s all about the mood and what makes that person feel the most comfortable and creative in that moment.

NN: What is your advice to anyone wanting to get into the music industry?

KY: If you can hold it in your head you can hold it in your hand. Everything is possible if you have belief and a vision. Never have a back up plan because you’ll back up and the goal is to always be moving forward. Also, be vulnerable… creativity & relatability stems from vulnerability.

JR: Never let anyone tell you who you are. What you create and what you believe in is yours and anyone who tries to change that in a way that makes you feel like you’re losing yourself is wrong. Know where your passion lies and keep it alive by continuing to create your art honestly.

NN: What is your definition of “Hollywood Glam”?

KY: Whatever you want it to be… the sky’s the limit. People make up hollywood not the other way around.

JR: Hollywood glam is everything. I feel like this city is such a mix of styles that whatever glam means to you… do that.

NN: You just had together a mega hit with BTS… What are you each following it up with next?

KY: It’s always nice to win. The day I found out “Map of the Soul Persona” hit number 1 on the Billboard Charts i was working. It never ends and I’m glad it doesn’t. I’m currently working on more k-pop songs, finishing my album and doing collabs with DJS. This year is only going to get better.

JR: I am so excited about HOME. My first #1 Billboard album and this year is filled with so much more. I am planning on releasing an EP this summer and continuing to collaborate with other artists, producers and DJs, Keep your eyes and ears open for Julia Ross and Krysta Youngs!