EMMA ROSE: It was just as easy and straightforward as the song feels. Veri had the idea to make a song that’s fun—a “I’m finally feeling good again” kind of song. I was on board right away.

VERIFIZIERT: The weather was beautiful—it was one of those sunny days after so many gray ones, the kind that automatically makes you happy. It was our first time in the studio together; we were excited and wanted to write the perfect early summer anthem. And I think we succeeded! Girlhood, woo-hoo!

EM: I make cheesy German pop music. If I had to be more specific, “bedroom pop” and “indie pop” are probably terms that would describe it better. I just love making and listening to pop music that sounds lighthearted but isn’t at all, music that’s fun. I write very honestly and often with a focus on feminist topics, though it’s important to note that these are simply topics that concern me and are often very everyday—they just happen to be feminist. As hard-hitting and uncomfortable as some songs are, it’s also important to me to incorporate my sense of humor and lightheartedness into the lyrics and music. Sometimes I also just like to write about love and life. Everything is also very close to me as a person. It was super easy to combine our styles with Veri because she loves pop music just as much as I do. We didn’t really have to talk about whether the sound suited both of us. But what I love about Veri’s way of writing is that she often manages to create a vibe without talking about specific situations. That’s something I’d like to achieve even more in my own music. For me, “Stargirls” is one of the first songs where I’ve managed to do that. 

VERI: I’d just say “pop” because the music is so diverse, and I move through a lot of different genres. But at its core, it’s pop, new pop, or “icon pop,” as my producer likes to call it.

EM: I was pretty nervous beforehand because we’d never made music together before, and I’ve been a secret Veri fan since 2024. Luckily, though, the vibe was super relaxed and laid-back right from the start. We’d just been eating tacos in the sun and then headed over to the studio at a leisurely pace. The idea came to us right away, and we were just on the same page in that moment. We sat together on the couch and worked our magic.

VERI: Having my period, drinking iced coffee and various fun drinks (Coke and rhubarb spritzer), lounging around and letting the sun shine on my face. Always recording while wearing sunglasses, so it feels even more real.

ER: I’m always gathering ideas, no matter where I am. But my favorite way to “work” creatively is in the studio. You know exactly why you’re there, you can directly connect words with sound, and there aren’t many things to distract me. That’s what feels best to me right now. But I still really love it when I have the peace and quiet to sit at the piano at home and compose on my own. That’s how I started, and of course, that’s also the most romantic way to do it

VERI: At the start of the session, we think about what kind of instrumental vibe we’re in the mood for. I often contribute to choosing the chords myself. While the producer is shaping the beat, I start writing. I jot down lines and words that I like—all sorts of different things. From there, I see what moves me the most or speaks to me right now. And then we build around that! And that’s exactly how we did it together, too. It’s nice to play ping-pong with words and phrases; writing lyrics and melodies together is a lot of fun.

ER: I think there are two different kinds of perfect days for me. But on both of them, at least one of my best friends has to be there. My female friendships are the most beautiful, enriching, and important thing there is to me.

Version 1: You sleep in late, stay home all day, take care of yourself, binge-watch, eat something delicious, and your best friend stops by.

Version 2: The sun is shining, you go outside, meet up with your besties, day drinking, deep talks, trash talk, gossip, then head to your favorite bar in the evening and/or go dancing until the sun comes up again. 

VERI: Sleeping in, iced strawberry matcha, and some amazing sourdough bread for breakfast, sitting on the balcony with my bestie in our pyjamas while the sun is shining. Later, strolling through a flea market, sipping cocktails, gossiping, and playing table tennis. No plans, no drama, no stress. Just spending the whole day doing whatever we feel like on the spur of the moment.