For teen sensations Aly & AJ, life is a constant juggling act of schedules. The sisters are always either learning lines for a script or appearing on camera in some capacity. Aly, 16, co-stars in the Disney Channel series Phil of the Future, while AJ, 14, has landed roles on the likes of Six Feet Under, Oliver Beene, Birds of Prey, The Guardian and General Hospital. On top of all that, the girls, who have played piano since the age of six, have recorded an album, Into the Rush—appropriately titled, considering their hectic schedules. Besides spawning mainstream singles like "Do You Believe In Magic," "No One" and "Walking On Sunshine," the faith-tinged project came to Christian stores this fall with a bonus track. Aly and AJ—their last name is Michalka—stepped out of the rush for a moment to talk to us about the balance between both worlds, witnessing to today's youth, various songwriting subjects, and a very important message on child safety. How have you been able to stay focused with the constant balancing act between acting, music and growing up?Aly We're all about staying grounded. Our parents have been great letting AJ and I know where they stand, and we're definitely remembering God is way bigger than all of this. It was cool to be able to do this, yet realize it's not your whole life. There's a lot more than acting and singing, even though we love it. It definitely all comes down to our relationship in Christ. Did acting or signing come first for both of you?Aly AJ and I have been singing earlier than acting. Ever since I can remember we were putting on music shows when the relatives would come over to the house, and practicing songs our mom would sing at church. AJ and I wanted to be like her when we were younger, so it really came from that. It's amazing when that transforms into something and you think, Wow, oh my gosh, God had that all planned!How did acting enter the picture?Aly It's weird because we never really thought about a career or getting famous through movies and TV shows. We didn't focus on any of that, but it really came from a passion—and God being able to bless those passions for some reason. The TV shows and movies just came, and we just so happened to get a record deal and it was not contrived. We call it a God thing. God has shown us favor and we want to be positive role models for others. We take that really seriously and responsibly. What do you think of those celebrities who say it's merely their job to entertain and not necessarily be role models?Aly I understand how some people have certain ideas and thoughts and that their personal lives are none of the public's business. But if I put myself in a situation where I'm seen by millions of kids, I have some sort of responsibility no matter what. There's no excuse to [behave poorly], because people are looking up to you. That just comes with the territory. Two of your biggest hits are remakes, but tell me what they mean to you personally.AJ "Do You Believe In Magic" was done by the Lovin' Spoonful and became the top selling commercial single of the year. It was really neat for us and so much fun to sing! And "Walking on Sunshine" is such a feel good summer song. Tell me about the song "I Am One of Them" and how it relates to missing children.Aly AJ and I have always really felt strongly about missing children and that subject in general. We want to bring awareness to children and parents and basically got so fed up one day that we had to do something. We're child safety advocates, we donate money to those causes and want people to know even the smallest amount of support can make a huge difference. Why is this cause so close to your hearts?Aly Kidnappings have been going on forever, but there was one summer where it had really been in the media. We would watch the news with our parents and see a child from Florida and then Texas and so many more places turn up missing. We really started to think it was becoming an epidemic, and then one day we heard a story of a girl who was kidnapped at a car wash—and they actually had footage from the security cameras of her being led off. It was absolutely mortifying seeing her last seconds, and to hear she was found in a church parking lot is so sick. We wrote the whole song in an hour through tears, and were just moved by the Holy Spirit.What's at the heart of the bonus track "Never Far Behind"?AJ "Never Far Behind" is about being there, no matter what, for a friend or relative, and the unconditional love and grace you can have for someone. We can relate as close sisters. The last chorus reminds us that God is never far behind. He's always there no matter what. How does faith come into your songwriting even if it doesn't directly mention God or Jesus?AJ When we write songs they come from an emotional place that's direct from our hearts. They're vulnerable. A lot of our songs have [spiritual inspiration] behind them, even if it's not specifically worshipping God or Jesus. What type of feedback are you receiving from fans?AJ It's been really positive and cool. Some fans have mentioned that they love the music and can relate because they're believers too, which is just huge. People also appreciate that we express our beliefs through our music.How does school fit into the picture?Aly I'm actually all finished with school. AJ and I have tutors on the road with us. We've been home schooled for quite some time and love the one-on-one with a teacher. It's interesting to see how we can study and maintain friendships, but somehow it all works out for us.Are you ever tempted to feel larger than life because of your celebrity status?Aly I could see how this could happen to some, maybe those who weren't raised with the morals we have, but we've been brought up in a home where we can't get away with that stuff. We're not better than anybody, and we're all equal at the foot of the cross. We've been brought up like that and are not bent toward going off on the deep end.At the end of the day, do you like music or acting better?AJ We love the balance of both equally. They're both so different but are so awesome together. We're having an amazing time making a new movie, but we also had an amazing time in the studio doing a record together. They really can't compare, because with acting you're portraying someone else and creating a character that isn't real. Music is so self-expressive in so many ways. It's telling a personal story rather than a character's life. They may be totally different, but hopefully we'll be able to keep up a nice balance because they're both equally fun!You can learn more about Aly & AJ and listen to their music by visiting their official site. Read our review of their album, Into the Rush, and buy their disc at Christianbook.com© Andy Argyrakis, subject to licensing agreement with Christianity Today International. All rights reserved. Click for reprint information.