CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR INSPIRATION FOR THE OTHER SIDE EP
It was one of those processes where I didn’t know I was making a project until it was finished. I knew I loved each song individually and that they were special - but now it completely makes sense for them to be packaged like this. When writing, I don’t necessarily have a clear vision on what I want it to sound like. It's always an overwhelming feeling of ‘this is the right direction,’ whether it comes from melody, visuals, lyrics. I always have that voice finding me if it's right. I was in the big teenager-to-adult change while I was writing a lot of these songs. A lot of them are about experiencing things for the first time and finding yourself on the other side - but as a different and grown version of yourself.

WHAT ARE YOUR INFLUENCES AND HOW DO THEY AFFECT YOUR SONGWRITING?
Growing up all I listened to was Michael Jackson, Kylie Minogue, Katy Perry, Gwen Stefani. My mum would have the CDs running in the car driving me back and forth to dance classes, auditions, singing lessons. I have a vivid memory of me sitting in the back of the car, closing my eyes and picturing myself in the music videos. I think now, I really love things that push the boundaries. Being in an industry that feels oversaturated, it is so inspiring to see someone being incredibly true to themself and creating with intention. Again, it's a feeling I get, intuition maybe.

WHAT’S THE CREATIVE PROCESS LIKE FOR YOU?
For me, it chops and changes. During the writing of this EP it was a lot of general keywords I would bring into a session, and we would tangent off that. I find that helps give everyone in the room direction and a clear image of what needs to be said. As soon as the song’s written and I get it back, I am pretty much straight to thinking about what it looks like in the visual world. I’ll then spend a while doing the finishing touches, re-tracking vocals, and seeing where it fits in my release timeline. The more I release music, the more I want to work on staying present through this process as it gets to release time, and you can’t believe how fast everything’s happening.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE SOMETHING ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN MUSIC INDUSTRY, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I hope they are open to giving everyone an opportunity, especially when it is a well-fitting one for the artist. I hope they notice hard work, consistency, perseverance and reward that. I hope we continue to champion female pop artists as I fear we have been slept on over the last 5 years. It's exciting to see a little shift in commercial radio and Triple J and watch them celebrate more pop music now. There is so much talent here, and we need support.

WHAT DO YOU THINK LIFE WOULD BE LIKE FOR YOU IF YOU DIDN’T HAVE MUSIC AS AN OUTLET?
It’s cliché, but I really couldn’t see myself doing anything else. I am a creative at my core - whether it’s in artist land or for other people. I love making things from scratch, seeing the progress, and celebrating the final product. I belong on stage, that’s where it all makes sense and definitely my goal for life. To perform.

WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE TO YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WANT TO MAKE A CAREER FOR THEMSELVES IN THE INDUSTRY?
Sticking true to who you are, taking care of yourself, and being extremely patient. Things don’t make sense in the moment, but everything you do in your career is directing to what is next. Stop thinking about the end product or goal, enjoy where you are and take the lessons as they come. And most importantly, DO NOT compare your journey to the next (easier said than done), but it is self-sabotage, and you are only closing the doors for opportunities that are meant for you. It’s hard work, but if you are yourself and you are persistent, the right people will notice. Trust your gut and intuition always.

WHO’S THE MOST INTERESTING PERSON YOU’VE WORKED WITH/MET?
Ooo good question - I tend to never really research or know much about who I am working with because sometimes that makes me feel awkward when going into sessions. I remember this one time I had a session with a guy who was a part of a massive band who had this one big big song I loved, and the whole time on the way I was singing the song and accidentally sang it in the session under my breath. It was embarrassing lol.

ANY UPCOMING SHOWS?
Yes!! I am doing my first mini-tour - Sydney, Melb, Wollongong. I am super excited about these shows as I am performing all the EP songs + taking some new ones for a test drive. It’s going to be very epic.

SALTY ‘THE OTHER SIDE’ EP TOUR
TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

Fri 28 Feb – Yah Yah’s, Melbourne
Sat 8 Mar – OAF Gallery, Sydney
Sun 16 Mar – Wollongong North Hotel

A Quick Chat with Salty