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 un7l 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 wri7ng, I don’t necessarily have a clear vision on what I want it to sound like. Its always an overwhelming feeling of ‘this is the right direc7on’ whether it comes from melody, visuals, lyrics. I always have that voice finding me if its right. I was in the big teenager to adult change while I was wri7ng a lot of these songs. A lot of them are about experiencing things for the first 7me.. 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, audi7ons, singing lessons. I have a vivid memory of me siMng 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 crea7ng with inten7on. Again its a feeling I get, intui7on maybe.

WHAT’S THE CREATIVE PROCESS LIKE FOR YOU?

For me it chops and changes. During the wri7ng of this EP it was a lot of general key words I would bring into a session and we would tangent off that. I find that helps give everyone in the room direc7on and a clear image of what needs to be said. As soon as the songs wriQen and I get it back, I am preQy 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 7meline. The more I release music the more I want to work on staying present through this process as it gets to release 7me and you can’t believe its how fast everything’s happen.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE SOMETHING ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN MUSIC INDUSTRY, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I hope they are open to giving every one an opportunity especially when it is a well fiMng one for the ar7st. I hope they no7ce hard work, consistency, perseverance and reward that. I hope we con7nue to champion female pop ar7sts as I fear we have been slept on over the last 5 years. Its exci7ng to see a liQle shiT in commercial radio and Triple J and watch them celebrate more pop music now. There is soooo 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?

Its cliche but I really couldn’t see myself doing anything else. I am a crea7ve at my core - whether its in ar7st land or for other people. I love making things from scratch, seeing the progress and celebra7ng 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?

S7cking true to who you are, taking care of yourself and being extremely pa7ent. Things don’t make sense in the moment but every thing you do in your career is direc7ng to what is next. Stop thinking about the end product or goal, enjoy where you are and take the lessons as the 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 opportuni7es that are meant for you. Its hard work but if you are yourself and you are persistent, the right people will no7ce. Trust your gut and intui7on always.

WHO’S THE MOST INTERESTING PERSON YOU’VE WORKED WITH/MET?

Ooo good ques7on - I tend to never really research or know much about who I am working with because some7me that makes me feel awkward when going into sessions. I remember this one 7me 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 7me 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. Its 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