With a name as evocative as the ocean, the Aussie musician Salty is fast becoming a dynamic force to be reckoned with. Reshaping the spirit of pop into something entirely her own, her music dances between old-school pop hooks and bold, unapologetic lyrics, drawing from the trailblazing energy of icons like Lily Allen, Britney Spears, and Lady Gaga.

We caught up with the burgeoning musician in the wake of her most recent EP release The Otherside to talk performing, process and Pinterest-boarding her visuals.

1. Congratulations on your debut, how are you feeling with your EP The Otherside being out in the world?

Thank you so much! I feel extremely relieved to be honest. Its pretty insane how artists usually sit on songs and ideas for two years (sometimes longer) before they start rolling it out. It's nice to finally feel like I can move forward and focus on what’s next. I am so proud of this EP though, it feels like the beginning of me finding myself and really setting my feet in the music industry. I love it.

2. Your visual sense as an artist is incredibly sharp. How do you balance your roles as a performer, songwriter, and director when creating projects like this?

The people around me know I can be... a certified control freak. It can be really hard for me to palm tasks off because I see them a certain way or whatever, and it has to be perfect (lol). I am really trying to open up and let people in because throughout this EP roll out I have found that collaboration is key. I had a lot of help from my best friend who just has ‘the eye’. We call it ‘the eye’ because it's something unexplainable and just a feeling. For me, the creative and visual stuff always comes first. I love that stuff, it's so fun to think outside of the square and push the boundaries with ideas. I try to do that in the studio as well, not limit and put myself in a box. At this point my relationship with balancing it all at times is extremely stressful, but I work well under pressure I guess.

3. What are you most looking forward to on your first upcoming tour?

I mean, I have never played a show in Melbourne, so that is going to be lots of fun. I am excited to fly around with my dancers. I am sure it doesn’t seem as glamorous as it looks on the outside. I also hate flying. The turbulence really freaks me out. It’ll be fun to add some newer songs to my set as well to test drive.

4. For your debut EP, what was your creative process like – does it start with a lyric, a visual, or a feeling?

During the writing 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 direction and a clear image of what needs to be said. As soon as the song is written and I get it back, I am pretty much straight to thinking about what it looks like in the visual world. That’s the most exciting. I usually have a clear, strong idea straight away depending on the song and will start collating inspiration on Pinterest which then moves into a full-blown, detailed-out Google presentation that gets shared around with updates 24/7. I find that I start with an outrageous idea and, as a team, we start peeling back layers until it lands somewhere that is attainable and makes sense for me right now. I am very lucky I have gotten to make what we put out this year.

5. When you’re not working, what can we find you doing?

Hmmmmm... I love eating so much. I love going out for a wine and cheese, bread, cold meats. Like, it literally is my kryptonite. When I’m not doing that I am probably walking, swimming at the beach, watching TV, hanging out with my boyfriend and family. I am starting to scrapbooking, which has been therapeutic.

6. If you could sum up your EP in three words, what would they be?

Confident, honest and boss.

7. How does fashion influence your work as an artist?

Fashion is just a chance to experiment. Everyday I look in my wardrobe and want to start over. During this roll out I really leaned into booty shorts and a singlet vibe which has been so fun. In my day to day life I am a little more relaxed and love the more oversized look. I am excited to see where I go with fashion as the limit does not exist.

8. If you could collaborate with another artist in your next project, who would it be?

I am going to go big – probably Kesha or Charli XCX. Troye Sivan would be crazy too.