Salty’s Top Picks Of “Sexy, Slick” Pop Songs That Inspire Her

Eora-based artist Salty is the embodiment of popstar. Having done her rounds on the local music circuits for years, Salty has continuously held herself with unwavering confidence and a drive to push Australian pop music to the forefront, but not without struggle. 

In an op-ed for The Music, the artist spoke candidly about the effects of comparison and social media as a female artist in today’s climate.

“Sometimes, there are days I wake up and really feel like everything is on track, and I am the coolest person ever. But it takes one thing to come up on my Instagram feed (and to be transparent, it's usually a fellow music friend) to knock me into a deep dark hole, and thoughts like “what I’m doing isn’t enough” or “they got that opportunity, why didn’t I get it” are loud, and relentless,” she wrote.

“As an independent artist, it can be easy to compare yourself to those signed to a big label, which is something else I battle with. There is so much incredible talent in Australia, and often I feel quite small and yet to be discovered. It can make you question whether there is enough room and lead to you pin yourself against other artists - and that’s the quickest way to turn you away from the reason you’re even doing music in the first place.”

Salty’s introspective view on her music journey is undoubtedly fuelled by the experiences of artists that have similarly had to carve out their own path in the compact and busy music industry. Drawing inspiration from pop greats like Lily Allen, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga, her 2024 EP the other side is her truth, desires and aspirations translated into an unapologetic, vibrant pop and electronic world where women are free to be who they are and say what they want without being silenced. As a result, Salty has easily joined the ranks as an artist who is here to continue marching to the beat of her own drum.

But behind every incredible pop girly is a cohort of icons that have paved the way. For The Music, Salty has curated a playlist of some of her most treasured pop inspirations (with some short and sweet commentary to take you through it all).

Primadonna - Marina & The Diamonds

Top to bottom this is a perfect song. It’s cool, it’s edgy but also sexy. I love the production, it’s honestly a classic at this point.

The Fear - Lilly Allen

This is one of those songs I wish I wrote. Brilliant chord progression and insane melodies. I love when songs are so unique and unalike anything else. Lily Allen was soooo in her own lane.

Showdown - Britney Spears

When I put this song on, my self-esteem goes through the roof. Britney for me is so essential to my confidence and attitude. I literally play any Britney song and I am taken elsewhere. The production on this song is also just sooooo timeless and cool. 

Make Me Feel - Janelle Monàe

Big big big inspo here. Again, such a unique and special song. Production is so interesting. Sexy, slick and unique. 

What You Waiting For? - Gwen Stefani

…….. I mean… this intro… It is my career goal to make a song that starts like this one. This song is the song I put on before I go on stage. So much attitude and confidence. It reminds me of who I am!

I Believe In You - Kylie Minogue

My childhood was mostly all Kylie Minogue. I’ve been to every tour with my mum. She is so influential to me in every way. The bridge of this song is the best part to me. One of those melodies that is so unforgettable.

Yummy - Gwen Stefani

So essential to my personality. Gwen in this era (sweet escape) was soooooo iconic. So many tracks of this album that altered my brain chemistry.

Did It Again - Kylie Minogue

This music video was so influential to me when I first started writing music. Visually Kylie has always been so impressive with shoots, videos. This song is also superrrr experimental and different I feel for Kylie. 

Beautiful Dirty Rich - Lady Gaga

Ughhhhh this production. The drums and verse melody take me out every time I listen. Lady Gaga is so important to me. She is my muse. Every era is so inspiring. The Fame is definitely my favourite album though.

Let Me Think About It - Ida Corr

This song screams IT GIRL. Every time I play this in my DJ set I know the girlies love it. It’s got that cool girl vibe about it. Obsessed.

Bulletproof - La Roux

Top to bottom perfect song. 

Mercy - Duffy

Soooo hot! Such a sexy song to me. The attitude and character in Duffy’s voice cannot be replicated. Dream to make a song like this. 

Alejandro - Lady Gaga

Chorus melody hits harder every listen. Incredible music video. Production, timeless. 

Cool - Gwen Stefani

I love this song because we hear Gwen in a softer light. I feel like during this time she was super into that bad girl, confident, don’t f w me vibe. I loooooooove this song and somehow it still lives in the Gwen Stefani universe.

You can catch Salty in the flesh at Live Nation’s ‘Ones To Watch’ Showcase this Thursday, February 13 at The Gasometer Hotel.