Australia’s breakout indie-pop four-piece, Betty Taylor, have quickly become one of the country’s most beloved emerging acts. Fronted by Sophie Patrick with Kayla Smart (aka Dorah Jacson) on guitar, Claire Chittick on bass, and Katie Ishaque on drums, the band has gone from backyard open mics to international acclaim in just two and a half years. Their infectious new single ‘Sucker Punch‘, co-written with renowned producer Robby De Sa, continues their run of shimmering indie-dream-pop anthems, following millions of streams and strong support from triple j, Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.
With debut single ‘Stallin’ nearing a million streams and follow-ups like ‘Glitter’, ‘Can’t Get Enough’, and ‘Young Dumb Immature’ landing in triple j’s top ten most-played tracks, Betty Taylor have cemented their place as rising stars. Joining global agency WME in 2023, they’ve toured extensively across the UK, Europe, and the US, playing alongside girl in red, The Rubens, and Beddy Rays. Not only that – they’re on the last leg of a fantastic UK & Ireland tour. We decided to find out more from lead singer Sophie:
Latest single ‘Sucker Punch’ is out now — what’s the story behind the track, and who’s getting emotionally KO’d?
I guess me?! Haha, I had sworn off dating, like really sworn off, and then BAM, suddenly you meet someone, and you think “oh no, why are you so amazing I had given up. Here we go again” Lucky for me things really worked out haha
You co-wrote it with Robby De Sa (grentperez, The Veronicas). What did he bring to the studio that changed the game?
Robby just had such great energy. From the moment I walked into the studio, he was so excited and wanted to know what I was listening to and what music was making me excited, and we listened to a bunch of tracks together and got a general vibe for the song. Sucker Punch came together so effortlessly; it was a dream session.
The song captures that dizzy rush of unexpected romance. Was it inspired by a real-life moment or pure pop fantasy?
Haha yeaaahhh it’s based on real life (for once) . I’m very lucky haha
You’ve racked up over 3 million streams — how does “Sucker Punch” level up your sound from earlier singles like “Stallin’”?
I think it still very much sits in the same world! just a step up. We’ve grown so much tighter as a band since our debut release, and I feel like I’ve grown so much as a songwriter
From backyard gigs to UK stages — what’s been the wildest part of your journey so far?
I think being on tour in the UK! Never would have dreamed I’d be doing music or even in a band, and now I get to tour all over the world doing it as a job?! It’s pretty wild
You’re on tour now with lots of UK & Irish tour dates… what and where are you most excited about?
Definitely excited about heading to Ireland! I am CRAVING a Guinness pie!
How do you prep for tour life — any rituals, must-haves, or pre-show chaos we should know about?
check list, check list, check list! I’ve gotten my tour pack list down pretty tight. I think also just making sure you are looking after yourself on the road, too. I don’t understand how musicians used to be all sex, drugs & rock and roll, haha. If I don’t have my multivitamins and a goodnight sleep, I am struggling on the roa,d haha
Your harmonies are dreamy, and your lyrics hit deep. How do you balance softness with punch in your songwriting?
Lyrics often come first, and I’ll build out some basic chords around them. I guess all the extra layers come after, and we can shape the songs in different ways to give them those dreamy and punchy elements
What’s the vibe you want fans to feel when they hear “Sucker Punch” live for the first time?
All the warm and fuzzies! I watched a couple slow dance with each other at one of our recent shows, and it was so cute. I was like, awww I’m a part of creating this really sweet moment for them
After this tour, what’s next — more music, a debut album, or a well-earned nap on the beach?
Oh goodness, I can’t wait to go have a nap on the beach! We have sooo much more music on its way. We are really excited. Will have to keep your eyes peeled.
Find out more about Betty Taylor and check out all the links on LinkTree.
Karen Woodham is the founder and owner of the Blazing Minds. She is also a Cinema reviewer and works with RealD 3D reviewing the latest 3D releases and IMAX, she has also had several articles published in various publications including the first edition of SFW Magazine. In 2015 she became an Award Winning Blogger and also has her website listed as one of the UK’s Top 10 Film Blogs.
