Women of Rock: Indie pop BFFs Betty Taylor Name Their Top Femme-Spiration

Australia’s indie-pop besties Betty Taylor are back with their infectious new single “Sucker Punch” (out now via Hello Gardener / Pals). Co-written with producer Robby De Sa (grentperez, The Veronicas), it’s a sun-soaked, heart-thumping anthem about love hitting when you least expect it.

From backyard open mics to SXSW stages, the four-piece — Sophie Patrick, Kayla Smart, Claire Chittick, and Katie Ishaque — have racked up millions of streams, triple j spins, and global tours alongside girl in red and The Rubens. With their debut EP Young Dumb Immature breaking into US charts and festival crowds singing along, Betty Taylor are fast cementing themselves as one of indie-pop’s most exciting rising acts.

The four BFF‘s sit down with us for an edition of Women of Rock and talk about the female artists who have influenced them. Betty Taylor‘s new single, ”Sucker Punch”, is out now. You can pick it up from here.

Betty Taylor “Sucker Punch” Single Artwork

1. Isabella Manfredi – The Preatures (Sophie Patrick – Lead Singer and Rhythm Guitar)

“I first saw Isabella Manfredi perform as the front woman of The Preatures in a car park of a small festival in my home town back in 2016 I believe… and she absolutely rocked it! I’ve never seen someone perform with so much energy, sass and passion. I remember her being so sweaty and flicking her hair around and I thought to myself “what a freaking rockstar.” I’ve seen her perform a bunch of time since, most recently on The Preatures 10-Year Anniversary Tour and she still came to the stage with the same energy and passion, if not more so. She is such an inspiring performer, if I could bring to the stage even a fraction of what she does, I’d be over the moon! Truely an incredible woman, performer and songwriter.”

2. Missy Higgins (Claire Chittick – Bass Player and Backing Vocals)

“Admiring women killing it in music is one of my favourite pastimes. There’s so many current musicians I look up to for their songwriting and how much they shred live, including Maisie from the Belair Lip Bombs, Kate & Marli from Full Flower Moon Band, Peppa from Spacey Jane, Caitlin Harnett, and Agnes from DVD. Additionally, at my core, I’ve always looked up to Missy Higgins – her authenticity, honesty and the way she uses her music and platform to drive positive social change. Watching her perform live will always feel like a spiritual experience, with songs like “Scar” and “Special Two” soundtracking so many moments of my life. There’s nothing quite like Aussie women in music.”

3. Tess Wilkin – The Buoys (Katie İshaque – Drums)

“There are so many people I look up to in the Australian music scene however I’m most inspired by Tess from The Buoys, I first heard their music years and ago and fell in love but we first met when we toured together last year in 2024. She brings incredible energy to the stage, and the way she drums is absolutely awesome. Watching her perform is completely captivating, and she has this way of commanding the room while still feeling effortless. Tess is a constant reminder of how powerful, fearless, and inspiring Australian women in music are, and seeing her live is always an unforgettable experience.”

4. The Findlay Sisters – Stonefield (Kayla Smart – Lead Guitar and Backing Vocals)

”I remember first hearing about this band when I was about 12, and they were probably a few years older than me. They’d just won Triple J’s unearthed high competition and I was so excited hearing a band of gals playing rock music, and getting recognised nationally for it. I was a few years into learning to play guitar and also loved playing rock music but didn’t know any girls that did it, so seeing them pop up really inspired me to keep at it. When I first saw them live at the Triple J one night stand with my family in Dalby, it lit such a spark in me – the drummer also smashing out the most powerful lead vocals, and the lead guitarist using the coolest gritty tones and ripping solos is something I’ll never forget watching. Seeing four young gals ripping in, wearing all the clothes I wanted to wear and looking cool as hell was the best thing ever for a very shy little rocker gal to see.”