Shani Weiss Connects With Us About Her Uplifting New Single "Feel Alright" and What’s Next
- STAFF
- Aug 11
- 10 min read
By: Staff
Shani Weiss’s “Feel Alright” is an electrifying anthem of hope and resilience, blending raw emotion with soaring energy.
Shani Weiss has just released her highly anticipated new single, “Feel Alright,” and it’s already making waves. Bursting with energy and an infectious groove, the track is a heartwarming anthem of connection and resilience, offering a vibrant mix of uplifting melodies and raw, emotional depth. We recently spoke with the Melbourne-based singer-songwriter about the journey behind this powerful song, her evolving sound, and the unexpected moments that shaped her career.
In our conversation, Shani opens up about the turbulent time that sparked “Feel Alright,” a period of overwhelming uncertainty and emotional fog. She shares how music became her anchor, and how one simple act of being truly “seen” gave her the strength to push forward. With vulnerability at the core of her work, Shani blends light and dark in a way that resonates deeply with listeners, inviting them into her personal journey while offering hope for their own.
As Shani prepares for the release of her debut EP, we delve into the evolution of her music, the impact of community support, and the role music plays in navigating today’s chaotic world. It’s a conversation full of honesty, inspiration, and a sense of undeniable excitement for what’s to come. Dive into the interview below to learn more about the artist behind this feel-good, soul-stirring track.
Begin Interview:
Hello Shani Weiss, we’re thrilled to have you here for this interview! We've had an amazing time exploring your music and diving into your creative journey. Now, we’re even more intrigued to get a deeper look into both your brand and your personal and professional inspirations.
Q. Your music video for “Feel Alright” is so adorable. The upbeat and exciting vibe was captivating! We loved your vocals and the way you delivered the message, it was a beautiful performance. Who produced this? What an amazing cast! The energy was popping right off the screen. Can you tell us more about the storyline and special ending what it means to you?
A. First of all, thank you so much, I am so happy you liked it! So, the videographer was Juan Pirata PF35 media, I came across his work online and liked it and sent him the song and he was down for the vid clip. I wanted to go 1920’s Great Gatsby vibe to fit the song and The Local Taphouse in Melbourne was the perfect fit, they were also so lovely about us filming there. We created the story line to match the song where at the start I’m feeling down and pissed off in a bar, everything is going wrong. In the bar are a chatty group of girls, a single mum with kids, a girl sitting alone, a bartender and young man. Feeling down and glum, then suddenly the young man sees me and send me a drink giving me a little boost lift and then the rest of the clip is us trying to meet and things keep getting in the way like a chatty group of girls, the smoochy couple. It all gets a bit too much and I go have a talk with myself in the bathroom and tell myself, enough, snap out of it, life is ok, someone saw you, be happy and just get on with it. Then things start to lift off, the girl group who I found too chatty are actually lovely and want me with them, the girl by herself finds a friend in the bartender, the single mum is enjoying her time with her kids and as positivity brings more positivity, the guy finally comes up and makes his move and when it seems like we are off to start an adventure, I spot a ukulele and get let the music carry me away which gets the whole bar to jump up and dance with me and everyone is feeling alright. With the happiness there is a proposal from the smoochy couple and at the end when everyone is happy, he it is finally our time to go on an adventure. We all go through crap in life and there are times when its overwhelming to the point that everything is painted black, but you need to hold on to this little glimmers of light, one step at a time, to get back on your feet. You can’t see the stars unless the sky is dark.
Q. Your vocals are gorgeous, with that perfect sweet spot tone and jubilant energy that make your song magnetic. We couldn't stop listening to it and it was stuck in our heads for hours! After discovering your voice, what was the turning point when you transitioned from music being more of a hobby or side project to sharing it with a worldwide audience and building the powerful career we’re witnessing now?
A. Once again, thank you so much. I have imposter syndrome when it comes to vocals because I started off as a classical pianist at 5 then took up guitar and songwriting at in my teens. My voice was a way to carry my songs, but I never saw myself as a singer. You know you’ve got all these reality shows like The Voice and Ex Factor with these amazing vocalists, I knew I was never that and it took me a long time to come to terms that I’m a jack of all trades and what the gifts I was given are what I have and to try to be kinder and more loving to myself. But it’s still there and recurring feedback from the songs were the vocals and to be honest, I’m still bewildered when I get complimented for my voice. I accept it but it warms my heart and gives me assurance in what I’m doing even though I have been singing all my life, so again, thank you. To answer the question, which I sort of have, music has been there forever, I went to music school, I did a bachelors and master’s in music, I make my living off music. I don’t look at the peaks because as a musician, the fall can be just as quick as the rise, I look at the process. I’m a lifer in this and I just need to keep my feet on the ground and be thankful that my creativity is still intact, that’s all.
Q. The emotional complexity behind "Feel Alright" is striking, especially given the personal challenges you were facing during its creation. Can you describe a specific moment when music became your anchor in that chaotic time?
A. Music is always my anchor, it’s much cheaper than a therapist. Whenever I face challenging times in my life music is always my go to. Once I’ve spewed my hardships on a page it leaves me and becomes a creation, music, it has a life of its own to be interpreted anyway anyone wants. I do really like writing happy songs about difficult situations, it’s my private win. You cross me over, I’ll write a song, win win.
Q. Your music blends vulnerability with positivity. Was there a particular turning point in your career where you realized that embracing both sides, light and dark, was something you wanted to showcase in your work?
A. so as I stated earlier, I like writing happy songs. There are much more positive songs in my repertoire then mellow ones. I know the sad ones are more successful, people like to listen to something they can connect to that makes them feel seen and positivity is much harder work. As humans, research shows it’s easier for us connect to negativity and thinking positively is hard work that requires daily maintenance. But as I say in my song “If I remind myself that nothing is forever, you only live once so make it last. Maybe I’ll drop my philosophy and my animosity, pick up my guitar and just let it all out”, that’s my belief. Life is short and precious and in a snap of two fingers it can all end. We must make the most of it and seize each day and if I can spread that message to the world I am fulfilled.
Q. Having experienced that emotional upheaval and then the kindness of someone reaching out, do you now approach your relationships within the music industry differently, especially in terms of supporting other artists?
A. I have a weekly radio show called Indie Spotlight Melbourne where I interview local musicians. This is a voluntary gig and I’ve been doing it for 5 years now. I love putting my story aside for one night a week and stepping into another artists world, learning their story, hearing their music. I have interviewed people from all walks of life, all ages and it is such a privilege to do that, so yes, I am here to see others as much as I see myself.
Q. “Feel Alright” seems like a celebration of human connection. Do you think our society’s relationship with technology, specifically social media, impacts how we experience that deeper sense of connection you sing about?
A. Of course. Social media is a very surface level of connection and to get deeper you need to dig and it’s not always easy. I try to have deeper conversations with people, but you know, life, work, family, sometimes you want to have a conversion with the person that has just posted their guts out on social media, but it’s not the same as face to face. You got to take socials with a pinch of salt.
Q. The fact that “Feel Alright” is a thank you to those who help us feel seen is incredibly powerful. Do you believe there’s a “universal truth” in music—that songs can serve as a direct message of love or encouragement for listeners at just the right time?
A. well I totally believe in Karma, what you give is what you get. Just be kinder people, give space for a person to tell their story, their side. Empathy and kindness are missing in this crazy world, and we need more of it. I cannot talk about universal truths; I can talk about my truth and that is what I believe in.
Q. Having released successful singles like “All About Life” and “What’s Left,” how do you feel your sound and musical identity have evolved over time? How has the local Melbourne music scene influenced that journey?
A. great question. I released my debut album ‘Touch of Reality’ in 2018, a very eclectic album with lots of different genres. Through the album and a gazillion gigs in Melbourne I found that the sound that complimented me most was folk but then again, I am too deep in music to leave it as that, so I fuse it with other genres. With this upcoming EP it is much more cohesive, and the message is much clearer, I am here to tell my story through honesty and rawness with no sugarcoating.
Q. You’re preparing for the release of your debut EP, with big energy and a full band. What do you want this next chapter of your music career to convey, both sonically and thematically, compared to your previous work?
A. wow, just thinking about it I’m getting stressed. I have a band, I need to book a support band and need to start rehearsals, visuals, a whole lot of work for my EP launch in November in the Toff. I am looking forward to finishing the releasing process because it is really stressful and I am a one-woman band trying to juggle the releases – recording, artwork, PR, campaigning, release alongside, teaching music, presenting a radio show raising two little boys, maintaining a marriage life, it’s a lot. But as I said, you only live once and I think I show that I Carpe Diem the heck out of this life.
Q. You’ve been recognized with multiple awards, including Artist of the Month and Outstanding Achievement of the Year. How do these recognitions impact your creative process, do they motivate you, or do you prefer to stay grounded in the music itself, without focusing too much on accolades?
A. That’s an interesting one, allow me to go a little deeper. I am Israeli, I moved to Melbourne to pursue a musical career. After October 7th I felt completely alone and isolated. As an Israeli and a Melbournian Jew, we experienced so much hate, I couldn’t even think about love. Two months after October 7th was the end of year awards night of The Real Songwriters of Melbourne. I came to it petrified, broken. There is a lot of antisemitism in Melbourne especially in the suburbs where all the musicians and music is happening. I didn’t even want to come to the award night but Jena, the ‘mother’ of the community told me I am nominated for an award, so I came, sat in a dark corner and just bit my lips, how long do I need to be here.
She then started describing the winner of the outstanding achievement of the year award and it sounded a lot like me, but no way would I get it. Who will give an Israeli an award? When she announced my name everyone applauded and I was in such a state of shock, that she had to call out to ask if I was here. I got on the stage to accept the award and was speechless. The community embraced me as did the Melbourne musicians community, a community of 30k musicians that made me artist of the month. Radio presenters interviewed me and played my songs, oz music festivals also put me as artist of the month. It was wild, even impossible. When my community seemed to be demonized, I was getting love. It gave me so much hope and belief in humanity. The following year as the world got even more unbearable, I won the RSOM award again. So grounded, yes, I am, I will always be as long as there is antisemitism in the world, I always need to watch my back, sad as it is that’s our heritage. We’ve been dealing with this for thousands of years. But every time my music gets played, I get to tell my story on radio, I get featured awards it just tells me keep doing what you’re doing and spread positivity and hope because without it, I don’t know what will be.
Q. What do you want people to remember most about you after hearing this song and reading this interview?
A. everyone has a story to tell, listen patiently and who knows you may be inspired, you may learn. Make the most of this life and of this world, be kinder, be more empathetic to all and not to ‘your team’. We all feel and hurt but the power in unity and positivity is stronger than negativity.
Q. And finally, what’s next? We can't thank you enough for sharing these intimate details! Can you give us the inside scoop on your upcoming projects and what fans should be excited about? We'd love to be the first to share the news!
A. I’ve got to say I’ve done quite a few interviews, but these questions have been wonderful, thank you so much for taking the time to really learn about me and my song, I don’t take it for granted. So, EP launch 13th of November in The Toff in Town and from there let my musical wings carry me. You are welcome to join my journey on socials Shaniweissofficial where I share my day-to-day life, thank you again for this great interview!
Shani Weiss, thank you so much, we appreciate you taking the time to talk to us!
End Interview
We’re happy to have shared Shani Weiss’s exciting journey with you and uncovered such inspiring insights about their creative process.
