Shani Weiss is a Melbourne-based folk rock artist known for her emotive storytelling and multi-instrumental talent. She recently released her second single, “What’s Left,” from an upcoming EP, following her successful debut single “All About Life,” which launched at a sold-out show at the iconic Espy. Her music has gained international airplay, including on Europe Indie Charts and Australian stations like Southern FM and Joy FM. Shani has been recognized as Artist of the Month by Melbourne Musicians and Oz Music Festivals and has received the Outstanding Achievement of the Year award from The Real Songwriters of Melbourne for two years running. Shani Weiss has performed widely across Melbourne and at prestigious venues like Hamer Hall and Palais Theatre, as well as festivals such as St Kilda Festival and Fringe Festival. Additionally, Shani hosts “Indie Spotlight Melbourne” on J-Air Radio, where she interviews emerging local artists.
Step into this interview to find out more about Shani Weiss and her music.
What was your musical background like growing up?
Music is something I have done since I remember myself. I started Classical Music on the piano at 5 and as a child I would write kitchy little songs do balance the classical training on the piano. At 13 I went to a music school were I added singing, guitar and composition. So it seemed like that was the direction I was going to in life and continued on to a Bachelors and Masters in Music.
Did you ever consider focusing solely on singing, or did the desire to play instruments always feel like a natural extension of your musical identity?
Singing for me started from the music school I went to but I didn’t see myself as a vocalist, probably till this day. But in those formative years singing was an opportunity to add words to express how I was feeling. Until than I was composing contemporary instrumental pieces on the piano, so and once singing kicked in, the move to guitar was pretty smooth which made everything easier as you can take the guitar to the campsite around the fire. But I would never be the girl that just sang her heart out. It was always a holistic experience of voice, instrument and creating.
How do your personal experiences and emotions influence the way you write and produce your music?
I love writing happy songs about people that piss me off. You know when you have a falling out with someone and it takes time to get them of your mind? well I can’t stand obsessing over someone that cannot benefit my life so once I’ve written a fun song with a catchy hook about the situation, I can let them go, while humming happily to myself.
What achievement or recognition are you most proud of, and how did it impact your perspective on your music career?
Firstly, just the fact that I am releasing music to the world as a full time Music Teacher, Radio presenter, mum of two energetic boys and a million after school activities is an amazing achievement for me. I was terrified to have kids because I thought I would lose my music career, and the truth is, since becoming a mum I’ve had my greatest musical achievements. I birthed my debut album Touch of Reality and son Tom, at the same time. I moved to Melbourne on the basis of a backpackers dream and started here from scratch and have been so incredibly lucky to be able to be acknowledged as artist of the month by Melbourne Musicians and Oz Music Festival, winning the RSOM Outstanding Achievement of the Year for 2 years in a row. Making it to the semi finals of Listen up Music, Performing in the Palais, Hamer Hall. These are all such incredible things for me, coming from Israel dreaming of a making music in Melbourne and actually succeeding in it with such warm and support. I don’t take things for granted and basically, where I am musically today, is by my biggest achievement and I am so grateful for it.
Has there ever been a time when you doubted your career path, and if so, how did you push through those doubts?
I started my Bachelors in Music and after the first year, I took a year off to think. I wanted to contemplate properly about my life path – Should I get a degree in music, and live a more modest life but do what I love, or should I study computer science, become a prosperous Hi Tech person with no financial worries, and a sad band of hi tech people from the office that also chose money over passion. I let the year flow, at the time, I worked in the airport and had a 3am shift, driving to work the radio presenter said here’s a new song by this emerging artist and the song was crap. I thought to myself ‘I write better than that’ and that was the moment that I realized that if I choose computer science, I will never be able to listen to music again without thinking ‘I could have done this too’
What exciting projects or goals do you have lined up for 2025, and how do you plan to push your music to new heights?
I am starting to gear up towards a video clip for my 3rd single that will be released around June/July and then releasing my EP in November with an epic launch. So Super exciting year!
Hop onto Instagram to give Shani Weiss a follow, and keep up with her upcoming music releases. If you’re looking for more interviews, I have you covered on TAGG right here.
