Feelings: The Indie Pop Sensation
Feelings is the dynamic indie pop project spearheaded by Australian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Sasha Zaidi. Emerging from Melbourne's vibrant DIY scene, the artist has carved a distinct niche with emotionally resonant lyrics wrapped in shimmering synth-pop production. The project's debut album, 'The Comfort of Strangers', charted within the top 20 on the Australian Albums Chart and received a gold certification in 2022.
Early career
Sasha Zaidi began recording music as Feelings in her Melbourne bedroom in 2015. Her initial output consisted of lo-fi demos and EPs, which she self-released on platforms like Bandcamp, cultivating a small but dedicated online following. This grassroots buzz led to her signing with the independent Australian label Spinning Top Music in 2017, which re-released her early EP 'Fleeting' to wider attention.
Breakthrough
Feelings' major breakthrough arrived in 2020 with the release of the single 'Echoes'. The track became a sleeper hit, gaining traction on community radio and streaming playlists before peaking at number 15 on the Australian Singles Chart. Its success paved the way for the critically acclaimed 2021 debut album 'The Comfort of Strangers', which solidified her status as a leading voice in modern indie pop.
Key tracks
Echoes — This breakthrough single defined the Feelings sound with its driving bassline and candid lyrics about digital-age anxiety.
Comfort of Strangers — The title track from the debut album showcases Zaidi's knack for crafting expansive, anthemic pop choruses.
Silver Lines — A collaboration with producer Touch Sensitive that became a dancefloor-friendly hit on alternative radio.
Harbour — This introspective ballad demonstrated the project's emotional depth and earned significant airplay on Triple J.
Following the debut album's success, Feelings embarked on extensive national and international touring, including notable festival slots at Splendour in the Grass and The Great Escape. A sophomore album, 'Permanent Transit', followed in 2024 via Spinning Top Music, debuting at number 12 on the Australian chart. The album featured collaborations with artists like Nick Allbrook of Pond and saw Zaidi experimenting with denser, more guitar-oriented textures while retaining her signature melodic clarity.
For fans of Feelings' blend of introspective songwriting and polished pop production, several other Australian artists explore similar terrain. Megan Washington shares a commitment to sophisticated pop craftsmanship and lyrical vulnerability. The Rubens operate in a comparable space of soul-infused indie rock with pop hooks. Cub Sport delivers emotionally charged synth-pop anthems with a similar heartfelt directness. Gordi merges electronic elements with folk intimacy, creating a parallel musical universe.
The music of Feelings maintains a strong presence on radio rotations across multiple formats. Her catchy singles are staples on Australia's Triple J network and commercial alternative rock radio stations. Online indie pop radio streams and independent music radio stations worldwide frequently feature tracks from both her debut and sophomore albums, recognizing her consistent output of quality pop songwriting.
Listeners can discover the evocative indie pop of Feelings through dedicated radio stations featured on our website. Tune in to onairium.com to hear her key tracks and latest releases as part of our curated music programming.
