We were lucky to catch up with Safiya Sayyed recently and have shared our conversation below.

Safiya , appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

The first time I knew I wanted to pursue an artistic path was back in 2009 when Michael Jackson passed away. Michael has always been my biggest inspiration and the reason I wanted to become an artist. At the time of his death, I was unaware of who he was, but I noticed that everyone around me was deeply affected by the news. This widespread mourning piqued my curiosity, and I wanted to understand why people were so moved by his passing.

I started researching about Michael Jackson and discovered his music, which captivated me instantly. I wanted to know what made him such a great and respected artist. Songs like “Earth Song,” “Black or White,” “Man in the Mirror,” and “Leave Me Alone,” to name a few, left a profound impact on me. Their powerful messages inspired me to create songs that could move people and inspire change in the world and in their lives.

Every day after school, I would watch videos of Michael Jackson performing. I was mesmerized by the magic he created on stage and the deep connection he had with his audience. I dreamed of one day performing in front of people and achieving that same connection. His songwriting and his presence as an artist inspired me to pursue this artistic path and to be able to express myself as an artist and inspire others with my songs. Whether it’s a melancholy tune or an upbeat song, I want my audience to feel every emotion, to cry, to move, and to be fully present in the moment with me when I’m on stage. This vision of connecting with others through music continues to drive my passion and purpose as an artist.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Safiya Sayyed, and I am an independent artist, singer, and songwriter from India. My journey in music began when I was just 6 years old. Singing and performing have always been integral to my identity, and I seized every opportunity to showcase my talent. Despite not coming from a musical background, my sister, who was part of our school choir, inspired me to follow in her footsteps. Together, we bonded over our love for music, and she introduced me to some of my all-time favorite artists like Michael Jackson, Avril Lavigne, and Queen.

Reflecting on my childhood, the one certainty in my life was my passion for music and my dream of becoming an artist. I remember being in the 5th grade, writing a wish list in a small blue book. One of those wishes was to come to LA and study music when I turned 18. Fast forward to 2021, I was applying to contemporary music colleges in the US because the programs in India didn’t align with my goals. Interestingly, I hadn’t initially applied to any colleges in LA, but I stumbled upon the Los Angeles College of Music and submitted my application at the last minute. To my surprise, that childhood wish came true, and I found myself in LA, studying music at 19.

At the Los Angeles College of Music, I was exposed to various genres and styles of music. In my fourth quarter, one genre stood out the most: Rock. I absolutely fell in love with rock music, and it felt like I had found my identity as an artist. Although I didn’t grow up listening to or performing rock music, some of my closest friends in college introduced me to metal and hard rock. This led to the creation of my first rock single, “Crave.” After “Crave,” I discovered my style as a songwriter, and now I primarily write songs in the hard rock, alternative rock, pop, and metal genres.

What sets me apart from other artists in the industry is my authenticity. Many artists today aim to create trendy music to achieve commercial success, which can sometimes detract from their true selves. I am not afraid to be different. I strive to create unique melodies that incorporate elements of my Indian culture while sharing my voice and stories through my songwriting. My goal is to create music with a purpose, resonating with people and inspiring them in various aspects of their lives.

I am incredibly proud of my journey so far. Starting with no musical background, I chose a path that many back home criticized, asking me to choose a different path for several reasons. However, my love and dedication for music have always overcome all barriers. My passion took me to a different country, where I learned so much about music and discovered myself as an artist. I wouldn’t have been able to achieve any of this without the unwavering support of my parents, who have always believed in me. At times when I feel like giving up, their love and blessings keeps me strong and reminds me that I am capable of overcoming any problems in life.

My music is more than just sound; it is a reflection of my journey, my culture, and my dedication to staying true to myself. I aim to create songs that not only entertain but also inspire and connect with my audience on a deeper level.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I believe society plays a crucial role in nurturing and supporting artists and creatives, starting from a young age. In many places, including India, pursuing a career in the arts is often stigmatized, with preference given to more traditional professions like engineering, medicine, or law, seen as offering more stable careers. It’s essential to shift this mindset by integrating arts education more deeply into school curricula worldwide. Education systems should not only encourage creativity but also teach practical ways to pursue artistic paths while ensuring financial stability.

Additionally, fostering a thriving creative ecosystem requires more networking opportunities, collaborative platforms, and public engagement initiatives. These could include performances, community events, and mentorship programs that allow artists to connect, learn from each other, and collaborate on impactful projects. By prioritizing these initiatives, society can create a supportive environment where artists and creatives can flourish, innovate, and make meaningful contributions to cultural enrichment and societal well-being.

A project that I co-founded called “Live from Studio 201” exemplifies this approach. We showcase live performances of emerging artists from Los Angeles. The best part of having such a show is being able to network, discover new music as an audience, and shine a light on the many hardworking talented artists in our community. This platform not only provides exposure but also fosters connections within the music industry, contributing to the growth and support of artists in the local scene.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I find the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is expressing myself and telling stories through my songs. It’s a deeply personal process where I can share the raw, true version of myself with the world. Each song or album involves a great amount of time, effort, and thought, and when I hear from people that my music has affected them or inspired them, it makes the entire creative journey worthwhile.

As an artist, I cherish the freedom to explore different narratives and messages through my music. It’s incredibly fulfilling to ask myself, “What story or message do I want to share with the world this time?” The process allows me to connect with others on a profound level, transcending language and cultural barriers.

Being able to evoke emotions, provoke thought, or simply provide solace through my music is what drives me forward. For me it never is just about creating something aesthetically pleasing or trendy but it’s about making something with a purpose of having a meaningful impact in people’s lives. When I can authentically express myself and the world embraces me as I am, supporting and encouraging my work, it’s the greatest reward I can hope for as an artist.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safiyasy/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@safiya_sayyed?si=UQFGAyVmuN_q0ddC
• Other: https://linktr.ee/lfs_201?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=afb25590-7a8d-4043-a2c8-c82c093fd026
  https://linktr.ee/safiyasayyed?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=faf073ba-1b0e-4c6e-a4b8-d9d69a28a713

Image Credits

Ella Moser
Finlay Mathias
Arya Nair
Gaby Brazier
Shreeyash Shrestha