We’re looking forward to introducing you to Syante. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Syante, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
What I’m most proud of building—though it’s not something people usually see—is my character. On the surface, people might see the polished moments: the performances, the songs that get released, the highlights that make it onto social media. But what they don’t see is the constant process behind the scenes—the small and big choices that shape me every day.
It’s the quiet decisions, like choosing integrity over convenience, saying no when something doesn’t align with my values, or learning to trust myself when it would be easier to follow the crowd. Those invisible moments are what really build who I am, and ultimately, they’re what make the music possible.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Syante, a Los Angeles–based singer-songwriter creating evocative pop-rock anthems rooted in storytelling and connection. Originally from India, I left behind a career in software engineering to pursue music full-time in LA—a leap of faith that has shaped both my artistry and my journey.
My sound blends pop, rock, and alternative influences, balancing feel-good energy with reflective nostalgia. I love crafting hooky, anthemic songs about resilience, transformation, and self-discovery—music that empowers people to embrace growth and see themselves in the lyrics.
Since moving to LA, I’ve had the privilege of performing at spaces ranging from The Mint to community stages like Tuesday Night Café and the LA Lantern Festival. My work has earned recognition like the ASCAP Foundation’s Jay Gorney Award, Best Rock Song at the Indie Music Channel Awards, and Best Emerging Songwriter of the Year, as well as features in outlets such as SPIN, Billboard Argentina, and RockCellar Magazine.
Collaboration has also been a highlight of my journey—I’ve recorded my original socially conscious projects with legendary musicians including Kenny Aronoff (John Mellencamp, Bon Jovi), Laurence Juber (Paul McCartney’s Wings), the late Jesse Colin Young (The Youngbloods), and Dr. Fink (Prince & The Revolution).
Right now, I’m working on new singles that showcase a grittier pop-rock sound while continuing to build community. For me, music isn’t just about sound—it’s about connection, belonging, and creating moments where people feel seen.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One moment that really shaped how I see the world happened late at night in Los Angeles after a gig. The bus I was waiting for never came, so I started walking toward the train station when a stranger pulled up and offered me a ride. At first, I hesitated (since we are taught not to trust strangers)—but something told me to take the chance. He turned out to be incredibly kind. On the drive, we shared stories, including his own immigration journey, and I left that car feeling lighter.
What struck me most was how different that experience was from the way we’re conditioned to see the world: to always be guarded, wary, and distrustful. That night reminded me that while caution is important, it’s equally vital to leave room for trust and connection. Not everyone is out to harm us—there are good people everywhere, sometimes in the most unexpected places.
The biggest lesson I carried from that experience is that the energy you put out into the world often comes back to you. When you lead with openness, kindness, and trust, people tend to honor that. It made me believe more deeply in the power of human connection, even with perfect strangers.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that has held me back the most is the fear of being judged. Growing up, I often made choices based on what I thought others expected of me—whether it was society, family friends, or the people around me. I worried that if I didn’t follow their path, I wouldn’t be loved or accepted. That mindset carried into my artistry too.
Even now, as a performer, when I step on stage, there’s still a voice in my head asking: Are people laughing at me? Do they hate what I’m doing? Or do they love it? That constant awareness of how I might be perceived has, at times, kept me from giving myself fully to the performance. It’s almost like there’s always been a part of me trying to prove myself instead of just being.
Over time, I’ve learned that the best performances—and really, the best moments in life—come from letting go of that fear. The artists who inspire me most are the ones who give everything without worrying about how they’ll be perceived. I’m still working toward that place—where I can perform without hesitation, without caring about being judged, and simply live the song to its fullest.
The difference now is that this fear doesn’t paralyze me anymore. I make choices based on what I want, not on what others expect. But as an artist, that inner critic still whispers onstage—and every performance is a chance to silence it a little more.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the music industry tells itself is that you have to “make it” by a certain age—especially if you’re a woman. The truth is, creativity doesn’t expire, and artistry can bloom at any stage of life—Sia didn’t really step into her own as a solo pop star until her late 30s and Susan Boyle surprised everyone 48. Age shouldn’t define an artist’s worth, yet the industry still clings to that idea.
Another myth is that you need to be “born with it”—that only people with some rare, god-given talent deserve to succeed. In reality, artistry is about finding your voice, your perspective, and your unique way of connecting with people. Some of the most beloved artists aren’t technically the best singers or instrumentalists—they’re the ones who make you feel something.
There’s also this obsession with virality, like the idea that if you don’t blow up on TikTok overnight, you’re not relevant. But the truth is, building a career is often a slow, steady climb. It’s about relationships, live shows, consistency, and resilience—things that can’t always be captured in a fifteen-second clip.
I think the industry sometimes forgets that music is supposed to be about connection, not conformity. The artists who stand out are the ones who don’t buy into those lies and instead carve their own path.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
For a long time, I was doing what I was told to do. I followed a traditional path into computer science and became a software engineer—it was safe, it was respectable, and it made sense on paper. But deep down, I knew it wasn’t the life I was born to live.
Choosing music was me finally stepping into what I believe I was meant to do. And honestly, the most rewarding part hasn’t just been chasing the dream itself—it’s who I’ve become along the way. This journey has taught me to collaborate with people, to trust strangers, to be more open to new experiences, and to really listen to other people’s stories and perspectives.
Music forced me to let go of a black-and-white view of life. It’s not just about right or wrong, success or failure—it’s about connection, growth, and learning patience. The end goals matter, of course, but the real gift has been the person I’ve grown into by pursuing what I love.
So my answer is: I started out doing what I was told to do, but now I’m doing what I was born to do—and it’s been the most transformative decision of my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/syante
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/say_aunty
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/syante1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@say_aunty
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/syante1
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2j6rflXsnm9rxtK5jcBUKt
Image Credits
Bart Keagy
Don Adkins
London Oliver
Alex Solca
Elijah Ruano
