Meet Syante | Singer-Songwriter & Recording Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Syante and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Syante, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
I prioritize my health—eating well, staying hydrated, working out, and aiming for 8 hours of sleep whenever possible. Being in good shape, both mentally and physically, allows me to function at my best and give 100% to everything I do.
I also believe in the power of a positive mindset. I try to see the bright side of every situation, viewing challenges and setbacks as lessons. When something less-than-ideal happens, I take a moment to reflect, learn from it, and move on (and, of course, write a song about it, lol!). Likewise, I celebrate victories but don’t get caught up in them, as I believe focusing too much on success can feed the ego.
Taking responsibility for everything in my life has been another game-changer. Instead of making excuses or blaming others, I ask myself what I can learn and how I can grow. Building relationships has also been essential. Success isn’t a solo journey, and I make it a point to attend networking opportunities, even if it means stepping out of my comfort zone or traveling long distances. I strive to be kind and easy to work with because collaboration is at the heart of any creative career.
Finally, I make time to read every day, mostly self-help and motivational books like The Success Principles and As a Man Thinketh. These keep me inspired and grounded on my journey.
It’s an ongoing process, but these habits help me stay focused, grow, and pursue goals with resilience and gratitude.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is deeply rooted in inspiration and empowerment. I aim to create music that feels good, sparks optimism, and evokes nostalgia. While my lyrics often stem from personal experiences, I also create characters to explore universal emotions. What sets me apart is my journey and unconventional approach. I didn’t grow up with formal musical training; instead, I relied on intuition and passion during my childhood and teenage years. While I’m learning more about music theory now, my self-taught journey led me to experiment with different chord progressions, structures, and rhythms—perhaps an unintended influence from growing up in India, surrounded by music in various languages and genres. This helped me craft a sound that merges pop, rock, and electronic elements.
I’m drawn to creating catchy hooks and poetic lyrics – there’s something truly special when the audience hums my songs back to me! I’ve also been told that I have a recognizable voice, which I cherish. Another unique aspect of my story is my background in engineering. I earned a Bachelor’s in Computer Science before making the leap into music. While I may be “late to the game,” my diverse life experiences have taught me to embrace this path. It wasn’t easy, though. From the moment I left behind everything familiar to move to a city where I knew no one, I had to be resilient and grow. It’s been a beautifully challenging journey, teaching me the importance of community, adaptability, and perseverance.
Challenges are constant—navigating the industry as an “outsider,” forming the right connections, and finding people I genuinely vibe with to collaborate on projects. There are also moments of self-doubt when progress feels slow or non-existent. To keep pushing forward, I’ve learned to stay disciplined, reflect on how far I’ve come (even the fact that I’m living in LA seemed like a pipe dream just four years ago), and continue to evolve with the support and insights of my mentors. This reflection, coupled with their guidance, helps me lean into my purpose—and for that, I’m deeply grateful.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to trust the process. Success isn’t linear, and every experience—whether good or bad—has shaped who I am, both as an artist and as a person. There are dry spells when there are no performances or recording sessions. During those moments, I stay grounded by focusing on writing, practicing, and improving my craft. It’s not always easy to keep pushing when external motivation is lacking, but building habits and routines help me stay productive, especially when things feel stagnant.
At the core of my brand and story is the message that you can do and be anything. As Jim Carrey once said, we often choose paths out of “practicality” aka fear because we think what we truly want is impossible. But since even “safe” options can fail, why not go for what you truly love? Whether it’s through a high-energy pop-rock anthem or an intimate acoustic set, I want listeners to feel more connected to themselves and their inner desires. I hope my music inspires others to live more fulfilled lives and find deeper meaning in their own experiences. Music is my way of giving back, building community, and empowering others to dream big and live their truth.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As an artist, my idea of hosting a friend in LA involves dragging them into my world—recording/writing sessions, and my performances! The city’s diversity means there’s something for everyone, so I’d tailor the experience to their interests. But here’s a basic outline. We’d hop on a train. Probably against conventional wisdom, but the Blue Line to Pasadena is a gem, offering scenic views of the mountains and the city you’d never catch otherwise! In Pasadena, we’d visit the Huntington Library and Gardens for some serenity, and the ethereal Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens.
Music would take center stage with visits to the Grammy Museum, legendary studios like The Village, and iconic venues like the Viper Room, Hollywood Bowl, and Greek Theatre. Add a game at Crypto.com Arena for good measure.
No LA trip is complete without the Hollywood tourist classics—the Walk of Fame, Capitol Records, The Roosevelt, and Hollywood Boulevard’s landmarks like the Chinese Theatre and El Capitan, capped with an enchanting night at The Magic Castle.
As a USC alum, there’s no way my guest isn’t getting a tour of the campus – topped off with a stop at the Village for a Dulce matcha and maybe a meal at the dining hall. We’d also explore nearby landmarks like the Coliseum, BMO Stadium, the Rose Garden, and the museums in Exposition Park.
Beach days are non-negotiable: surfing at Manhattan Beach, biking Venice to Santa Monica, and catching a Malibu or Griffith Observatory sunset. For a dose of culture, we’d explore The Getty, Getty Villa, LACMA, and The Broad.
Food is as much a part of LA’s soul as its flair. We’d hit vegan hotspots like Crossroads Kitchen, browse The Grove’s Farmer’s Market, and end with dinner at Beverly Hilton’s CIRCA 55 (formerly Sant’olina), basking in the westside skyline views—and perhaps even marvel at the pink marble opulence of the International Ballroom’s bathroom! It’d be a perfect blend of music, art, nature, and glam—because that’s how LA does it!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh, so many people! There have been everyday strangers who became friends and supported my music journey. During the pandemic, while in India, I participated in virtual open mics and connected with people worldwide, including in LA. When I shared that I was moving here, a couple of them not only met me at the airport but also gifted me a guitar, showed me around, and helped me settle in.
Another time, I was stranded after a gig, waiting for a bus that never came. My phone was dead, and I didn’t know what to do. A random stranger offered me a ride. Although hesitant, I trusted my intuition and accepted. They turned out to be incredibly kind, sharing life advice I still carry with me.
I’m also grateful to my professors at USC, peers, and collaborators for connecting me with industry opportunities, as well as to mentors and organizations like the Recording Academy and EqualizeHer, who elevate youth in the industry. The support from a local church community for daily necessities and the parental figures who chauffeur me to gigs and sessions has also been a blessing.
It truly takes a village to raise a child (or a big child/young adult in this case haha). I came here with no family and knowing no one, but the incredible people and communities I’ve encountered have given me not just opportunities, but a home and a family.

Website: https://linktr.ee/syante

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/say_aunty

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/syante-71b28b264/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/syante1

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@syante1

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2j6rflXsnm9rxtK5jcBUKt

Image Credits
Chris Jensen
Brian Alvarado
Alessandro Solca