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Syante is a singer/songwriter based in Los Angeles. Growing up singing in choir inspired her to pick up the guitar in middle school, leading to a full-time music career. After winning Future Youth Records’ songwriting contest, she was able to record her original song alongside Jesse Colin Young, Kenny Aronoff, Laurence Juber, and Jorgen Carlsson. Now, she’s in the process of recording her debut album that she hopes will not only showcase her abilities, but resonate with her audience. When Syante’s not in the studio, she runs the Jubilee Vegan Cafe, providing free vegan meals to combat food insecurity at USC, and works closely with the United University Church. Her advice to young artists? “Be patient, stay consistent, and keep pushing forward.” Read on to learn more about Syante and what makes her an Amazing Asian in the Arts!
Name: Syante
Heritage: Asian Indian
Hometown: Vizag, India
Current City: Los Angeles
Current Project:
I’m constantly writing new songs and currently recording my debut album, alongside standalone singles separate from the album. It’s an exciting journey of exploring diverse sounds and themes, ranging from upbeat pop-rock anthems to introspective, socially conscious pieces. My goal is to craft a body of work that showcases my growth and artistry as a singer-songwriter while inspiring and connecting with my audience.
What are some of your favorite credits/projects?
Recording my original song with legendary musicians Jesse Colin Young, Kenny Aronoff, Laurence Juber, and Jorgen Carlsson after winning Future Youth Records’ songwriting contest was an unforgettable experience. Being in the studio with them, chatting, and seeing how their expertise elevated my song was an absolute dream come true.
Any advice for young people getting into the arts?
Strive to get a little better at what you do every day. The market is saturated, and there’s talent everywhere – you need to embrace your most authentic self to draw your tribe to you. Constantly work on becoming a better artist and human being. And persevere, because “making it,” whatever that means to you, is a long, winding road. Be patient, stay consistent, and keep pushing forward.
How did you get your start?
I decided to dive in headfirst and figure things out along the way. I grew up singing in my school choir and picked up the guitar in 7th grade, but I had an 8-year hiatus from music before returning to it during the pandemic. That’s when I started writing my own songs and got really into it. I took a few online classes and decided to take the leap into music full-time.
What have you found is the biggest challenge in your career?
The biggest challenge is continuing to believe that things will work out, even when the path ahead isn’t fully visible. It’s hard to keep going when you don’t know what’s next, but trusting that the next step will appear has been vital. Finding the right people who align with my vision and dedication has also been challenging. I’m always seeking collaborators, mentors, and opportunities to grow in a competitive market. Wearing so many hats – manager, booking agent, social media coordinator, publicist, and more – while being a songwriter and singer can be overwhelming. Like most creatives, I’d love to focus solely on making music, but until I can delegate these tasks to trustworthy people, I’ll keep balancing them.
What are some interesting facts about yourself?
I speak six languages, was on the varsity soccer team during my undergraduate years, and also competed in long-distance running in the past, winning a few accolades.
Do you have any organizations or nonprofits you work with that you’d like to highlight?
I work with the United University Church, which oversees multiple ministries on the USC campus. I run the Jubilee Vegan Cafe, where we provide free vegan meals to the USC community. Our goal is to support students facing food insecurity while promoting veganism and a sustainable lifestyle.
Did you always want to be in the arts, or did you have another path before this?
I’ve always wanted to be in the arts – I decided I wanted to be a musician in middle school, but the journey wasn’t linear. In India, engineering and medicine were the most common career paths after high school. Since I excelled academically, everyone thought I’d do well in engineering. I ended up pursuing Computer Science, which was highly sought after. Although I enjoyed certain aspects, I realized during university that it wasn’t the best fit for me. After doing internships in my junior and senior years, I couldn’t see myself in that career long-term. When the pandemic hit during my junior year, I had time to reflect and decided to pursue my childhood dream of becoming a musician. I completed my degree and worked as a software engineer for a year before moving to Los Angeles to pursue music, while completing a master’s degree in the field at the University of Southern California (USC).
If your parents aren’t in the arts, what parts of them have helped you succeed in this business?
My mom is very artistic – she loves painting, singing, and crafts – and I’ve inherited that from her. She taught me the harmonium (a South Asian reed organ) and encouraged me to participate in arts and cultural events growing up. From my dad, I’ve learned the importance of generosity, honesty, and integrity. Both my parents emphasized the importance of health and self-care, which helps me stay in the best shape to give my all to my work.
If you could go back in time, what would you tell your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, be patient, and keep striving to improve a little every day. Never compromise on your values or your vision of who you want to be. Take risks, embrace challenges, and stay hungry for growth.
How do you deal with performance anxiety?
I remind myself that the audience wants to see me succeed. It’s a learning process, but performing regularly helps. I also try to think of the audience as part of my world rather than separate from it, and focusing on the story and emotion of the song can help achieve that. Reminding myself that mistakes are okay – and a natural part of being human – also helps.
How has your creative process changed over time?
I’ve become more intentional with my writing. I think about the “why” behind my songs and what I want to share with my audience. I also explore different genres and draw inspiration from a variety of artists, especially those from different eras. My themes have evolved beyond typical love and breakup stories, delving into introspection and social consciousness.
How did the pandemic change your creative process or outlook on life?
The pandemic gave me time to reflect on what I wanted from life. I joined online communities and made friends worldwide, which provided a virtual space to share and hone my craft. I performed at online open mics, received feedback, and even did paid showcases. It was a challenging time, but it pushed me to pivot from my career in software engineering and fully commit to music.
As a songwriter, how do you pick the stories you want to tell and what is your process for creating a song?
I’m primarily a lyrics-first songwriter. I jot down ideas in my phone whenever inspiration strikes – be it a catchy phrase or an intriguing observation. When I sit down with my guitar or piano, I revisit those notes, letting the chords guide the story further. It’s a dynamic process where lyrics and music inspire each other. My songs are rooted in personal experiences and observations, and I choose stories based on their ability to resonate with listeners. I aim to offer something positive or meaningful, helping people feel heard, reflect on their own experiences, and find joy or resilience, depending on the emotions the song evokes.
If you could name one moment that changed everything, what would it be?
It’s been a slow, steady journey, marked by moments that gradually push me forward. I wouldn’t say there was a single, definitive moment where everything flipped. However, moving to a new continent and country by myself, knowing no one and trusting I’d figure it out, was a pivotal step. It sparked immense personal growth, reshaped my outlook on life, and pushed me to take greater risks and test my abilities.
To find out more on Syante, please visit her at:
Linktree (All Links): https://linktr.ee/syante
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/say_aunty
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2j6rflXsnm9rxtK5jcBUKt
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/syante1
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@syante1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@say_aunty
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/syante1
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/syante/1679423307
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