Meet Safiya Sayyed

We recently connected with Safiya Sayyed and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Safiya , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

It’s an interesting question to answer because, ever since I was around seven, I always had a sense that I wanted to be a singer. Growing up, I was deeply inspired by Michael Jackson—his ability to move people across the globe through his music made me realize I wanted to do the same. I wanted to have a voice that could inspire positive change and help make the world a better place for everyone. That purpose drove me to take the leap and move to the U.S. to study music.

However, in the past few years, I’ve started to question whether I’ve truly found my purpose yet. I still want to make a difference in the world, but sometimes it’s hard to envision exactly how to do that. The music industry is incredibly competitive and complex, and when you’re caught in the whirlwind, it can make you rethink how you’ll achieve that goal. Despite this, I remain committed to using my music as a force for good.

I believe that we often discover our purpose through trial and error. On the days when I feel lost, I try not to overthink it. Instead, I put my faith in God, trust the process, and keep working hard on my music. I believe that whatever is meant to happen will happen, and my path will reveal itself in time.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Hello, my name is Safiya Sayyed, and I am a singer-songwriter and artist from Pune, Maharashtra, India. With a deep-rooted passion for rock and pop music, I pour my creativity into crafting compelling songs within these genres. Currently, I’m pursuing my music career in Los Angeles, California, where I aim to build a solid foundation as an artist. The rich musical culture and diverse influences of LA inspire me daily, and I am committed to refining my skills and sharing my unique voice with the world.

Through heartfelt lyrics and powerful melodies, I aspire to connect with audiences on a meaningful level, touching hearts and inspiring others with my music. I moved to Los Angeles three years ago to chase my passion for music and become a professional in the industry. Growing up, I was captivated by Western contemporary music, with Michael Jackson being one of my biggest inspirations. Watching him perform and sing about making a positive impact on the world deeply resonated with seven-year-old me, and since then, I’ve dreamed of doing the same through my music.

My unwavering love for music pushed me to take a bold step at 19—to leave my country and study vocal performance at the Los Angeles College of Music. Being in a new country surrounded by immensely talented and hardworking people was initially intimidating, but as I progressed through the courses, I found my calling. The rock ensemble classes, in particular, opened my eyes to a new side of music I hadn’t fully explored in India. This experience led to my first single, “Crave,” an alternative rock track with hard rock and subtle metal influences. The lyrics delve into the intense yearning for someone who’s out of reach, capturing the internal struggle between desire and resistance. “Crave” merges rock with deeply personal themes, giving voice to the inner battles we all face.

During my time at LACM, I also collaborated on several projects with different artists & producers. One of my favorite projects is “Live from Studio 201,” a live music show I co-founded with talented classmates. It showcases authentic performances of three original songs by emerging artists from Los Angeles. I love this project because it provides a platform for talented musicians to gain recognition, and it keeps us creators deeply connected to LA’s vibrant music scene.

Currently, I’m working on releasing new music, exploring diverse sounds and themes, and I’m excited to share it with the world. I hope it resonates with the right audience and continues to inspire and uplift.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my journey, I believe that dedication, resilience, and faith were the key factors that helped me overcome every obstacle and get to where I am today. For anyone who’s just starting out or early in their journey, I would say: be dedicated to honing your craft. Stay curious, always eager to learn and explore more about your skills. Invest as much time and effort as possible in mastering your art.

It won’t happen overnight. You will face challenges, and there will be slow days, but resilience is crucial. Remind yourself why you do what you do—why you love it. That passion will carry you through tough times. And most importantly, have faith. Believe in yourself. I’ve encountered many people in my life who didn’t believe in themselves enough to pursue their dreams, and they would project that doubt onto me, making me question my own goals.

Self-doubt is something I’ve struggled with as well, but I’ve been working on it for years. Because when you think about it, how can others believe in what you have to say through your music—or anything, for that matter—f you don’t first believe in yourself ? That’s why it’s essential to have faith in yourself, in your dreams, and in God. Trust that, with persistence, you will achieve your goals one day.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

There’s so much I could say, but no words can fully express everything my parents have done for me. My family didn’t come from wealth—my dad didn’t even own a pair of shoes until 10th grade—but he’s a perfect example of the saying, ‘Successful people aren’t born gifted; they work hard and succeed on purpose.’ I really look up to him. My mom is equally inspiring, dedicating every single day of her life to her family. Through every challenge, she’s been our unwavering support, always helping in any way she can.

I admire them both deeply, not only for their hard work but for the values they embody—values I strive to carry in my own life and work. They came from humble beginnings, and yet they found a way to support their daughter’s dream, even though no one in our family had ever taken the path I chose. They sent me to a foreign country where everything is different and relatively more expensive compared to India, all on their own. I can’t express how much I respect and love them for believing in me, supporting me, and giving me everything they could.

I’m truly grateful to be able to pursue my dreams, and it’s all because of them. I love them with all my heart and hope that through my hard work and music, I can one day repay them for all the incredible opportunities they’ve given me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safiyasy/
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/NET60lbndKY?si=iRU8MnybqjtCcNmW
• Other: My YouTube channel – https://youtube.com/@safiya_sayyed?si=UQFGAyVmuN_q0ddC
  Live From Studio 201 – https://youtube.com/@lfs_201?si=7-6ZSf5E123YOVCe
  Linktr.ee – https://linktr.ee/safiyasayyed

Image Credits

Ella Moser
Aditi Sharma
Shreeyash Shrestha