Meet Karim AL-Saied

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karim AL-Saied. 

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I always have trouble speaking about myself for someone who is a writer. Let’s see, I was born in Libya, moved to Baghdad shortly after (during Desert Storm), few years later moved to Jordan, then in 1995, we moved straight to Tennessee. We came here with very little and I knew no English. Yet I understood that we came here for a better life and opportunity. I always gravitated towards music and poetry as kid. I wasn’t the best student growing up, but I always thrived in writing classes. I never thought about writing songs until my early 20s. I was going through a difficult time and a coworker thought it would be nice for me to get out of the house and kick it during a studio session. They asked me to hop on a verse and its history from there. I discovered a feeling I had never felt before. It felt like a new way of breathing and the fact that people connected to it made me feel understood. I felt like I had found my purpose. It still feels that way… 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think anyone that has a higher purpose or chasing a dream will tell you that it is a very difficult, lonely, and often scary road. But, the love of it outweighs any of that. It is both a gift and a curse. My personal struggles have mostly been internal. To be honest I doubt myself and overthink a lot. Guess I am human haha. I have a strong belief that I am passionate, talented, and have what it takes to achieve everything I want. But then there are moments where I question if I am good enough or if anyone will care about what I am writing. I think the scariest part is that nothing is guaranteed. You can’t get a degree or work your way up to the position for the most part. You have to do this because you love it and it feeds a part of your soul than nothing else does or you will crumble and wash away. It’s a balance game for me. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I can’t imagine any other way. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a writer, poet, musical artist, revolutionary, and I’m sure a dreamer if you ask the right people. I think you may have picked up from the other questions that music is my passion. It saved my life. The feeling of writing a song that I am proud of, recording it, performing it, and watching people soak it in or sing along. I think that is my favorite part when people come up to me at a show, comment on social media what they felt from my music, or how it helped them in some way. I think that keeps me going. To know that something I created made them feel something. My mother once told me “If it’s from the heart, then it’ll reach the heart.” So, long story short, I am known for making music from the heart. 

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I learned how much and connecting with people was so important to my life. I think like most I found myself isolated a lot. I live alone and worked from home. That takes its toll on someone’s mental health. Especially when you have unresolved trauma or pain you’ve never dealt with. I think myself and a lot of people had to face things they’ve put off for a long time. And as difficult as it was, I am glad I stopped not answering the call. Self-love, healing, purpose, connection, and simple joy are all amazing things and I think the pandemic made us realize what is truly important. But I am definitely ready for packed shows, no rules for travel, and the pandemic to be a mere memory. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/IamKarimmm
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/KarimMusic
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/Karimmusic

Image Credits:
Joshua Silvers Photography