2 Minutes With … Sherry Saeedi Founder and CEO of Verswire

With a background in music, management and information technology, Sherry serves as CEO of Verswire, which she also founded.

We spent two minutes with Sherry to learn more about her background, her creative inspirations and recent work she’s admired.

Sherry, tell us …

Where you grew up, and where you live now.

I’ve been lucky enough to grow up all over the world. I was born in Iran and moved to Canada when I was 3, then to D.C. when I was 9, and eventually to L.A. I’ve moved about 20 times, but I’m grateful for it.

Your earliest musical memory.

I would not eat unless my favorite song was on. I was maybe 2, and my parents had to shuffle through their cassettes for whatever I fancied at that particular time to get me to eat dinner.

Your favorite bands/musicians today.

Blink-182 and Fall Out Boy will forever be two of my favorite bands and I’m honored to work with them at Verswire. Having such successful careers spanning 20 to 30 years and having such engaged fanbases is beautiful to witness.

One of your favorite projects you’ve ever worked on.

I loved the song “We Made Plans and God Laughed” by our artist Beauty School Dropout (as well as that whole album). It was a blast making such a beautiful body of art with the band, but there was something so particularly special about that song.

A recent project you’re proud of.

We recently released “Shut Up and Kiss Me” with Girlfriends and made a fun music video. 

One thing about how the music world is evolving that you’re excited about.

The fact that artists are fighting to own their masters. This has been a long time coming and should never have been anyone’s ownership but theirs. I’m also excited about what we’re doing with Verswire and how the business model is shifting from the traditional ideology.

Someone else’s work, in music or beyond, that you admired lately.

Taylor Swift. It goes without saying that she’s probably the most powerful person in music right now, but I admire what she’s accomplished through her adversities and how she keeps getting back up. As a woman and a business owner, it’s so inspiring, and I have so much respect for her.

A book, movie, TV show or podcast you recently found inspiring.

Books: I absolutely love anything by Yung Pueblo. His words are carefully crafted to resonate with everyone. I also loved the TV show on Netflix called One Day—what a beautiful representation of the seasons and trials of love.

An artist you admire outside the world of music.

Banksy. I love his creativity, sense of humor and public stunts.

Your favorite fictional character.

Ironman. Who doesn’t love a superhero.

How musicians should approach working with brands.

It’s all about strategy and creativity, but also about being authentic. The brands you are choosing have to make sense for the message you are presenting to fans. Don’t engage with something or someone unless you fully love it, or else it’ll backfire.

How brands should approach working with musicians.

Get creative! Some brand deals can be cut and dry, but we work in entertainment. Get creative with a well-thought-out and unique campaign that both sides can benefit from.

A mentor that helped you navigate the industry.

Kevin Lyman has been my mentor since I was 16 years old. I met him trying to get my band on Warped Tour—which I did—and he’s been championing me ever since. I owe so much of my career to Kevin, who believed in my ideas when few people did.

What you’d be doing if you weren’t in the music business.

Film. I love the effect it has, whether bringing a smile to faces or gathering people together. I love anything that makes you feel, helps you escape and excites you.