Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimya Khayat
Hi Kimya, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Growing up, I was always really curious about music, digging into an artist’s deep cuts and obsessing over music videos and MTV. But it was my time during college, at UC Davis’ concert programming board, Entertainment Council (EC), where I first realized a career in music was actually within reach. As Director, I led the execution of concerts for 5,000+ students, putting on shows with artists like Chance the Rapper, Khalid, Beach Fossils, Party Favor, and more. The DIY spirit of EC really shaped my work ethic, and gave me the confidence that I could pursue a career in music. The autonomy and space I was given to learn and grow here is something I’ll cherish forever.
After college, I took a leap of faith and moved from my home state of California to New York City during the pandemic, starting my career at MassiveMusic, a music branding agency, where I specialized in business development. We helped brands connect their identity to music in a meaningful way. From there, I joined UnitedMasters, where I helped lead distribution operations for some of the most exciting independent artists. This role taught me everything about the digital music landscape and how the entire streaming ecosystem operates. Now in my current role as Streaming & Digital Strategy Manager at the record label Mad Decent, I blend all of my previous experiences while working with an incredible roster of talented artists across a wide variety of genres.
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?
Life is full of ups and downs, and I’ve definitely had moments of self-doubt and comparison. But honestly, that’s just part of being human. As cliché as it sounds, whenever those feelings creep in, I remind myself that the Kimya from four years ago would be so proud of how far I’ve come. I’ve also learned to embrace discomfort because I take it as a sign that I’m pushing myself out of my comfort zone.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I work with an incredible roster of artists, including Diplo, Snow Strippers, Eartheater, and many others spanning electronic, dance, alternative, rap, and pop genres. My role focuses on collaborating with DSPs like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube to secure playlist placements, on-platform marketing opportunities, and build a strong digital presence for our artists. It’s really rewarding to work with such talented artists whose music I truly believe in and am excited about. One of the most fulfilling parts of my job is watching an artist’s career evolve and grow while being part of that journey to help them break through.
Working in independent music for nearly four years has made me more resourceful and hands-on. From my time at EC to UnitedMasters and now Mad Decent, I’ve fully embraced the DIY spirit of indie music, which has shaped my approach to everything I do. I’ve loved diving into niche genres and discovering emerging talent in spaces I’m truly passionate about, it’s been both exciting and rewarding.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
To me, success is about showing up, especially on the days when it feels hardest, and making small, consistent choices to show up and give your best, even when the odds feel stacked against you.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimya_k/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimya-khayat/
