Meet Kimya Khayat | Streaming & Digital Strategy, Mad Decent

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kimya Khayat and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kimya, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
I love starting my mornings early. I wake up around 5:30 and head to a workout class like pilates, spin, or yoga. I’ve noticed that when I start my day with a workout, I feel more in control over my day and whatever comes my way. It’s rare that I regret getting up early, and don’t get me wrong, there are definitely mornings when it feels impossible, but the payoff is always worth it.

I’m also the kind of person who needs to write things down, or else it might slip through the cracks. That’s why I’m big on to-do lists and organization tools like Notion. Every aspect of my life has a to-do list: work tasks, errands, career aspirations, etc. in addition to built-in automations. It’s really helpful in making sure I hold myself accountable for what I say I’m going to do and achieve.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In my current role, I have the privilege of working with some truly exciting independent artists as the Streaming & Digital Strategy Manager at Mad Decent. I work with artists like Diplo, Snow Strippers, and Eartheater, among others. My job involves working closely with DSPs (Digital Service Providers) like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube to secure playlist placements and on-platform marketing opportunities for the label’s roster, shaping their overall digital presence. It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience to work with such talented artists whose music I genuinely love and really believe in.

Like anyone starting out in the music industry, I quickly realized how competitive it is and how many people aspire to be part of it. What’s helped me stand out is my genuine sense of curiosity. When I work with an artist, I dive deep, exploring their subreddits, listening to deep cuts, and trying to understand them the way a superfan would. I think the people who thrive in this industry often develop a healthy obsession with their work and maintain a constant sense of curiosity. It hasn’t been easy to get here, but staying curious, being open to learning from everyone around me, and asking questions have been essential to my growth.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
One of the best things about Los Angeles is its incredible diversity of food. One of my favorite spots is Tehrangeles, home to LA’s vibrant Persian community and a true celebration of my culture. We’d kick things off at Shamshiri Grill for the best kabobs and ghormeh sabzi, followed by Saffron & Rose for saffron and pistachio ice cream (fun fact: I worked there during my sophomore summer!).

Beyond Tehrangeles, LA’s food scene has endless must-visit spots:

– Saby’s: Hands down, the best chilaquiles
– Mayura: Award-winning South Indian food
– Bestia: Incredible Italian (the scallops are next-level)
– Damian: Elevated Mexican cuisine (definitely get the corn tamale here)
– Bavel: The best Mediterranean food
– Dudley Market: Fresh seafood in Venice
– Layla Bagels: Bagels with the most unique toppings
– El Chucho: A go-to for natural wine

For a unique entertainment experience, book a night at the Magic Castle. And no trip to LA is complete without an In-N-Out burger. Pro tip: order it with whole grilled onions.

And of course, for live music, some of my favorite venues have to be Greek Theater, The Troubadour, The Fonda, or The Roxy.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My biggest shoutout goes to my family at UC Davis Entertainment Council. Being director of my college’s concert programming board was a pivotal experience for me and where I first realized that a career in music was actually possible. I was incredibly fortunate to spend four years surrounded by people who shared my passion for music, believed in me, and gave me the autonomy to plan concerts with artists like Beach Fossils, Chance the Rapper, Party Favor, and Khalid. What stood out most was the collective ‘do it yourself’ mentality. One day, we spent hours building a stage with our bare hands… and then had to take it all down afterward. It was exhausting but it made the show that day feel even more rewarding.

I’m also so incredibly grateful for the mentors I’ve had along the way, from my manager in Tokyo when working abroad, to my current team in LA at Mad Decent, with several mentors outside of my job. It’s tough to navigate the industry alone, and having people willing to invest their time and guidance has made such a big difference in my career.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimya_k/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimya-khayat/