My First Job in Music: Kayla Ali
This month, Queer Capita is highlighting LGBTQ+ Music Industry Leaders through a new series titled My First Job in Music. February is centered on exceptional Black leaders for Black History Month.
We continue the series with Kayla Ali (She/Her), the Associate Manager of Music Programming at Vevo. Based in New York City, Kayla’s journey is a powerful example of successful career pivoting—transitioning from the world of physical therapy into the heart of music curation and partnerships. Kayla opens up about the internship that changed her trajectory and the importance of trusting your own unique lane in the industry.
Read about other LGBTQ+ Music Industry Leaders and Allies in our community.
What was your first job in music?
My first step into music was as an intern at Pandora on their music programming team. That internship was the first door that opened as I was trying to transition my career from physical therapy into music. My first real job was a coordinator on the music programming team at Vevo. I mainly worked on all things scheduling related for our Connected Television (CTV) programming, but by presenting enough ideas and trying to have my hands in a bit of everything, I’ve been able to grow into expanded roles.
Who was someone who supported you to help you get your start in your career?
Akim Bryant, Director of Programming at Pandora, was the first person to truly take a chance on me, offering me an internship at Pandora. I was incredibly green at the time, but he recognized my passion for music and gave me the space and guidance to grow into it.
Kayla presenting at Vevo with the Black employee resource group.
What was a lesson you learned at the start of your career that you still carry with you?
What is for you, will never miss you. It’s so easy to compare paths in this industry, but everyone’s journey is different for a reason. Stay focused on your own lane and trust what’s meant for you will unfold in time.
What was your favorite memory from your first job?
One of my favorite memories was my very first music meeting, which serves as a space where anyone can pitch artists for our DSCVR New Music Program or play something they loved and want on our radar. The openness and passion everyone brought to those conversations was unlike anything I’d experienced before, and it expanded my musical palette in ways I didn’t expect.
Kayla at a music industry event.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Don’t let doubt quiet you. Allow yourself to take up space, you’re in that room for a reason.
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