NEWS
Talia Keys’ From The Ashes Marks the first release under Buy Before You Stream initiative
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Today, Talia Keys’ highly anticipated album From The Ashes becomes the first release under the Buy Before You Stream initiative, a groundbreaking model designed to reconnect independent artists with their fans. Fans can purchase exclusive vinyl editions of the album before it’s available on streaming platforms, allowing them to own one-of-a-kind art, create lasting memories, and support a model where 100% of the profits go directly to the artists who make the music they love. This model offers fans a more tangible, personal connection to the music, while providing the financial support artists need to thrive beyond the digital landscape.
For Keys, this marks a pivotal moment not only in her career but also in her ongoing fight for fair compensation in the music industry. As a seasoned independent artist, social justice advocate, and self-proclaimed “one-woman band,” Talia has long advocated for a more sustainable and direct way for artists to engage with their fans. From The Ashes is a reflection of that activism, with Talia embracing the Buy Before You Stream model as both a personal and professional stand.
“When fans buy vinyl, they’re holding onto something real, something that ties them to the music and to me as an artist,” Talia shares. “It’s a way to share a moment, to create lasting memories, and to give fans a piece of my journey. And at the same time,” she adds, “it’s a way for us, as independent artists, to keep doing what we love, without having to rely on the systems that often leave us behind.”
Launched by Midtopia, Buy Before You Stream is a community-driven initiative that enables fans to purchase exclusive vinyl editions of albums directly from the artist before they hit streaming platforms. The initiative works by offering 0% micro-loans to artists to fund vinyl production, helping artists cover the upfront costs of vinyl production, while ensuring they can maintain full control over their work and generate meaningful income from physical sales. Additionally, Buy Before You Stream fosters collaboration with independent record stores, boosting local music economies through exclusive album drops and events.
Third Man Pressing serves as the exclusive vinyl manufacturing partner for Buy Before You Stream, ensuring high-quality, meticulously crafted vinyl editions that offer a lasting connection between artists and their fans. The partnership with Third Man Pressing, a boutique vinyl production facility, ensures that fans receive an experience that goes beyond digital, connecting them directly with the artistry behind each record.
“We believe in the power of true ownership, of creating an experience that brings artists and fans back together in a way that’s not dictated by algorithms,” says Jessie Hartke, CEO of Midtopia. “With Buy Before You Stream, we’re offering artists the ability to directly connect with their fans and ensure they are paid fairly for their work. It’s about creating an ecosystem where everyone thrives.”
From The Ashes is a record that was a year in the making, self-funded by Talia herself, and features collaborations with a string section and longtime collaborators. The album’s title reflects her personal evolution—from anger and protest to gratitude and resilience—and its lead single, “
Matchstick,” is a deeply emotional tribute to her late friend and disability rights advocate Psarah Johnson.
“’Matchstick’ is one of the most important songs I’ve written because it’s about burning bright even when resources are scarce,” Talia says. “Psarah’s message of resilience, of continuing to fight even when you’ve used all your energy, mirrors the struggle we face as independent artists in this industry. Buy Before You Stream is giving us the chance to have the energy we need to keep going.”
Talia’s release is the first of several albums to be released under the Buy Before You Stream initiative in the coming months. Next up, Buy Before You Stream will feature the album Eleven from Rudy Love & The Encore, set for release next month. The initiative aims to provide a viable economic alternative for independent artists, allowing them to connect directly with fans and build sustainable careers without relying solely on streaming.
Talia concludes, “We’ve reached a point where artists need to come together and demand better from the industry. This is about taking back our worth and rebuilding our careers. Buy Before You Stream is a lifeline for independent musicians, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
For more information about Buy Before You Stream, upcoming releases, and where to purchase Talia Keys’ From The Ashes, visit buybeforeyoustream.com.
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Photo Credit: Jesse Justice
For Keys, this marks a pivotal moment not only in her career but also in her ongoing fight for fair compensation in the music industry. As a seasoned independent artist, social justice advocate, and self-proclaimed “one-woman band,” Talia has long advocated for a more sustainable and direct way for artists to engage with their fans. From The Ashes is a reflection of that activism, with Talia embracing the Buy Before You Stream model as both a personal and professional stand.
“When fans buy vinyl, they’re holding onto something real, something that ties them to the music and to me as an artist,” Talia shares. “It’s a way to share a moment, to create lasting memories, and to give fans a piece of my journey. And at the same time,” she adds, “it’s a way for us, as independent artists, to keep doing what we love, without having to rely on the systems that often leave us behind.”
Launched by Midtopia, Buy Before You Stream is a community-driven initiative that enables fans to purchase exclusive vinyl editions of albums directly from the artist before they hit streaming platforms. The initiative works by offering 0% micro-loans to artists to fund vinyl production, helping artists cover the upfront costs of vinyl production, while ensuring they can maintain full control over their work and generate meaningful income from physical sales. Additionally, Buy Before You Stream fosters collaboration with independent record stores, boosting local music economies through exclusive album drops and events.
Third Man Pressing serves as the exclusive vinyl manufacturing partner for Buy Before You Stream, ensuring high-quality, meticulously crafted vinyl editions that offer a lasting connection between artists and their fans. The partnership with Third Man Pressing, a boutique vinyl production facility, ensures that fans receive an experience that goes beyond digital, connecting them directly with the artistry behind each record.
“We believe in the power of true ownership, of creating an experience that brings artists and fans back together in a way that’s not dictated by algorithms,” says Jessie Hartke, CEO of Midtopia. “With Buy Before You Stream, we’re offering artists the ability to directly connect with their fans and ensure they are paid fairly for their work. It’s about creating an ecosystem where everyone thrives.”
From The Ashes is a record that was a year in the making, self-funded by Talia herself, and features collaborations with a string section and longtime collaborators. The album’s title reflects her personal evolution—from anger and protest to gratitude and resilience—and its lead single, “
Matchstick,” is a deeply emotional tribute to her late friend and disability rights advocate Psarah Johnson.
“’Matchstick’ is one of the most important songs I’ve written because it’s about burning bright even when resources are scarce,” Talia says. “Psarah’s message of resilience, of continuing to fight even when you’ve used all your energy, mirrors the struggle we face as independent artists in this industry. Buy Before You Stream is giving us the chance to have the energy we need to keep going.”
Talia’s release is the first of several albums to be released under the Buy Before You Stream initiative in the coming months. Next up, Buy Before You Stream will feature the album Eleven from Rudy Love & The Encore, set for release next month. The initiative aims to provide a viable economic alternative for independent artists, allowing them to connect directly with fans and build sustainable careers without relying solely on streaming.
Talia concludes, “We’ve reached a point where artists need to come together and demand better from the industry. This is about taking back our worth and rebuilding our careers. Buy Before You Stream is a lifeline for independent musicians, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
For more information about Buy Before You Stream, upcoming releases, and where to purchase Talia Keys’ From The Ashes, visit buybeforeyoustream.com.
Website I Facebook I Instagram
Photo Credit: Jesse Justice
