On this episode we chat with veteran songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and activist, Talia Keys. Based in Salt Lake City, Talia is known for her powerful vocals & captivating performances. With over 16 years of experience in the music industry Talia continues to be passionate about using her platform to raise awareness on issues like gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and social justice.
From The Ashes , is the first release under Buy Before You Stream, an initiative designed by Midtopia to support independent artists by offering a sustainable revenue model outside the streaming economy. Here fans can purchase exclusive vinyl editions of albums before they hit streaming platforms, with 100% of the profits going directly to the artist! The initiative aims to foster direct artist-to-fan relationships, support local record stores, and build a more equitable music ecosystem for independent musicians.
“When fans buy vinyl, they’re holding onto something real, something that ties them to the music and to me as an artist. 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 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.” 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.”
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.
Talia has gained a loyal following playing Salt Lake City clubs for over fifteen years, and has furthered her fanbase performing on national tours and festivals. In 2024, Keys released an emotional standalone single “Need You To Care”, which followed a series of covers including “Seven Nation Army” (The White Stripes), “I Put A Spell On You” (Screamin’ Jay Hawkins), and “Sweet Dreams” (The Eurythmics).
In 2023, Talia was direct tour support for Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, a fortuitous opportunity and budding professional relationship that would facilitate her performing to enthusiastic new audiences all over the U.S. She has also opened for the Indigo Girls, Danielle Ponder, Thievery Corporation, Joanne Shaw Taylor, George Clinton & P-Funk, Blues Traveler, Rusted Root, ALO and many more.
Resonant and raw, 2022’s LP Lessons saw Keys emerge from the pandemic chaos recharged and reborn, leaning into strength and resilience with more clarity and focus in her compositions. With typically-provocative lyrics dotting the kaleidoscopic album, the biting barbs addressed her own space and place as a queer woman in today’s divided America.
2015’s Fool’s Gold EP, the live-looping adventures of Gemini Mind (2014), and debut Soak Your Meat In This (2012). Before breaking out on her own musical trip, Keys assumed numerous roles in the seminal funk-jam syndicate Marinade, with whom she logged six years of shenanigans from 2009-2015.
Talia Keys: Website | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | Instagram | Facebook | Midtopia |
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