TALIA KEYS – ARTIST SPOTLIGHT AND INTERVIEW

TALIA KEYS – ARTIST SPOTLIGHT AND INTERVIEW

By Ralph Beauchamp

Talia Keys is an amazing talent that recently released her new album, From The Ashes, via the Buy Before You Stream initiative. Talia is a ferocious musician that easily blends surging R&R riffs with blues inflections and soulful vocals. Her music transcends genres and delivers a fresh take on today’s eclectic music scene. Based out of Salt Lake City, Keys has been brandished as a powerhouse. She has raw energy and her music transports listeners to cinematic soundscapes. Talia‘s music is constantly evolving. Each record and track has its own flavor and feel. Keys is a true artistic sage with an explosive edge.

Concerning From The Ashes, Talia spent over a year making this record, self-funding a string section and working closely with longtime collaborators. A fierce believer in artist independence, she has long relied on merch—not streaming—to survive on the road. Now, she’s taking a bold stance by releasing From The Ashes exclusively through Buy Before You Stream, an initiative designed to help musicians actually make money from their music before DSPs undercut its value. “Streams don’t pay the bills. Merchandise does,” she says. “What artists put into an album—we rarely see that money back.” In addition, Talia Keys has shared the stage with the likes of Lukas Nelson, Indigo Girls and Thievery Corporation.

From The Ashes is a bold statement. Its digital release date is set for 5/25. Talia has put her heart and soul into this project and it is a definite must listen. Talia Keys was kind enough to sit with AMP for this in-depth interview.

AMP: What first got you into music?

TALIA: I have been playing music since I was 9. I was also dancing, singing and playing air guitar for as long as I can remember because music was such a huge part of my childhood. Also, I remember hearing The Beatles, Elvis, Pink Floyd, Janis Joplin and wanting to be like them. I started on piano but quickly switched to drums which are still my favorite instrument to play. Guitar came after when I wanted to start singing.

AMP: Who were some of your early inspirations?

TALIA: I was obsessed with Elvis from a very young age, falling in love with rock n’ roll and RnB. I also went all in when I first heard Bob Marley. The lyrics, message and the pocket and groove captivated me. As a singer I fell in love with Aretha Franklin. Of course she can hit the notes, but it is about her vulnerability to put emotion behind what she is singing.

AMP: What’s your creative process like?

TALIA: I know it sounds cliche, but I have to wait for inspiration. Anytime I have sat down to write a song, it is more of a struggle. If I wait for inspiration to hit, I usually get better material, more raw and real. Also, I have to be ready to record my ideas on my phone or write it down. Sometimes I will be messing around on the guitar or piano and a riff hits me. Then I try to write lyrics and melodies to that.

I have to be in the right headspace too. I think it is so important to be open to the ideas that flow and be willing to write some shitty music. Sometimes I have songs that will come out of nowhere and the whole song will be done in 10 minutes. Other times it has been bits and pieces of lyrics, poems and thoughts. If it makes me feel something, I know I am doing something right.

AMP: You float a lot of different musical genres in your music. How best would you describe your sound?

TALIA: I would say that I am a genre bending mix of Americana, Rock N Roll, Soul, Funk and Groove. I play music influenced by so many before me. Many genres that are rooted in black music.

AMP: You’re a strong supporter of musicians developing a DIY approach to their careers. What are some of the benefits and conversely, some of the pitfalls you will encounter along the way?

TALIA: There are so many benefits. For one being in charge of your own business, which for some seems daunting. I think if you have a basic grasp on how ticket sales, venue cuts, day rates etc. all work you can learn a lot. It’s important to ask people in your music scene about the do’s and don’ts of playing shows and festivals and as always talk about the money.

We should know what we are making. We should also know what our realistic costs are. This is something I found out the hard way, booking a month-long tour, taking low paying gigs and then spending more money to survive than what we brought in. It caused me to scale back, less shows but bigger guarantees and closer distances. The art of collaboration is huge too. The more we work together the easier it is.

AMP: Your new album, From The Ashes, is part of the “Buy Before You Stream” initiative. Can you give us some info on the initiative/movement?

TALIA: I knew from the moment my label Midtopia approached me with this concept that I was going to be all in! I have been self releasing music since the days of CD’s and witnessed the fall of physical music sales as well. The amount of money I have made off of streaming has yet to total the amount I have made from CD’s and vinyl. Personally, I have always collected albums, t-shirts and merch, some of which are my most prized possessions. So for me it was a no brainer to do Buy Before You Stream.

It encourages our fans to support the artists directly for their recorded music. Albums are not cheap to make and this whole not being paid from streaming platforms, has devalued our art. This way we get to put value back into our creations and the fan is the reason why, further strengthening the bond! My album is out on vinyl for over a month before it hits streaming services. It gives our fans the exclusive first listen!

AMP: Back to your new record, Can you give us a little insight into the songs? Were there specific themes you intentionally included?

TALIA: Yes, From The Ashes is a story that begins with loss, loneliness, uncertainty and transforms into finding our people, keep dreaming and keep shining. I arranged the album to have a story and an arc. Letting the listener interpret how each song makes them feel. I think sadness is a real emotion right now and it is apparent in this record with songs about self harm, feeling othered, losing friends and it also comes back around with feelings of hope and love. I have been influenced by the events around me, the sounds I have been digging and the people in my life.

The first single “Matchstick” was written for my late friend, disabled rights activist Psarah Johnson. Psarah was a stunning human being who’s message and activism will be felt for years to come. I am disabled myself being type one diabetic as well as other immunocompromised diseases. My disability has affected my entire life. Psarah is the one to make me aware that it was even a disability. She gave me the strength to admit when all my matches are burnt and the courage to speak about my experiences more. Self care aware and a reminder to keep burning bright.

AMP: You have been a staunch supporter of social justice and artists’ rights. Do you feel artists should use their platforms to instigate societal change

TALIA: I think that depends on the artist. If messaging has been a part of their lyrics and sound, then absolutely yes. The more we work together for whatever cause, the closer we will see real change. Whether we are talking about social justice or artist rights, change starts with one person standing up.

I think when it comes to fair pay, if we work together and get legislation passed, we could see a huge shift in how our art is valued. I know the fans want us to be paid fairly. It’s a matter of demanding that change from multi billion dollar companies. I choose to fight because I have no other choice, just my existence is a resistance. I will always use my platform for the greater good of humanity.

AMP: The music business is a tough industry for young artists to break into. Do you have any advice for a young musician or band to better succeed in today’s environment?

TALIA: Talk to other musicians, learn from them. I also listen to music podcasts, informational as well as entertainment. Additionally, I get inspiration from other people’s stories, and I learn from their experiences. One thing to always remember is to be authentic to yourself. Don’t try to be anyone else. The realest artists are just that, real.

My advice is to get a music lawyer. Worth every penny and there are affordable ones. Own your masters if you can. I have never had a major deal so I cannot say, but I am really happy with the indie label that I am working with. I feel seen, heard and completely supported. In addition, I want to advise you to trust your gut. If you get a vibe that doesn’t work with you, pay attention. Too many artists want a fast rise, often sacrificing their power and ownership. If you write your own music, perform and record it- own your masters!!

AMP: What’s next for Talia Keys?

TALIA: We will be really focusing on this record for the next year and want to let it breathe. We have some really fun music videos planned, shows and experiences! Stay tuned!

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