Kota the Friend's FLTBYS Announces Partnership With TIDAL to Empower Independent Artists

Brooklyn-born, artist-owned music and lifestyle company expands its mission to help independent musicians build sustainable careers through ownership, direct-to-fan commerce and live experiences.

NEW YORK, Nov. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- FLTBYS (Flight Boys), the independent music and lifestyle company founded by Brooklyn rapper and entrepreneur Kota the Friend, today announced a partnership with global music platform TIDAL to expand opportunities for independent musicians to build sustainable businesses around their music.

The partnership represents a significant step in FLTBYS' mission to help artists maintain creative ownership, develop direct relationships with fans and generate revenue beyond traditional streaming and recording models.

Through the relationship, FLTBYS will combine its experience in independent music, merchandise, touring and live events with TIDAL's direct-to-fan commerce capabilities to support a new generation of independent artists.

FLTBYS Builds on Its Independent Music Legacy

Founded in 2008 while Kota attended Brooklyn High School of the Arts, FLTBYS has evolved into an artist-owned company encompassing music, apparel, merchandise, live performances, artist collaborations and international events.

Kota has built an international following while retaining ownership of his music and developing multiple revenue streams outside the traditional major-label system.

"Independence has always meant more to me than releasing music on my own," said Kota the Friend, founder of FLTBYS. "It's about owning what you create, connecting directly with your fans and building something that lasts. Working with TIDAL gives us an opportunity to share what we've learned and help more artists build businesses around their music."

FLTBYS plans to build on this experience by connecting independent artists with resources, industry relationships and opportunities to develop their own creative businesses.

Expanding Direct-to-Fan Opportunities

The partnership will introduce FLTBYS' artist community to TIDAL's expanding direct-to-fan tools, including TIDAL Upload, which allows musicians to share music and sell digital downloads and physical merchandise directly to fans.

In August 2026, TIDAL eliminated its 10% platform fee on eligible direct-to-fan music sales, with standard payment-processing fees still applying.

"We're building tools that make it easier for artists to share their music, connect directly with listeners, and earn more from their work," said Will Griggs of TIDAL. "Kota embodies that independent spirit, and we're excited to support Flight Night and Local Art Dealer IRL as spaces where artists can come together, exchange ideas, and build what's next."

FLTBYS Launches Partnership Experiences in NYC

FLTBYS will bring the partnership to life through two New York City events on December 10–11, 2026.

On December 10, Local Art Dealer IRL will convene independent musicians, entrepreneurs and music industry professionals for networking and conversations about ownership, direct-to-fan opportunities and building sustainable creative businesses.

On December 11, Flight Night NYC returns to SOB's in Manhattan, headlined by Kota the Friend alongside producer and DJ Statik Selektah and independent hip-hop performers.

The events are part of FLTBYS' broader effort to create platforms where independent musicians can connect, collaborate and grow their careers.

Additional information is available at FlightNight.com.

About FLTBYS

Founded in 2008 by Brooklyn-born independent artist and entrepreneur Kota the Friend, FLTBYS (Flight Boys) is an artist-owned music, apparel and lifestyle company encompassing music, merchandise, live performances, artist collaborations, Local Art Dealer IRL experiences and international Flight Night showcases.

Media Contact

Vernon Jones
347-351-2826
[email protected]

SOURCE FLTBYS