diff --git a/.github/workflows/release.yml b/.github/workflows/release.yml
index 2707c2b94..ee4ef5379 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/release.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/release.yml
@@ -53,15 +53,17 @@ jobs:
         Copy-Item secring.gpg components/http/okHttp/ -Verbose
       shell: pwsh
       working-directory: ./
-    - name: Build with Gradle
-      run: ./gradlew --no-daemon build
+    - name: Build & Sign package with Gradle
+      run: ./gradlew --no-daemon signMavenPublication
       working-directory: ./
+    - name: Upload a Build Artifact # Test generated artifacts from signing to inform validation steps before publish
+      uses: actions/upload-artifact@v4
+      with:
+        name: drop
+        path: ./**/build/*
     - name: Publish Preview
       run: ./gradlew --no-daemon $PREVIEW_TASK
       working-directory: ./
-    # - name: Validate Staging Repository contents
-    # - name: Close Staging Repository
-
 
 
   release-to-maven-central: