Kesha‘s comeback is imminent — and she’s ready to shake things up in the industry. In a new Elle profile, the “Joyride” pop star shared that she plans to “shine light” in every corner of the industry as she builds her label, and plots her musical return.
“The music industry should be fucking terrified of me,” Kesha told the magazine, adding that she has a 10-year plan to upend the industry. “Because I’m about to make some major moves and shift this shit. I really want to dismantle it piece by piece and shine light into every corner.”
“I hope my legacy is making sure it never happens to anybody ever again,” she added.
Although she didn’t directly refer to it, the singer is likely referring to her recent lawsuit settlement with Dr. Luke over a gridlocked music contract after she accused the producer of sexually abusing her. The matter was settled out of court in June of 2023 and she was freed of her contract this year.
“I don’t believe you can create if you’re not feeling safe,” she told Elle. “The old guard, they’re falling. The old way of doing everything with secrecy — there’s no future there. So, like, those of you with deep, dark secrets, you better fucking run.”
Kesha announced that she launched Kesha Records late last month, partnering with Warner Music’s ADA for distribution. The singer’s upcoming releases — including a 2025 album under the direction of A.G. Cook and Zhone — will be housed there, and she plans to sign burgeoning pop stars.
“My name has become synonymous with transparency, integrity, and safety, and I want to ensure that these values are upheld for myself and any future artists signed to my label,” she said when announcing the launch of the label. “Music has the power to connect the world, and I aspire for my work to be a beacon of light and goodness. I am excited to take control of my narrative and rewrite my story in the music business.”
Earlier this year, Kesha celebrated her first show as a “free woman” during a headlining set at West Hollywood Pride in June. “This is my first show as a free motherfucking woman,” Kesha told the crowd before debuting a new song aptly titled “Freedom,” as she asked the crowd, “Anybody else feeling free as fuck tonight?”
In her Elle profile, Kesha teased that her upcoming album will be her “little wild child,” a stark contrast from Gag Order, that allowed her to channel her “more painful emotions.”
“I was really vulnerable. Now I’m really trying to make way for the bad bitch,” she told the publication. “I’m giving her the moment — because we need the space to have all the emotions safely. I capture the empowered emotions, so that I can listen back to it when I’m not feeling that way.”
