Kesha has announced that she’s devising a 10-year plan to “dismantle” the music industry so no one else is wronged the way she was – see what she had to say.
READ MORE: Kesha on wild new album ‘Gag Order’: “I’m happy when I feel seen, heard and accepted”
In 2005, Kesha at the age of 18 signed a six-album contract with Dr. Luke. Over the last decade, Kesha has been at war with Dr. Luke, battling through lawsuits for emotional distress, sexual harassment and abuse.
The two have since settled the lawsuit out of court, and Kesha late last year finally became free of Dr. Luke and Kemosabe Records after releasing her fifth album, ‘Gag Order’ with the label in May 2023. Late last month, she announced the launch of her own label, Kesha Records.
Now, in a new cover feature with Elle, Kesha has revealed that she has a 10-year plan to upend the music industry and protect musicians so no one else is put in the same situation as her.
Kesha at Lollapalooza 2024. CREDIT: Joshua Applegate/WireImage
She told the publication: “The music industry should be fucking terrified of me. 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.”
“I do have a sense of feeling protective of young women in music,” she added. “I really hope my joy can stand for others to know that it’s available to them and to not give up. I enjoy feeling my power, which hasn’t been available to me for a really long time, and I’d love to give that gift to others if I can.”
As for her 10-year plan, Kesha’s aiming to work on tackling suspicious and dubious contractual terms that claim rights to songs, lyrics and likeness in perpetuity: “I don’t believe in ownership in perpetuity of anyone, anything, on any level, in any business. That should not be something a human being can commit to.”
Kesha at WeHo Pride. Photo credit: Sarah Morris/WireImage
She added: “I’m allergic to control — it gives me a visceral reaction. I feel like people want to own a beautiful thing. And it sucks for them, but you just can’t! We live in a time that’s more democratic. People can share whatever they want on all these different platforms. I’m excited to see what that means for the future of music—what the future of the world sounds like.”
Kesha is now working with people in the tech industry to create a digital platform that will safeguard and prioritise artists’ safety: “I don’t believe you can create if you’re not feeling safe. 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.”
Speaking about the album in a chat with NME last year, Kesha said: “Making this album has allowed me to fall back in love with music, and it’s absolutely more vital than it ever has been for me. I’m not talking about selling albums at all, I don’t care about that, just emotionally speaking. It’s the place where I get to go and… sort my shit out with myself. That’s where me and myself go to fight it out.”
In August, Kesha revealed that she plans to re-record her debut hit single ‘TiK ToK’ once she obtains the legal rights to do so to reflect a change in lyrics from “Wake up in the morning feeling like P Diddy” to “Wake up in the morning like fuck P Diddy“. At Coachella 2024, Reneé Rapp brought out the Kesha during her set for ‘TiK ToK’, marking the first time the adjusted lyrics were ever performed.
Kesha and Reneé Rapp perform onstage at the 2024 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at Empire Polo Club on April 14, 2024 in Indio, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Coachella)
Last month, the rap mogul was arrested in New York and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transporting for prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Diddy was then denied bail despite offering a US$50million bond and was reportedly placed on suicide watch as he awaits trial, though his attorney Marc Agnifilo told TMZ that the directive was issued as a routine measure for “new, high-profile inmates”.
Earlier this week, Diddy’s attorney Agnifilo shared that an appeal against the bail denial has been filed, with the musician promising that he won’t be meeting any women apart from his family members, and that he would partake in weekly drug tests if released from prison.
It was also reported this week that 120 alleged victims are preparing lawsuits against Diddy for alleged sexual abuse, including 25 minors. According to Texan lawyer Tony Buzbee, the majority of the 120 potential cases are expected to be filed sometime this month.
Diddy’s next hearing is scheduled to take place on October 9.
For more help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
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