Pop icon Kesha (formerly styled as Ke$ha) declared her independence this Fourth of July with her new single “Joyride.” The track marks the start of a new era for the pop star as an independent artist, following the end of her contract with her label Kemosabe Records, run by infamous producer Dr. Luke.
According to NPR, Kesha and Dr. Luke have been fighting each other through a lengthy series of lawsuits since 2014. The lawsuits began with Kesha caiming in 2005 that Dr. Luke drugged and raped her, along with psychologically tormenting her throughout the course of her career. Dr Luke repeatedly denied the allegations, suing Kesha for defamation and breach of contract. In 2023, the parties settled the lawsuits out of court with Kesha stating “Only God knows what happened that night. As I always said, I cannot recount everything that happened. I am looking forward to closing the door on this chapter of my life and beginning a new one.”
Through the course of the lawsuits, Kesha released three studio albums, Rainbow (2017), High Road (2020), and Gag Order (2023), which fulfilled her original 5-album contract with Kemosabe. In late 2023, after resolving the lawsuits, Kesha officially departed from Kemosabe Records. Now, in 2024, Kesha has made a series of public appearances, notably at Coachella with Reneé Rapp to perform her iconic hit “TikTok” and at LA Pride, where she performed a new song, titled “Freedom.”
With the release of “Joyride” on Independence Day, it looks like Kesha is preparing for her sixth studio album. Fans have flooded the comments of the single’s announcement with praise and excitement for a potential upcoming record.
literally a masterpiece i havent been able to stop listening kesha ur ICONIC.
— Ernie's world (@WorldErnie) July 4, 2024
While Kesha has yet to announce a music video for “Joyride” or a sixth album, she posted some photos following the release of the song with the caption “We’re just getting started.” Earlier this month, Kesha also gave her first TEDTalk called “The Alchemy of Pop” about why songwriting is “something sacred to me.” This included the performance of a new song called “Sanctuary.” With all of this buzz, it appears that Kesha’s “Joyride” is just getting started.
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