interview by JANA LETONJA

Multi-platinum and 2-time GRAMMY Award-nominated pop superstar Kesha released her first independent single ‘Joyride’ under her own label Kesha Records this Summer, which marks the first chapter of a milestone new era for her, serving as both a return to classic form as well as a powerful sonic evolution following 2023’s critically acclaimed fifth studio album ‘Gag Order’. Kesha is currently working on her sixth album, which is set to be released in 2025.

With ‘Joyride’ as your first independent single, how does it feel to release music under your own label, Kesha Records?

It’s feels euphoric. I feel very empowered and focused. As a woman in the public eye, I have gotten used to being built up and torn down as entertainment. This album cycle is different than any other that I have lived through because my worth, my center, my integrity and my power has been tested, and my power is internal and unshakable. Through experience, I have seen all of the ways that the music business is sick and broken, and now I’m in control of my music, my art, my time and my voice for the first time in 19 years. I am excited to extend a sustainable way to exist as an artist to other artists through my record label and the app I am developing.

You’ve described ‘Joyride’ as a celebration of your independence and empowerment. Tell us more aboutthe inspiration behind the song and how does it represent your independence.

As a free single woman, ‘Joyride’ is an anthem celebrating female sexuality. From a young age, women are told that the ultimate goal is to get married and have children. And while that is something that I’m open to, I wanted to immortalize and celebrate my feminine desire and right to pleasure without ownership.

‘Joyride’ is both a return to your classic style and a sonic evolution. How did you approach blending those elements, and how does it represent where you are creatively?

People have tried to put me in a box my entire life. I have come to love that fact that I am not someone to be categorized for others understanding. I am literally everything. I wanted my first single to sound like the culture, which is boundryless and fluid. Every genre has been the inspiration and I find it to be genreless.

With your sixth album slated for release in 2025, can you share what can the fans expect when it releases?

Unapologetic cuntiness.

What personal or professional milestones are you most excited about achieving in this new chapter of your career?

This year has been so surreal. I am so proud of myself and my ability to persevere. I would have every right to not want to interact with the music business ever again, but instead of fearing the constructs that tried to break me, I’m just making pop music my b***h.

dress and shoes GOD SAVE THE QUEEN
coat DSQUARED2
glasses MIU MIU

You’ve explored a lot of different creative outlets, including TV, film, a book, a cruise, and even a cosmetics line. Is there one project outside of music that you’re especially proud of and has a deep meaning to you?

I’ve started my record label which I’m extremely excited about. Making the art I’ve always wanted to make and the possibility of supporting other artists the way they deserve to be supported by a label is something I’ve dreamed about my entire adult life. Also the creation of the app I’m working on, which would connect artists and empower them, is something I’m really obsessed with right now. I’m also developing a television show on animal conservation. So many fun things.

How do these non-musical ventures inspire or inform your music? Do you find that working in other creative fields gives you fresh insights as a musician?

If you choose to live your life as a pop artist, you’re an exhibitionist. Every love, every insecurity, every pain and heartache is all public. Every choice I make and every feeling I have becomes the lyrical content for my next album, so every experience serves as inspiration. All I am trying to do with my life is make art out of everything I do and bring myself and others closer to our truest and empowered selves.

Every moment of your life serves as inspiration when you are an artist. I am here to capture the culture and reflect it back to society, whatever that means.

You’ve been an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community and animal welfare since early in your career. What inspired you to get involved with these causes, and how has your work in advocacy impacted you personally?

Growing up in the South, I longed for a sense of belonging and acceptance. This community was hard to come by, but the community I feel accepted and loved by has always been the queer community. I decided in high school that if I ever got to tour the world that I would make each and every show a safe space for my community.

With animal conservation, I always am left in awe of the natural world. It brings me closer to myself, and I have a love of animals that my family has always valued. I find love in animals that rivals any of my exes. I love my cat more than anyone in my life. I want to help protect the animals.

corset MAISON BLANCHE
dress, underwear, socks, and garter ZHILYOVA
gloves ESTHÉ
shoes ANDREA WAZEN

Your fans connect deeply with the messages in your music. How do you see the role of social responsibility in your work as an artist?

I feel like it is my job to devour as much information as I can from culture and reflect it back to the culture. Making music is a privilege and if I get the privilege of doing this as my job, I have to speak up for what I believe is right and honest, and use my medium to do that.

Besides your sixth album, what other projects do you have coming up next?

Lots of music, writing for other artists, building my label, planning a tour, making an app, trying to heal and traveling as much as possible. I want to become the Anthony Bordain of the art and supernatural realm.

TEAM CREDITS:
talent KESHA
photography, creative direction & set design TYLER PATRICK KENNY
styling CHRISTIAN STROBLE
hair GREGG LENNON
makeup DONNI DAVY
nails MIHO OKAWARA
videography ANDREY FRAZÃO
assisting LEONARDO RAMBELLI
styling assistant GAIA KHATCHADOURIAN
studio DTFLA STUDIO
editor TIMI LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN
special thanks to EVAN DUNING for the great space

IN CONVERSATION WITH KESHA

IN CONVERSATION WITH JACK INNANEN

IN CONVERSATION WITH ALICIA HANNAH-KIM