Kesha is launching her own independent record label, aptly named Kesha Records, the pop star announced on Monday.
Launched through Warner Music Group’s independent distribution arm ADA, Kesha Records will house her upcoming releases there, including an album set for release in 2025. Kesha Records has already served as the label for her latest single, “Joyride.”
“I am proud to announce this partnership for the distribution of my music through Kesha Records,” Kesha said in a statement. “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. 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.”
ADA will work with Kesha’s management company, Crush Music, on marketing and promotion for the album, the announcement said. ADA president Cat Kreidich said in a statement that the company is “honored and committed to supporting Kesha as an independent artist while maintaining her creative integrity and unapologetic bold-spirit.”
The label launch comes over a year after Kesha released Gag Order, her final contractual album under Dr. Luke’s Kemosabe Records and RCA Records. By choosing to work with ADA instead of a traditional major record label, Kesha will retain ownership and significant creative control over her music.
The deal ushers in a new era for Kesha, who spent much of the 2010s wrapped up in a legal battle with Dr. Luke centered around her claims that the producer sexually abused her. Luke countersued, denying the allegations and stating that she had defamed him. The matter was settled out of court in June of 2023.
“I am humbled and in awe of the support and love y’all have given me,” Kesha tweeted days after the settlement was announced. “You have held me and carried me through the past 9 years. “I am so full of light and excitement for the beautiful things to come, for shows to play, and art to make to share with you all.”
As for what’s next for Kesha, beyond the 2025 album, back in August, she confirmed she wanted to re-record her signature hit “Tik Tok” to permanently change the first lyric to say “fuck P-Diddy.” At the time, she said she’d make the switch “when I have legal rights to.”
From Rolling Stone US
