Kesha Unveils a 10-Year Plan to "Dismantle" the Music Industry "Piece by Piece"

Kesha has revealed her intention to create a 10-year plan aimed at “dismantling” the music industry to ensure that no one else suffers as she did. In 2005, at just 18, Kesha signed a six-album deal with Dr. Luke. Over the past decade, she has fought a legal battle against him, alleging emotional distress, s**ual harassment, and abuse. Although the lawsuit was settled out of court, Kesha finally severed ties with Dr. Luke and Kemosabe Records last year after releasing her fifth album, Gag Order, in May 2023. Recently, she announced the launch of her own label, Kesha Records.

In a new cover story for Elle, Kesha discussed her plans to transform the music industry and safeguard musicians, ensuring that no one else faces the same challenges she endured.

She told the publication: “The music industry should be f**king terrified of me. Because I’m about to make some major moves and shift this s**t. 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.”

Kesha’s 10-year plan focuses on addressing questionable and unfair contractual terms that claim perpetual rights to artists' songs, lyrics, and likeness. 

“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.”

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.”

Image Courtesy: RTE

Kesha is collaborating with individuals in the tech industry to develop a digital platform designed to protect and prioritize the safety of artists.

“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 f**king run.”

In August, Kesha announced her intention to re-record her debut hit single ‘TiK ToK’ once she secures the legal rights to do so, changing the lyrics from “Wake up in the morning feeling like P Diddy” to “Wake up in the morning like f*** P Diddy.” At Coachella 2024, Reneé Rapp invited Kesha to join her on stage for a performance of ‘TiK ToK,’ marking the first live rendition of the revised lyrics.

--Silviya.Y