Below, Kesha talks about creating the new album, finding her voice again, why she is enjoying being her own sugar daddy—and her plans to pull off one hell of a summer tour.
Vogue: Let’s go back to when you first started crafting this album. What kicked things off?
Kesha: In December [2023]I got a call that I was going to be free of my previous deal [with Kemosabe Records] in March [2024]. The second I got out of that deal, I was writing three songs a day, like a madwoman. I’ve never written so many songs in my life. I’ve never felt so alive, inspired, happy, and excited about the future. Because it’s my first album where I’m in control of every word. Every song, every sound, the cover, the singles—everything. I’ve gotten really comfortable in trusting my own intuition and following my inner compass.
As the album began taking shape, what did you want to say with it?
I wanted it to be the ultimate fuck-you album of all time. I listen to my new record when I need that strength to be my own watchdog. I’m really protective of my time, space, and energy now. Anything that has kept me from feeling free, I’m very cutthroat about that. Anything that is keeping me from being in my fullest potential, it’s gone. Even if it’s an internalized voice that’s keeping me from my true freedom, it’s got to go. I really wanted to make a triumphant soundtrack for those moments. I hope people put it on and love themselves a little more, protect themselves a little stronger, and have their backs a little harder.
Is it safe to say the songs just began pouring out of you as you began writing?
Yes! With “Joy Ride,” I wrote and recorded it in two hours.
How did you come up with that song? It was a genius lead single—but also pretty unexpected!
With what I’ve been through, I’ve had to do a lot of grounding and healing work. So in January, before I was actually free, I traveled to Big Sur, and I was an artist in residence at this place called Esalen, an institute for the human potential. There, I made some friends, and one of them had an accordion. That accordion that he let me play with in the woods ended up being the inspiration for “Joy Ride.” I was like, Okay, I know what pop music needs. It needs a twisted, fucked-up accordion over a dance beat—and on a song that immortalizes my ho phase. That’s what the world needs!
