Kesha has given her first interview since she began legal proceedings against producer and Sony label boss, Dr. Luke.
The pop singer spoke to the New York Times about her early career and Dr. Luke's influence over her music. She also talks about the lawsuit which is still ongoing. In February 2016 a judge in New York denied her request for an injunction on her recording contract.
Talking about the moment in 2014 when she came out of rehab for an eating disorder and took out the lawsuit against her long-term producer, Kesha says, "I was taking back my strength, and I was taking back my voice, and taking back my power, taking back my body. I’m just taking back my [expletive] life.”
Elsewhere in the piece Kesha talks about her plans for new music. She has recorded a song called "Rainbow" with Ben Folds, while writer Taffy Brodesser-Akner also lists "Hunt You Down," "Rosé," and "Learn To Let It Go" as finished tracks.
On October 21 a source at Kesha's label Sony told BuzzFeed that they hope to release a new record from her "soon." Kesha confirms in the Times interview that she submitted 22 songs to the label over the summer.
When reached for comment by The FADER, as spokesperson for Dr. Luke issued the following statement:
"The New York Times Magazine profile piece that ran today unfortunately has many inaccuracies. This article is part of a continuing coordinated press campaign by Kesha to mislead the public, mischaracterize what has transpired over the last two years, and gain unwarranted sympathy.
Kesha filed a shock and awe complaint of alleged abuse against Luke Gottwald in 2014 -- for contract negotiation leverage. It backfired. She never intended to prove her claims. She has voluntarily withdrawn her California complaint, after having her counterclaims in New York for alleged abuse dismissed.
Nevertheless, she continues to maliciously level false accusations in the press to attack our client. The reality is that for well over two years, Kesha chose—and it was entirely her choice—not to provide her label with any music. Kesha was always free to move forward with her music, and an album could have been released long ago had she done so. She exiled herself. It was not until months after the denial of her injunction motion – for the first time in June and July 2016--that Kesha started to provide the label with music.
She provided 22 recordings created without any label consultation which were not in compliance with her contract, were in various stages of development, and which Kesha’s own team acknowledged needed work. Then, and for the last several months, the label has been in discussions with Kesha and her team to choose the best music, create additional music, and work on the tracks created.
A&R representatives of both Kemosabe and RCA have provided Kesha with detailed feedback in writing and in person on the tracks she provided to help her further develop the material. Kesha has also agreed with Kemosabe and RCA on a list of producers who will work with her on these tracks, a studio has been reserved for these sessions, and a budget for certain work provided.
The creation of an album is a process, however what has clearly been communicated is that the aim is for a release date as early as possible. It is in the economic best interest of the label and Mr. Gottwald to put out a top selling album, and that takes time. In fact, the label suggested an early release of an advance Kesha track. It was Kesha’s team who rejected this proposal.
Kesha’s claim in the article that she has no ability to earn money outside of touring is completely rebutted by well documented public court records which apparently escaped the article’s attention."
Read the full New York Times interview with Kesha here.
