Kesha Releases Joyride, Her First Independent Single After Parting Ways With Kemosabe and RCA

In a timely celebration of Independence Day, Kesha has released her latest single “Joyride,” marking her debut as an independent artist following her departure from Dr. Luke’s Kemosabe Records and RCA.

The new single, premiered at Brooklyn’s Planet Pride last weekend, represents a departure from the experimental tone of her previous album “Gag Order,” which ventured into more arthouse realms. “Joyride” returns Kesha to her electro-pop roots reminiscent of early hits like “Tik Tok” and “We R Who We R,” featuring memorable lyrics such as “You want kids? Well I am mother.”

This release signifies a fresh start for Kesha, following her separation from Kemosabe and Vector Management last December, as reported by Variety. This move came six months after settling multiple legal disputes with her former producer and label head, Dr. Luke, concluding a decade-long saga resolved outside of court. Kesha and Dr. Luke both addressed the resolution on social media, with Kesha expressing her closure on the past and embracing a new beginning.

Having released five albums and three EPs under Kemosabe, Kesha had previously sought release from her contract, alleging sexual assault by Luke, which he denied, citing her own admission of uncertainties about the events in question.

In a pivotal moment earlier this year, Kesha tweeted, “First day I’ve owned my voice in 19 years. Welcome.” Now liberated from her past, Kesha recently marked her newfound freedom with a performance at WeHo’s Outloud Fest to kick off Pride weekend, declaring to the audience, “This is my first show as a free motherfucking woman.” During this performance, she introduced two new tracks, “Mother” and “Freedom.”