It’s been nearly four long years since we’ve last seen a record from Kesha. The pop-perfect album, Warrior, arrived in November of 2012, and since then, Kesha dropped the $ from her name and entered a messy trial with songwriter Dr. Luke. This trial was to remove herself from her contract following allegations of sexual assault committed by the producer — it was ultimately the reason for no new music from the “Die Young” star. However, it seems as though things are finally changing, as a new album from Kesha is due out in the near future.
According to Sony, “exciting new music” from Kesha is expected “soon,” but her lawyer remains skeptical. Her attorney tells Buzzfeed News that, despite the statement from the label, there has been no promise on promotion or a release date for new music. This summer, Kesha dropped her sexual assault lawsuit against Dr. Luke and turned in 28 songs to her label that she had recently recorded. Additionally, she approved a list of producers that she would be willing to work with instead to keep from recording with Luke.
Though we have news, it’s hardly telling us much – but something is still better than nothing. Sony Music coming out to say that they plan on releasing new Kesha music soon at least proves that they aren’t giving up on her, and most importantly, it looks like Kesha isn’t giving up on herself, either.
Besides the tour dates she performed over the past couple of months, she’s been in the studio recording new music – she linked up with Zedd for “True Colors” back in April, but most notably, she worked with Taylor Swift for an undisclosed project. Here’s hoping that her personal, legal, and creative issues get sorted out soon and she can deliver the Warrior follow-up that everyone has been patiently waiting for.
Update: Dr. Luke’s lawyer, Christine Lepera, issues a statement in regards to a recent New York Times piece.
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 She has voluntarily withdrawn her California complaint, after having her counterclaims in New York for alleged abuse dismissed.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.