Kesha launches independent label after legal battles

Kesha, the pop sensation known for her rebellious nature and catchy hits, has announced a major career change.

On Monday, the singer announced that she is choosing her own path by setting up an independent record label.

This move marks a new beginning for the artist after years of personal and legal challenges.

Read on for more details!

A new era of independence

Kesha was signed for many years to RCA Records and its subsidiary Kemosabe Records, founded by producer Dr. Luke.

Now she is taking control of her career with the creation of her own label, Kesha Records, which will partner with ADA, the independent distribution and services arm of Warner Music Group.

In her announcement, Kesha expressed her pride and excitement about this new venture: “I am proud to announce this partnership for the distribution of my music through Kesha Records,” she said, per Variety.

This defining moment in her career comes hot on the heels of Kesha’s lengthy legal battle with Dr. Luke, which began nearly a decade ago when she accused him of sexual abuse.

The legal battle between the two has shaped much of her public narrative in recent years, dominating headlines and embroiling the singer in a battle for autonomy over her music and career.

Kesha’s accusations against Dr. Luke sparked a movement within the music industry, exposing the power imbalance that many female artists face.

Although her lawsuit against Dr. Luke was settled in June 2023, the legal tug-of-war left a mark on Kesha’s career.

In her statement, Kesha referred to the struggles she faced during those years and stressed that it was time to take back control:

“I’m excited to take control of my story and rewrite my narrative in the music industry,” she said, making it clear that her new label represents more than just a business decision — it’s a personal victory and an opportunity for creative freedom.

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A post shared by Kesha (@kesha)

A platform for new voices

Kesha’s new venture also speaks to her desire to elevate emerging artists. She sees Kesha Records as a label built on principles of transparency, integrity and safety, values she says are synonymous with her name.

In her statement, Kesha outlined her goals for the label:

“My name has become synonymous with transparency, integrity, and safety, and I want to ensure that these values are upheld for myself and all future artists who sign to my label,” she shared. “Music has the power to connect the world, and I strive for my work to be a beacon of light and goodness.”

This sentiment underscores her evolution from pop star to industry leader, focused on creating a safe space for creativity. For Kesha, this label isn’t just about her own music, but also about providing a nurturing environment for future artists who may face similar struggles.

Looking beyond the drama

Kesha Records’ announcement also comes amid renewed tensions with another prominent figure in the music world: Sean “Diddy” Combs.

Last year, Kesha publicly changed the lyrics of her hit song “Tik Tok” to criticize Diddy after multiple women accused him of sexual misconduct. Diddy, who has since been indicted on multiple charges, has not publicly commented on Kesha’s actions.

Kesha’s TikTok

The changes to her lyrics reflect Kesha’s increasing willingness to speak out about issues of power, misconduct and exploitation in the industry, a decision that mirrored her own journey to reclaim control over her career and voice.

A new album and creative control

While the formation of Kesha Records is newsworthy in itself, the singer’s fans have a lot more to look forward to.

Kesha announced that she plans to release a new album under her independent label in 2025. The upcoming album will mark a major turning point in her discography, as it will be the first time she has full creative control and ownership over her music.

Kesha’s latest album, Speech ban (2023) was released via Kemosabe Records and marked her final contractual obligation to Dr. Luke’s record label.

Despite critical acclaim, the album stalled at number 168 on the Billboard 200. This may have been a reflection of the ongoing tension between her personal struggles and her professional achievements during that period.

Now that the upcoming album is no longer subject to those restrictions, it promises to give fans a glimpse of Kesha at her most uninhibited.

Source: Instagram/Kesha

Industry Support and Future Prospects

Kesha’s independent label venture has received support from key figures in the industry. Cat Kreidich, President of ADA, praised Kesha’s bold move and emphasized her authenticity as an artist:

“Since the beginning of her career, Kesha’s authenticity has distinguished her as a true artist whose vibrant self-expression resonates strongly with her fans. We believe ADA is the ideal home for her, and we are honored and committed to supporting Kesha as an independent artist while maintaining her creative integrity and unapologetically bold spirit.”

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A post shared by Kesha (@kesha)

Crush Music, which is partnering with ADA for marketing and promotion, was equally excited about Kesha’s new direction:

“We are honored to be on this journey of joy with Kesha as she embarks on this new entrepreneurial phase of her career.”

Kesha’s shift toward independence reflects broader trends within the music industry, as more artists take control of their careers, following in the footsteps of musicians like Taylor Swift, who took back her own catalog, and Chance the Rapper, who built a successful career as an independent artist.

Attribute	Details
Full name	Kesha Rose Sebert
Mononym	Kesha
Occupation	Singer, Songwriter
Date of birth	March 1, 1987
Age	37 years (from 2024)
Place of birth	Los Angeles, California, United States
Height	1.75 meters
Parents	Pebe Sebert
Brothers or sisters	Louie Sebert, Lagan Blue Sebert
Big breakthrough	Featured in Flo Rida’s “Right Round” (2009)

About Kesha

Conclusion

Kesha’s transition to independence marks a new chapter, one she gets to write on her own terms.
With a new label, the promise of new music and a mission to create safe spaces for emerging artists, Kesha feels stronger than ever.
After years of legal battles and navigating the turbulence of a male-dominated industry, Kesha’s decision to go her own way speaks volumes to her resilience and determination.
Her new journey as an independent artist has only just begun and fans and fellow artists will be following her to see where her path leads.
Kesha’s declaration that she’s ready to “rewrite her story” sets the tone for an exciting, transformative period in her career, one in which she’s firmly in the driver’s seat.