A declaration of independence? On July 4? Groundbreaking.
But really, it's such a delight to see Kesha making her first independent release since settling her long-running defamation lawsuit with alleged abuser/producer Dr. Luke last year, and her contract with his Kemosabe Records label finally ending.
The pop star returns today with the aptly titled "JOYRIDE" — her first new music since 2023's Gag Order. She initially premiered the track — which was co-written with producer Zhone and Madison Love — last weekend at Planet Pride in Brooklyn, NY.
Notably, "JOYRIDE" arrives a week ahead of Katy Perry's Dr. Luke-produced new single, "Woman's World." When the news broke that Perry was continuing her working relationship with the producer, Kesha tweeted a simple "lol" that spoke volumes.
With a classic Mean Girls reference and lyrics like, "You want kids? / Well I am mother," it's clear that she's embracing herself and finding her carefree spirit again amid her liberation era. Listen to the blissfully wonky "JOYRIDE" below.
