Kesha has dropped her first track as an independent artist since splitting with Dr. Luke. Released on Independence Day in the USA, “Joy Ride” marks a return to Kesha’s synth-pop roots and departure from the more avant-garde sound of her previous album, Gag Order. Produced by Zhone, the song features quotable lyrics such as “Get in, loser, for the joyride”, a reference to Mean Girls.
Accompanied by a lyric video that features Kesha dancing and celebrating, “Joy Ride” highlights her unapologetic attitude as she demands a thrilling night with sass and humour. Promoting the single on Instagram, the singer uses the colour red as a theme across different outfits, including riding in a convertible with an obscene gesture and wearing a cowboy hat reading “Joy Ride.”
“Joy Ride” marks Kesha’s first release since parting ways with RCA and Kemosabe Records in December. The split followed the release of her fifth album Gag Order, her last contractually obliged LP for Kemosabe. Kesha initially sued Dr. Luke in 2014, accusing him of sexual assault and emotional abuse. Dr. Luke countersued Kesha, claiming she made up the allegations to get out of her recording contract with him. Kesha and Dr. Luke reached a settlement before the case was due to go to trial in June 2023.
Since leaving the label, Kesha has been “ferociously” working on new music, according to comments made earlier this year. She also provided updates on social media, including teasing another song, a slower, ethereal ballad, in a promotional video for her fan website, keshaiswaitingforyou.com. Two teasers with Rick Rubin, who produced Gag Order, also hint that he will collaborate with Kesha once more
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