Kesha Release “Joy Ride,” Her First Since As Independent Artist

Kesha has shared “Joy Ride,” her new single and the first piece of her work not released under a Dr. Luke-related record label. The pop star had initially teased the song on Twitter, writing “You’re right, I am a bitch” alongside a video snippet. Check out the new track below.

Though the pop star had long since stopped working directly with the producer, as 2017’s Rainbow was Kesha’s first full-length project without a Dr. Luke production credit, each of her five albums have been released under a Dr. Luke-associated label (either RCA while she was signed to him or his imprint Kemosabe Records).

Now, with “Joy Ride,” the singer has finally completely disassociated herself with the producer, as her contract with Kemosabe and Dr. Luke has officially ended. She is now legally permitted to release music independently. “First day I’ve owned my voice in 19 years,” she wrote on social media.

In a newsletter sent out to fans, the star also wrote, “I’ve waited for this day for more than half of my life. All of my adult life. There is so much more that I have to say, and experiences we have to share. This is the time for our joy ride. We made it… and I wasn’t alone thanks to each of you. Thank you. So much is on the horizon… But for now… Freedom. I’ve been waiting for you.”

Dr. Luke originally signed Kesha in 2005, when she was just 18. Around this time, Kesha alleges Dr. Luke drugged her, raped her, and ultimately threatened her into continuing to work with him. He subsequently helped produce and release her first two records, 2010’s Animal and 2012’s Warrior, which boasted massive hits like “TiK ToK,” “Your Love Is My Drug,” “We R Who We R,” and “Die Young.”

In 2014, Kesha sued Dr. Luke for sexual assault and battery. Dr. Luke quickly filed a countersuit, claiming defamation. Both Kesha’s request for a temporary injunction to release her from her recording contract with Dr. Luke and her sexual assault suit were dismissed by a New York judge in 2016. The defamation suit, however, continued on, only getting resolved in June of 2023, when Kesha and Dr. Luke settled out of court.

Notably, “Joy Ride” arrives merely a week before Katy Perry’s new single “Woman’s World,” which Dr. Luke co-produced.

Kesha released her latest album, Gag Order, in 2023. She’s also set to play Lollapalooza 2024. Get tickets to the festival and her official aftershow here.