Why Kesha Should Rerecord Her Music
In the fast-paced and ever-evolving music industry, artists often find themselves caught between creative expression and contractual obligations. Kesha, who has captured the world's attention with her bold and infectious pop anthems since the late 2000s, is no exception. Kesha is a huge part of the pop culture fabric, creating hits such as Tik Tok, Your Love Is My Drug, Take It Off, Cannibal, and more which are still played and enjoyed to this day. Kesha is also sadly known for her infamous trial against the producer, Dr. Luke. Kesha claimed that the producer, who signed her early in her career, sexually, verbally, and physically abused her and, therefore, wanted to terminate her contract. She sadly lost the case and was forced to create two more albums which Dr. Luke profited from, the most recent being Gag Order. However, there is a compelling case to be made for Kesha to reclaim her power by rerecording her previous music. This opinion piece delves into the reasons why I think this should be Kesha’s next move.
Taylor Swift's decision to rerecord her earlier albums (and their success), following the acquisition of her master recordings by Scooter Braun, stands as a testament to the importance of creative control. Kesha, who faced her own legal battles and struggles for artistic autonomy, can draw inspiration from Swift's tactic business moves. Rerecording her music would offer Kesha the opportunity to regain control over her own masters, just as Swift did. By taking back ownership of her catalog, Kesha could reinvent her sound, experiment with new arrangements, and infuse her songs with the maturity and growth she has experienced over the years.
Kesha's own #FreeKesha movement showcased the huge amount of support Kesha received for her case and highlighted the audiences’ interest in artistic integrity and personal autonomy in the music industry. Much like Taylor Swift, Kesha’s decision to rerecord her music would send a powerful message to industry professionals that screwing artists out of their art is not a viable option anymore. By taking control of her own catalog, Swift set a precedent and challenged the notion that artists are not mere commodities, showcasing the power of self-determination. Kesha's rerecordings would further solidify the importance of artistic integrity, inspiring countless artists who find themselves trapped within restrictive contracts.
Rerecording her music would also be a heartfelt gesture of appreciation to her fans, rewarding their loyalty with something truly special and the ability to help Kesha financially. Kesha currently does not benefit financially from any stream or purchase of her music, so rerecording her old music would allow fans to stream and purchase it to help Kesha herself. It would provide an opportunity for Kesha to connect with her audience on a deeper level, allowing them to witness her artistic rebirth firsthand.
The act of rerecording her music would be a transformative and empowering step for Kesha. It would enable her to reclaim control over her creative output, heal past wounds, and promote artistic ownership. By undertaking this endeavor, Kesha would continue to set a precedent for artists everywhere, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and ownership. It would send a message that we stand with Kesha as she embarks on this remarkable journey, celebrating her as a beacon of strength, resilience, and artistic brilliance in the face of corporate and misogynistic greed.
