FEATURE:
TiK ToK, Time’s Up
IN THIS PHOTO: Kesha/PHOTO CREDIT: Vincent Haycock via The Guardian
Kesha’s Plans to “Dismantle” the Music Industry and the Impact It Could Have
_________
A music news story…
PHOTO CREDIT: Blaz Erzetic/Pexels
last week that caught my eye. It involves U.S. superstar Kesha. Perhaps best known for her huge hit, TiK ToK (when she was known then as Ke$ha), of 2010, she has this plan and mandate that could mean big shockwaves through the music industry. At the moment, women in music face so many obstacles and issues. When it comes to working in studios, with particular producers. The way they are exploited and abuse. The harassment and misogyny they still face. For anyone who thinks these issues have gone away or are less evident now, you only need to speak to pretty much any woman in the industry. They would have faced these things or know someone that has. I think there is a long way to go until things are better for women. There does need to be this bolt or revolution. Something that gets those in charge to change things. I have said how a #MeToo movement never happened. Not in any unified or huge way. Consider the sheer proliferation and rise in sexual abuse and it is clear that things are truly rotten to the core. I want to start off with this NME article.
“Kesha has announced that she’s devising a 10-year plan to “dismantle” the music industry so no one else is wronged the way she was – see what she had to say.
In 2005, Kesha at the age of 18 signed a six-album contract with Dr. Luke. Over the last decade, Kesha has been at war with Dr. Luke, battling through lawsuits for emotional distress, sexual harassment and abuse.
The two have since settled the lawsuit out of court, and Kesha late last year finally became free of Dr. Luke and Kemosabe Records after releasing her fifth album, ‘Gag Order’ with the label in May 2023. Late last month, she announced the launch of her own label, Kesha Records.
Now, in a new cover feature with Elle, Kesha has revealed that she has a 10-year plan to upend the music industry and protect musicians so no one else is put in the same situation as her.
She told the publication: “The music industry should be fucking terrified of me. Because I’m about to make some major moves and shift this shit. I really want to dismantle it piece by piece and shine light into every corner. I hope my legacy is making sure it never happens to anybody ever again.”
“I do have a sense of feeling protective of young women in music,” she added. “I really hope my joy can stand for others to know that it’s available to them and to not give up. I enjoy feeling my power, which hasn’t been available to me for a really long time, and I’d love to give that gift to others if I can”.
This is a conversation that a lot of women are having. At least a dark corner women are shining a light on. The fact that there are abusive, controlling, coercive and predatory men working in studios and subjecting young women to assault and harassment. The abuse and torment that Kesha face had a huge impact. Even though she is perhaps in a better place and has been able to share her stories and experiences through interviews and her music, how much has the industry reacted to it?! Kesha’s experiences are unique or rare. So many other women have faced similar things. Many more who have not come forward or have gagging orders. It is shocking when you consider the potential depth of this toxicity and abuse! Whether it is women who are working in studios where they are subjected to harassment and abuse or wider through the industry where there is this misogyny and assault, the distress and harm women are experience should ring alarm bells. Definitely, women through the industry know how bad things are and they need to change! I do say this with every feature like this I produce. Where is the chorus of male allyship?! Those who say they are aware and support women need to do so in a more vocal and visible manner. It is no good being an ally if you are not making your voice heard! From journalist to artists through to label bosses and those at the top level, every year we see women talking about their experiences and some real horror stories without much support. Not to that the vast majority of men in the industry don’t care. They are not forthcoming in coming forward. This needs to change. Producers and those in studios talking about that culture and how things can be improved.
Kesha’s ten-year plan to take apart the music industry seems like an insurrection and overdue calling out. A crisis moment where the dam has to break. It is testament to the strength of women like Kesha. They are risking so much by calling out those in the industry who are causing so harm and abuse. Those who are sliding under the radar. Those who have been accused by some women but not all. The full depth of their behaviour and crimes. It sounds like this will be a real shake-up. It is not an idle threat either. If a major artist like Kesha has reached a point where she is going to open up the music industry and exposure truth and those who are abusing and harassing women, then it should send a message to men out there. Whether producers like Dr Luke or artists who have assaulted or harassed women. I keep saying how there should be a #MeToo movement. Something widespread and enormous that brings to justice so many men who are preying on and abusing women. Maybe this is the start of it. It takes time to really clean up and improve things. That noble aim of Kesha’s to help young women and turn her experiences into something positive and important. That is to be commended. It is a big act of bravery considering the backlash or hurdles she could face. It does seem we have reached a state where things are beyond belief. The almost weekly naming and shaming of a man in the music industry accused of abuse, assault, harassment or some other reprehensible act. It is so routine that we sort of become numb to it. Women in the industry are not. They are angry and calling for change. To be protected, believed and supported. There is not a tonne of that beyond other women through the industry. Kesha’s quest and plan to dismantle the music industry and improve things should be met with support and anger by men through the industry. Let’s hope that this lighting of the fuse leads to…
AN explosion.