Kesha has released her first independent single following her departure from producer Dr. Luke’s record label. Known for hits like “Tik Tok,” the singer chose America’s Independence Day to drop “Joyride,” a track she recently premiered at Brooklyn’s Planet Pride.
“Joyride” sees Kesha returning to her earlier electronic pop style, reminiscent of her chart-topping songs such as “We R Who We R” and “Tik Tok.”
Before the release, Kesha expressed gratitude to her followers on X, stating, “I couldn’t have made it through without all of you. now we joyride.”
She celebrated the debut on Instagram with a video from a dressing room where she sang along to the track with drag queens. After the song ended, she enthusiastically thanked her fans, exclaiming, “I love you.”
“Joyride” marks Kesha’s debut as an independent artist after leaving Dr. Luke’s Kemosabe Records amid a prolonged legal battle. In 2014, Kesha filed a lawsuit against Dr. Luke, accusing him of drugging and sexually assaulting her in 2005. The legal dispute, including Dr. Luke’s defamation counterclaim, concluded with a settlement in June 2023 after nine years.
Reflecting on the resolution, Kesha commented, “I am looking forward to closing the door on this chapter of my life and beginning a new one. I wish nothing but peace to all parties involved.”
