Kesha, the pop sensation known for her catchy hits and vibrant persona, is now stepping into the world of technology as a startup founder. This transition from a chart-topping artist to a tech entrepreneur may seem surprising, but it reflects her multifaceted nature and determination to reshape the music industry.
Since her debut in 2010 with infectious tracks like “TiK ToK,” Kesha has always defied expectations. She cleverly juxtaposed her glamorous image with a critique of the superficiality often found in the entertainment industry. While many viewed her as merely a party girl, Kesha’s intelligence and ambition were evident, as she turned down a prestigious college scholarship to pursue her passion for music.
However, the reality behind her pop stardom was far from glamorous. Kesha’s experiences with exploitative record contracts and personal struggles have fueled her desire to create a platform that empowers artists. Her new app, Smash, aims to connect musicians, facilitate collaboration, and establish fair contracts that prioritize the rights of creators.
What sets Smash apart is its innovative contract generation system, allowing artists to customize agreements based on their preferences. Whether licensing a beat for a flat fee or negotiating a share of royalties, Smash ensures that musicians have control over their creative partnerships. The app plans to sustain itself by taking a small percentage of transactions made through its platform.
As Kesha’s brother and co-founder of Smash, Lagan Sebert, explained, the app is designed to provide aspiring musicians with access to a professional network without the fear of losing their rights or making life-altering decisions too soon.
Kesha’s legal battle against her former producer, which began in 2014, highlighted the darker side of the music industry. Despite her efforts to escape a toxic contract, the court’s ruling forced her to continue working with him, leading to a prolonged struggle for her artistic freedom.
In a significant milestone, Kesha released an album independently on July 4, marking her first project without the influence of her former producer. This newfound independence has inspired her to advocate for other artists, ensuring they do not fall victim to the same predatory practices she faced.
“Her motivation for Smash stems from her own journey to reclaim her voice and rights,” Sebert noted. “The goal is to create a supportive community for musicians to thrive independently.”
To bring Smash to life, Kesha and her team sought technological expertise. A chance meeting with Lars Rasmussen, co-founder of Google Maps, led to the introduction of Alan Cannistraro, the app’s Chief Technology Officer. Cannistraro’s extensive experience at Apple, where he worked on creative products, aligns perfectly with Smash’s mission to support artists.
“I’ve always believed that artists deserve support,” Cannistraro shared, reflecting on his passion for music and the importance of fair compensation for creators.
With Rasmussen as an early investor, Kesha unveiled Smash at a festival in Greece, emphasizing its role as a community platform for music creators. “Smash is where you can connect, create, and hire while retaining the rights to your work,” she stated, highlighting the app’s commitment to empowering artists.
As Smash continues to develop, it recently hosted a contest inviting artists to remix Kesha’s song “Boy Crazy.” The winners will have their remixes released under Kesha’s label, showcasing the app’s potential to foster creativity and collaboration.
Reflecting on her journey, Kesha remarked, “I regained my voice for the first time in my adult life just a year ago. Predatory deals are unfortunately common, and I want to change that narrative for future artists.”