Kesha drops new album ‘Gag Order’. Is she leaving her occasion anthem days behind?

The album’s genesis could be traced again to the spring of 2020 when Kesha was on the verge of a panic assault. Her getting old cat, Mr. Peeps, introduced over her headphones, and he or she took it as an indication to meditate. Within the midst of a guided meditation, she skilled a non secular awakening that led to the creation of the album’s first tune, “Eat the Acid.”

“I fully thought I was having a mental breakdown. I called my therapist and my doctor. They all were like, ‘Oh, you had a spiritual awakening. Yay! Good job,’” Kesha recalled. “I really dug into some of my uglier emotions and sides of myself that are less fun. It’s scary being vulnerable. The fact that I have compiled an entire record of these emotions, of anger, of insecurity, of anxiety, of grief, of pain, of regret, all of that is so nerve-racking — but it’s also so healing.”

Produced by Rick Rubin, a fellow Pisces who bonded with Kesha over their shared spirituality, Gag Order is a departure from the singer’s earlier albums. Whereas Rainbow and Excessive Street featured introspective tracks and upbeat songs excellent for getting amped earlier than going out, Gag Order is a real about-face. The album just isn’t danceable, nevertheless it’s thought-provoking and emotionally charged.

“Living in My Head,” which Kesha wrote in the course of a panic assault, is a painful pay attention within the custom of John Lennon’s “Cold Turkey.” “Every time I listen to ‘Living in My Head’ I just want to curl up in a ball and hide,” she says. The album’s title, Gag Order, can also be a reference to Kesha’s ongoing authorized battle along with her former producer and label proprietor Dr. Luke, which she filed in opposition to in 2014, alleging an prolonged interval of sexual, bodily, and emotional abuse.

“I feel as if there has been an implied gag order for a very long time now,” Kesha stated. “With my ongoing litigation hanging over my head, I have not been able to speak freely because I know everything I say is scrutinized.”

The album’s lead single, “Fine Line,” addresses her present authorized predicament. “I feel like there’s a fine line between what I am and what you want me to be,” Kesha sings on the monitor. “I feel like there’s a fine line between the truth and the lies they feed me.”

Kesha’s earlier albums have been recognized for his or her occasion anthems and catchy hooks, however Gag Order is totally different. It is a uncooked and trustworthy portrayal of the singer’s private struggles, and Kesha hopes that her vulnerability will encourage others to confront their very own feelings.

“I hope that people will feel less alone and more understood when they hear these songs,” Kesha stated. “I hope that this album will help people confront their own emotions and start a conversation about mental health and wellness.”

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As Kesha continues to evolve as an artist and as an individual, she stays dedicated to utilizing her platform to lift consciousness about vital points. Whether or not it is by way of her music or her activism, Kesha is set to make a optimistic impression on the world.