She was only 18 when she was signed to a prominent recorder’s label and after banking only on background vocal assignments and writing songs for artistes for the next four years, she finally got her major break in 2009 when she appeared on rapper Flo Rida’s number-one single, “Right Round”. Since then, American singer-songwriter and rapper, Kesha, has been on a roll.
She released her debut album, Animal, and her first extended play, Cannibal, in 2010.
Best known for her impudent music, unique rap style and her excessive use of auto-tune, Kesha is now basking in the success of her second album, Warrior .
The album has become a huge success with chart busters like ‘Die Young’, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and charting in multiple countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, Canada, New Zealand, Norway and Scotland. Musically, the artiste has stated that Warrior is her attempt at reviving the rock ‘n’ roll genre. The record is primarily influenced by dance-pop and electro-pop. Lyrically, the album draws from Kesha’s experiences while on tour and discusses subjects like self-empowerment, love and sex.
In an e-mail interaction, Kesha speaks about more than just Warrior .
Warrior is a concept album. Tell us more about your inspiration and what you aspired to achieve with it.
Warrior is about being fearless and fighting for your ideologies. And since I am a hardcore party girl I have created an album dedicated to the dance floor. The music will bring you to the dance floor and make you dance fanatically.
What was it like collaborating with Iggy Pop, Fun’s Nate Ruess and with will.i.am. on Warrior?
You know I had been stalking Iggy for three years and finally I got to work with him. Working with Iggy Pop was like a dream coming true. It was really exciting and crazy. Nate Ruess and will.i.am were fun to work with.
How would you describe the sound of this album?
Just three words. Crazy, fearless and magical.
Personally, how different was it making Warrior as compared to making Animal?
Warrior is a mixture of the Rock ‘N Roll, cutting-edge electronic, dance pop and drowsy rapping - the music I am passionate about. So in that way Warrior is the kind of music I always wanted to create. It’s about how I feel and about my experiences. Animal was my debut album so it will be always special to me.
Critics might have a lot to say about you but how do you think you’ve evolved as an artiste?
I am evolving every day. You can say that I have just two albums in my bag but I have learnt a lot about music and creativity from my past experiences both on-stage and off-stage. It helps me evolve both as an artiste and as a human being. I feel like there is big difference between the Kesha I was five years ago and the Kesha I am now. I have become more mature.
Who are your biggest musical inspirations?
Iggy Pop. I adore him. When I was just 10 my elder brother introduced me to Iggy Pop. And since then Iggy has become my biggest musical inspiration.
Is there any artiste/band you would like to collaborate with in the future?
Other than Iggy Pop there is no one else on this planet I would like to work with.
What do you know about the Indian music scene? Any chance of a gig here?
I got to know that Indian music is very spiritual and that Indian culture has great influence when it comes to music. And given an opportunity I would love to perform there. I have heard that the Indian audience is cheerful and inspiring.
What are your plans for the rest of 2013?
My reality show Ke$ha: My Crazy Beautiful Life is coming up this year so I am very excited. Lagan, my brother, filmed it very passionately. I hope people will like it. They will get to know the everyday me.
