Kesha's latest album, Gag Order, is set to release on May 19 and is inspired by her spiritual awakening during the pandemic in 2020. The album marks a departure from her previous image of carefree partying, showcasing a vulnerable and introspective side of the artist.
The album is produced by Rick Rubin, who provided Kesha with a safe space to delve into her emotions and create an intimate album. The recording process involved a mix of professional studios and Kesha's iPhone scratch vocals, capturing the raw nature of her experiences.
Gag Order addresses Kesha's ongoing legal battle with Dr. Luke in the track "Fine Line" and features collaborations with her mother and eight-year-old niece, adding a personal touch to the album. The album weaves spirituality throughout and celebrates love, representing a new chapter in Kesha's career as she shares her most authentic self with her fans.
Kesha, a pop icon known for her party anthems and unique style, experienced a spiritual awakening during the pandemic in 2020, as she faced an anxiety attack with her aging cat, Mr. Peeps.
This transformative moment led her to seek solace in meditation and eventually have an intense conversation with her highest self, or God.
This spiritual experience became the foundation for her latest album, Gag Order, set to release on May 19.
Unexpected Inspiration
Following her spiritual awakening, Kesha wrote the song “Eat the Acid,” inspired by her mother’s advice.
Initially, she did not expect this song to make it into an album. However, it became the starting point for Gag Order, a project produced by Rick Rubin, who shared a bond with Kesha over their mutual Piscean spirituality.
A Journey of Vulnerability
The album showcases Kesha’s evolution as an artist, as she digs deep into her emotions, exploring her insecurities, anxieties, grief, and pain.
With Gag Order, she takes a step away from her previous image of carefree partying and bravado, embracing vulnerability and genuine emotion.
This new direction is both nerve-racking and healing for her.
An Intimate Collaboration
Working with Rick Rubin provided Kesha with a safe space to delve into her emotions and create a highly intimate album.
The recording process involved a mix of professional studios and Kesha’s iPhone scratch vocals, capturing the raw, genuine nature of her experiences.
Kesha, a pop icon known for her party anthems and unique style, experienced a spiritual awakening during the pandemic in 2020, as she faced an anxiety attack with her aging cat, Mr. Peeps.
Exploring New Ground
Gag Order marks a departure from Kesha’s previous albums, with introspective and emotional tracks taking center stage.
Songs like “Living in My Head” and “Eat the Acid” exemplify this shift in focus, with Kesha and Rubin working together through Zoom during the pandemic.
Confronting Legal Challenges
In “Fine Line,” Kesha addresses her ongoing legal battle with Dr. Luke, which has limited her ability to speak freely.
This track reveals her anger and frustration, particularly aimed at the doctors and lawyers involved in the case.
Embracing Love and Spirituality
Gag Order features several tracks that celebrate love, including “All I Need Is You,” a song about her cat Mr. Peeps, who almost died in 2022.
The album also weaves spirituality throughout, with references to guru Ram Dass, Indian philosopher Osho, and wizard Oberon Zell.
Collaborations with Kesha’s mother, Pebe Sebert, and her eight-year-old niece, Luna, add a personal touch to the album.
A New Chapter
Gag Order represents a new phase in Kesha’s career, exploring her emotions and spirituality while tackling her ongoing legal issues.
With a release date of May 19, the album is a testament to her resilience and growth as an artist.
Produced by Rick Rubin, this “emotional exorcism” is a departure from Kesha’s previous work, showcasing her journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
As an executive producer, Kesha demonstrates her commitment to sharing her most authentic self with her fans.
