MUSIC
Why Kesha’s new album is called ‘Gag Order’
She plans to release two singles from the album later this week.
Kesha has announced her fifth studio album, titled ‘Gag Order.’ This will be her first album in over three years.
The Rick Rubin-produced project will be released on May 19 and the singer plans to release two songs from the new album, ‘Fine Line’ and ‘Eat the Acid’ on Friday, April 28.
The album marks a new more independent era for the artist. All of Kesha’s studio albums so far have been co-released via RCA and Kemosabe, which was founded by producer Lukasz ‘Dr. Luke’ Gottwald.
Who is Dr. Luke?
Kesha and Dr. Luke remain in a complications-protected legal battle. In 2014 Kesha sued Dr. Luke for sexual assault and battery, sexual harassment, gender violence, emotional abuse, and violations of California business practices which occurred over 10 years of working together.
Kesha is still unable to comment on her label contract or label case in interviews. However, in a recent interview with Rolling Stone, she said, “I feel as if there has been an implied gag order for a very long time now.”
Kesha added, “With my ongoing litigation hanging over my head, I have not been able to speak freely because I know everything I say is scrutinized.”
What is a gag order?
Along with revealing the album release date, title, and lead singles, Kesha also revealed the cover art for the new project. The cover art features a headshot of the artist where she stares into the camera with a clear plastic bag over her head.
‘Gag Order’ is described as a “post-pop” “emotional exorcism” which Kesha wrote in an album manifesto for Nylon. “So I let my darkness have the light. I can’t fight the truth. Life is difficult and painful. It is for everyone.”
“An artist doesn’t exist to make others happy,” she continued. “I believe an artist gives voice, motion, color to the emotions we all have. The good emotions, and the unmanageably f–king miserable ones.”
The phrase gag order refers to a type of legal order prohibiting individuals from making public comments or sharing information about a case. Kesha is likely referencing her ongoing legal battles, as he filed a defamation lawsuit against her after her initial allegations that he drugged and raped her in 2005.
Just a few months ago, a New York Judge scheduled a new trial date, for July 19. Meaning ‘Gag Order’ will be released exactly a month prior to the new trial.