Kesha, formerly known as Ke$ha, has shifted her focus from her name to a new venture called Smash. The singer is now looking to raise funds for the seed round of her startup, which aims to be a community-based platform connecting and protecting music creators. This aligns with the mission of her record label, Kesha Records, that she launched last year.
Known for more than just her party-girl persona, Kesha has a darker story beneath her pop music success. She has faced challenges in the music industry, particularly with a predatory record deal that left her feeling stripped of her power. After a traumatic legal battle with her producer, Kesha now considers herself a “free woman” and is back to making music. Her label and the Smash app are designed to empower artists to create music without compromising their creative rights.
In an interview with WIRED, Kesha shared her vision for Smash, describing it as a platform where artists can collaborate, hire each other, and retain all rights to their creations. The app is likened to “LinkedIn for music creators” or a “Fiverr-style marketplace,” with a focus on prioritizing artists’ rights at every stage of the creative process.
Leading the technical side of the project is Alan Cannistraro, who brings a wealth of experience from his time at Apple and Facebook. Cannistraro’s expertise in building iOS apps and social platforms will be crucial in bringing Kesha’s vision for Smash to life.
As Kesha continues to navigate the music industry and advocate for artists’ rights, Smash represents a new chapter in her career. With a strong team and a clear mission, Kesha’s startup has the potential to make a significant impact in the music community.
