Kesha, who recently dropped the dollar sign from her name, is now diving back into the world of money. This time, though, it’s not for herself. She’s looking to fund the seed round of her new startup, Smash. In an Instagram post, Kesha revealed that Smash will be a platform focused on connecting and protecting music creators. This new venture aligns with the mission of her eponymous record label, Kesha Records, which she introduced last year.
Behind the glittery façade of her pop music lies a darker tale for the 38-year-old singer. Kesha has faced struggles with power dynamics, both as an artist and an individual, stemming from a predatory record deal she signed as a teenager. Following a grueling legal battle with her producer, Kesha now claims to be liberated and is back to creating music. Her goal with Kesha Records and the Smash app is to empower others in the music industry to pursue their craft without sacrificing their creative rights.
In an interview with WIRED, Kesha expressed her vision for Smash as a platform where artists and music makers can come together, collaborate, hire each other, and maintain full ownership of their creations. She envisions it as a space devoid of gatekeeping, providing equal opportunities for all involved. Describing Smash as a blend of LinkedIn for music creators and a Fiverr-style marketplace, Kesha emphasizes the emphasis on artists’ rights throughout the process.
Alan Cannistraro, a seasoned tech professional with experience at Apple and Facebook, serves as Kesha’s Chief Technology Officer for the Smash project. His background in developing iOS apps and social media platforms adds a valuable skill set to the team. Amanda Silberling, a senior writer at TechCrunch covering the tech-culture nexus, delves into the details of Kesha’s latest venture. With a diverse writing portfolio spanning various publications, Silberling brings a unique perspective to her coverage.
Kesha’s journey from a pop sensation to a tech entrepreneur showcases her resilience and determination to change the music industry for the better. With Smash, she aims to create a supportive community where artists can thrive creatively without facing the obstacles she encountered earlier in her career. As Kesha continues to evolve as an artist and a businesswoman, her commitment to empowering others in the music world remains unwavering.
