Pop star Kesha has announced plans to launch a new digital platform called Smash, designed to help artists connect, collaborate, and keep control of their creative work. The app is still in development, but Kesha says the goal is to provide a LinkedIn-style space for musicians, paired with a marketplace similar to Fiverr.
The announcement comes ahead of her upcoming album titled “.” (Period) and a major tour—her first as an independent artist after parting ways with her previous label. Kesha launched her own label in 2024 and now wants to shake up what she describes as a broken system in the music industry.
“I want a place where artists can find community, collaborate, and retain all the rights to everything they create,” Kesha said in a recent interview. She emphasized that Smash will be a safe and inclusive space, offering alternatives to traditional record deals and helping musicians avoid signing away ownership of their work.
Kesha’s motivation stems from her own legal battles and difficult experiences in the industry, including a lengthy public dispute with a former producer. These challenges, she said, inspired her to help other artists avoid similar situations.
Currently, Smash exists only as a website collecting early sign-ups, and Kesha is working with a team led by CTO Alan Cannistraro to secure funding and refine the platform’s structure.
The platform will not compete directly with services like Spotify or Apple Music. Instead, it aims to focus on the early stages of music creation—connecting producers, musicians, and technicians in a transparent way without middlemen or hidden fees.
Kesha also discussed her growing interest in technology and its potential to support artists. While she once had a “fractured” relationship with tech, she now sees it as a tool for empowerment. She even plans to incorporate high-tech elements, including AI and interactive visuals, into her upcoming live shows.
“I want to create the most tech-forward tour anyone’s ever seen,” she said, describing future performances that may include wearable tech and laser-controlled instruments.
Her recent single “Joy Ride” marked what fans called the return of the “Queen of recession pop,” a term used to describe upbeat songs that offer escapism during hard times. Kesha says she embraces that identity and wants Smash to be an extension of her mission—to make creativity joyful, safe, and sustainable for all artists.
