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Warrior (Kesha album)

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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Javier12345 (talk | contribs) at 17:22, 19 October 2012 (source states will.i.am co-wrote the song, it never says he is featured). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Untitled

Warrior is the upcoming second studio album by American recording artist Kesha. It is scheduled to be released on November 30, 2012 by RCA Records as the follow-up to her commercially successful 2010 album Animal and EP Cannibal.[1] Writing of the album began in 2011 while the singer was on tour and continued into 2012, whilst she began recording the album in the first quarter of 2012. Produced in the genres of dance-pop, electropop, and electronic rock, the album features songwriting from fun. and The Flaming Lips. Iggy Pop provides guest vocals for "Dirty Love", which was produced primarily by Dr. Luke. The album's lead single, "Die Young", was released in the United States on September 25 2012.

Background and development

In June 2010, Kesha discussed her second album with MTV News. During the interview she revealed that she was already beginning to think about her second album and explained that it was going differ from her first record, specifically commenting that it would reflect her growth: "There's definitely going to be a difference. I'm always changing and evolving and because I write all of my own music it will be reflective of the record. It'll still stay fun and young and irreverent."[2] After the release of her first album Kesha embarked on her first worldwide tour, the Get Sleazy Tour throughout 2011. While touring she began writing songs for her second album but recording and other work on the album was not commenced until she had completed the tour.[3][4]

In 2011, the singer took a hiatus from music to embark on other ventures.[5] She was hired by the Humane Society and became their first global ambassador, which consumed her time as she made a documentary for National Geographic that revolved around "animals being abused and how to stop that, or animals that are going extinct and how to help those animals."[5] The album includes a variety of different musical participants, which was explained by the singer: "The range of artists I want to work with is so vast it’s bizarre. If someone is a real artist, you can’t confine them to a particular genre. It’s my mission to make it all make sense somehow."[6] Along with expanding her collaborations, the singer expanded her musical repertoire, as she began playing the guitar significantly more with the plans of incorporating it into her new material.[7] In February 2012, while being interviewed by Glamour, Kesha stated that while she was currently in the process of writing songs for her album, she was also taking a variety of instrument lessons, emphasizing specifically that she was taking guitar lessons.[8]

Title and concept

In March 2011, Kesha revealed in an interview with Beatweek Magazine that she had already chosen the title for the record, naming it Spandex on the Distant Horizon.[9] However, in a publication in May 2012, Billboard stated that the project was untitled.[10] The album's underlying theme stems around embracing a person's inner warrior, which the singer elaborated on: "I’ve seen how many people my music can reach, and I’ve realized that I have somewhat of a social responsibility to make sure everything I say is positive. The underlying theme of this next record is warrior, with the positive message being that everyone has a warrior inside."[5] On September 18, 2012, via her Twitter and Instagram accounts, Kesha began announcing letters, believed to be from the title of the album, eluding to the name of the album title; "Warrior". This was later confirmed when she tweeted the release date of the album.[11]

Recording

Kesha worked with Lukasz Gottwald and Max Martin on a variety of tracks.[7] She also expressed interest in enlisting the production duo, the Dust Brothers, who are known for producing tracks for the Rolling Stones, Beastie Boys and Beck, however no recording dates were ever penned. Her friend Paul Nicholls, a DJ, was also named as a potential participant in construction of the album. However, no recording dates with him have been recorded either.[7] According to MTV, Kesha entered the studio with Luke in January 2012. Both Kesha and Luke had been working on material for the upcoming project but had yet to start studio sessions prior to January.[12] Kesha reported via Twitter in March 2012 she was recording the album with Luke and Benny Blanco. In the recording studio together they created a track described by the singer as a "cock-pop" influenced song.[13][14]

Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips contributed to the album after learning Kesha was a fan of his work and after she worked with him on his album Flaming Lips and Heady Fwends.

"I'm helping with some lyrics here and there. She's really a great songwriter. She has an easy way with things. I've worked with a lot of people that are very uptight about how they do their music, but she's very fun, so I don't really have any reservations about whether I don't like her music. I like her, and she likes us, so fuck it. I'm not too worried about it."[15]

—Coyne, on writing and working with Kesha.

Wayne Coyne from The Flaming Lips first expressed interest in working with Kesha in January 2012. Coyne said he knew she was a fan of his work and felt that a collaboration between the two would be a "perfect match."[16] The duo reportedly collaborated at the Lips' studio in January 2012.[17] A track called "2012" was created during a February recording session in Nashville and was released on the Lips' album, The Flaming Lips and Heady Fwends. In March 2012, Coyne told Rolling Stone that he was in the development stages of talking to Kesha about working with her on her new material.[18] Along with "2012", Wayne and Kesha's first collaboration created three other songs, all of which belonged to Kesha. Coyne was later asked if he still intended to contribute to her album he responded, stating: "I'm trying to. I think we're getting together right before Easter. We've already done three songs-- they're hers".[15] According to Twitter messages by Coyne, recording between the duo continued in April 2012 and a track that discussed "futuristic sex toys" was created.[19] Coyne and Kesha revealed via Twitter that a song titled "You Control My Heart" was created. Coyne announced that he was in the process of mixing the song.[20] "Past Life", a track described by Coyne as a "stellar track" was confirmed to be another collaboration between the pair.[21] Altogether, Coyne and Kesha's collaboration yielded between six and seven tracks.[22]

In mid April 2012, Billboard published an article claiming that Scottish producer Calvin Harris had contributed several tracks to the upcoming album. Their specific recording date was unknown.[23] In May 2012, Kesha continued to record with Dr. Luke, and artist Sia Furler.[24] Rock singer Iggy Pop was also revealed as a collaborator, when the singer tweeted a picture in May 2012 saying that the singer would feature on the record.[25] Billboard later confirmed Iggy Pop would feature on "Dirty Love", produced by Dr. Luke.[26] Kesha continued to work with Dr Luke and Benny Blanco, and with new collaborators Henry Walter and Fun. lead singer Nate Ruess – the four created a track described by Blanco as "old hippie rock".[27] That track was later revealed as "Die Young".[28] Kesha revealed that she and Dr Luke had created 17 incomplete songs, including "Last Goodbye", "Die Young" and "Supernatural". She commented on the sound, "I want it to be a mix of what works on the radio and what I listen to in my spare time," she says. "I'm on a steady diet of T. Rex and Iggy Pop."[29][30]

Composition

Iggy Pop's debut solo album The Idiot (1977), was cited as one of the album's main musical influences when Kesha was constructing the album's sound.

Influence and sound

"I feel like I don't necessarily agree, but people say that rock and roll is dead, and it is my mission and my goal to resurrect it in the form of my pop music, [...] that's the goal. We'll see what happens. That's a very ambitious and lofty goal, but that's my goal."[12]

—Kesha, on the inspiration for the album's change of sound

In contrast to her debut album, Kesha has said her second album will also incorporate Rock genres, inspired from the music of the 1970s.[3] She has stated her love for rock music will be incorporate it into this album.[7] 1970s rock singers Led Zeppelin, AC/DC and Iggy Pop's album, The Idiot, were cited as musical inspirations for the next record.[7] She wants the album to explore different sounds and Kesha has said the record will be more experimental than her first. She wants to incorporate elements of blues music, saying, "I definitely want the next record to be experimental and I would love to play with all the different sounds of the music I listen to. I really want some dirty guitar and I wouldn't mind if there were elements of blues."[7] On her first record Kesha imposed a restriction on her producers limiting their use of guitars.[6] In order to encompass visceral energy on the record she lifted this restriction and instead has chosen to focus on the inclusion of guitars to try and capture the sound of the 70s and 80s.[6] Kesha has commented on the sound of the record, stating that it will remain a pop album, but that it will also branch away from her previous "white-girl rap": "Some people will be shocked. Some will also be excited to know that I don’t just do silly white-girl rap. I’m from the South, I have a lot of soul. But trust me—it's not going to be some avant-garde jazz record. I innately write pop songs. That’s just what I do."[5] Kesha began recording the album in 2011, after traveling the world; she went on a spiritual journey. Recalling experiences of feeding baby lions and swimming with great white sharks, Kesha said, "I got hypnotized, and I just really wanted this record to be really positive, really raw, really vulnerable and about the magic of life."[31] "Supernatural", recorded with Calvin Harris, contains dubstep elements and explores erotic experiences Kesha encountered with ghosts.[32][33][34] Overall, Kesha said the theme of Warrior is magic.[35]

Songs and lyrics

"Die Young"
Kesha sings over an acoustic guitar and synthesized beat during this sample of the electropop song, "Die Young".
Problems playing this file? See media help.

Kesha has said the songs will be inspired by her experiences during her tours.[7][36] In contrast to her first record which featured music described by the singer as "very brash and very sassy and very unapologetic and irreverent", she says the second album will makes a lyrical departure and explores a more vulnerable side in its lyrics.[12] She explained: "I have learned over the past three years of doing this that being vulnerable doesn't mean you're weak. I very much want to be seen as a strong woman, but I realize that vulnerability can also be a strength. So on my next record, you are going to hear probably a little more of that."[12] Kesha commented, in an interview with Rolling Stone, "The first two records talked more about partying, which is a great, magical part of life, but some songs on the new record are more personal and vulnerable. And you can hear more of the music I listen to when I'm lying in my bed. I'm not claiming that it's a rock record – but as long as it's fucking good, you can call it whatever you want."[29]

Promotion and release

The album was tentatively slated for a release in May 2012, but was later announced with an official release date of December 4, 2012. It was originally expected to be released near the end of 2011 but the delay between albums was because Kesha wanted to try and make an album that could shift the sound of pop music into a more rock direction.[37][38] While being interviewed by the Calgary Herald she explained the delay and elaborated on this, stating: "I want to take enough time to make sure it's the reinvention of pop music. That's the ultimate goal, to reinvent pop music. So I'm planning on taking as much time as I need, but May sounds about right."[38]

Singles

The album's lead single, "Die Young" was released on September 25, 2012.[39] The track was soon uploaded to Kesha's BMI following the Kesha's announcement of the single, and was co-written by Fun. lead singer Nate Ruess. Co-producer Benny Blanco described the track as "old hippie rock",[31] while Kesha described the track as "her favourite of the album".[27][28] A 35 second music video teaser was uploaded on September 12, 2012 onto her YouTube page. A second 29 second snippet, featuring Kesha's vocals, was uploaded on September 17, 2012. The same day, Kesha published the single's artwork onto her Twitter. The song premiered and impacted US radio on September 25, 2012. It is due to be released in Europe on November 18, 2012 and the United Kingdom on November 25, 2012.[40][41]

Track listing

Standard edition[42]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Warrior"Kesha Sebert, Pebe Sebert, Lukasz Gottwald, Henry Walter[43]Dr. Luke, Cirkut 
2."Die Young"K. Sebert, Gottwald, Benjamin Levin, Walter, Nate Ruess[28]Dr. Luke, Cirkut, Benny Blanco3:33
3."C'mon"K. Sebert,  
4."Thinking of You"K. Sebert,  
5."Crazy Kids"K. Sebert, P. Sebert, Gottwald, Walter, William Adams[44]Dr. Luke, Cirkut, will.i.am 
6."Wherever You Are"K. Sebert,  
7."Dirty Love" (featuring Iggy Pop)K. Sebert, P. Sebert, Matt Squire[45]Dr. Luke, Matt Squire, 
8."Wonderland"K. Sebert, P. Sebert, Allan Grigg[46]Kool Kojak 
9."Only Wanna Dance with You"K. Sebert,  
10."Supernatural"K. Sebert, Bonnie McKee, Gottwald, Walter, Calvin Harris,Dr. Luke, Cirkut, Calvin Harris 
11."All That Matters (The Beautiful Life)"K. Sebert,  
12."Love into the Light"K. Sebert,  
Deluxe edition bonus tracks[47]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
13."Last Goodbye"K. Sebert, Gottwald, Walter,Dr. Luke, Cirkut, 
14."Gold Trans Am"K. Sebert, P. Sebert, Grigg[48]Kool Kojak 
15."Out Alive"K. Sebert, P. Sebert, Joshua Coleman[49]Ammo 
16."Past Lives" (featuring Wayne Coyne)K. Sebert, Wayne CoyneWayne Coyne 

Release history

Region Date Format(s) Label Edition(s)
Australia[50] November 30, 2012 CD, digital download Sony Music Standard, deluxe
New Zealand[51]
United Kingdom[52] December 3, 2012 Columbia
United States[1] December 4, 2012 RCA

References

  1. ^ a b "ANIMALS! K$ Reveals New Album Cover, Title & Street Date!". http://www.keshasparty.com/. Retrieved 2012-09-19. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  2. ^ Barnett, Sophie (2010-06-10). "The Singer Reveals Details About Her Follow-Up Record". MTV News. MTV Networks (Viacom). Retrieved 2010-06-11.
  3. ^ a b Montgomery, James (2011-05-16). "Ke$ha Is Channeling 'Sexiness' Of '70s Rock For New Album". MTV News. MTV Networks (Viacom). Retrieved 2011-06-05.
  4. ^ O'Donnell, Kevin (2011-02-11). "Ke$ha Talks U.$. Tour: "It's an Epic Dance Party"". Spin. Spin Media. Retrieved 2012-03-26.
  5. ^ a b c d Sandberg, Patrik. "Born In The U.$.A". V magazine. p. 2. Retrieved 2012-05-01. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  6. ^ a b c Sandberg, Patrik. "Born In The U.$.A". V magazine. p. 3. Retrieved 2012-05-01.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g Corner, Lewis (2011-07-04). "Ke$ha interview: "I want to be f**king perfect"". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi UK. Retrieved 2011-07-07.
  8. ^ Hill, Logan (2012-02). "Ke$ha: There's a Real Girl Underneath All That Glitter". Glamour. Condé Nast Publications. Retrieved 2012-02-25. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
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  17. ^ Hogan, Marc (2012-01-23). "Ke$ha Glitter Bombs the Flaming Lips' Studio". Spin. Spin Media LLC. Retrieved 2012-02-29.
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  20. ^ Maher, Cristin (2012-04-18). "Snippets From Kesha + Wayne Coyne Collabo 'You Control My Heart' Released". Popcrush. Townsquare Media, LLC. Retrieved 2012-04-18.
  21. ^ "Wayne Coyne Speaks on Title of New Flaming Lips Album, Taking Drugs and Making a King Crimson Cover Album". mxdwn.com. 2012-08-16. Retrieved 2012-08-16. "I think at the moment, I think there's one pretty stellar track. It's her song, but where we've done some production. I think on the 21st of this month we're going in with Ben Folds, between us all we're coming up with a giant string arrangement that's going to go on that, we're going to record that... It is called, I think at the moment it's called "Past Life."
  22. ^ Montgomery, James (2012-04-24). "Ke$ha Gives Flaming Lips Frontman His First-Ever Toe Tattoo. Wayne Coyne talks about what happens when you work with 'freaks' like Ke$ha on The Flaming Lips and Heady Fwends". MTV News. MTV Networks (Viacom). Retrieved 2012-06-04.
  23. ^ Hampp, Andrew (2012-04-13). "Calvin Harris Is Done Singing Lead, Despite Solo Hits". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on 2012-04-14. Retrieved 2012-04-13.
  24. ^ Colin, Daniels (2012-05-19). "Ke$ha working with Sia on new material". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi UK. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
  25. ^ Cospey, Robert (2012-05-09). "Ke$ha confirms Iggy Pop collaboration for new album". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi UK. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
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  27. ^ a b Stephen, Horowitz (2012-07-17). "Pop Hitmaker Benny Blanco Talks 'Payphone' Success, Ke$ha's New Sound". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2012-07-17.
  28. ^ a b c BMI | Repertoire Search
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  30. ^ Montgomery, James (2012-07-20). "Ke$ha 'Gives So Many F—s' About Her New Album 'On this record, I said, 'Let's leave the tricks to a minimum and let me wail,' ' Ke$ha tells Rolling Stone about her 'vulnerable' album". MTV News. MTV Networks (Viacom). Retrieved 2012-07-20.
  31. ^ a b "Ke$ha 'Die Young' Hits Airwaves, Party Anthem Boasts Stripped, 'Hippie Rock' Sound". The Huffington Post. AOL. Retrieved 1 October 2012.
  32. ^ "Ke$ha says she had 'sexy' experiences with a ghost: Who is the most 'out there' celebrity?". Fox News. News Corporation. Retrieved 17 October 2012.
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  35. ^ "Ke$ha Says She Had Sex With A Ghost". The Huffington Post. AOL. Retrieved 17 October 2012.
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  38. ^ a b Corner, Lewis (2011-08-12). "Ke$ha: 'My aim is to reinvent pop with new album'". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi UK. Retrieved 2012-02-07.
  39. ^ Kaufman, Gil. "Ke$ha's Down-And-Dirty Party Anthem 'Die Young' Leaks". MTV. Viacom. Retrieved 1 October 2012.
  40. ^ "New Music Releases - New Songs: October 2012". Capital FM. Global Radio. Retrieved 17 October 2012.
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  43. ^ BMI | Repertoire Search
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  45. ^ BMI | Repertoire Search
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  49. ^ BMI | Repertoire Search
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  51. ^ "Ke$ha to release second album 'Warrior' this November". http://www.theedge.co.nz/. Retrieved 2012-09-20. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  52. ^ "Ke$ha confirms new album 'Warrior' for December release". http://www.digitalspy.com.au/. Retrieved 2012-09-20. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
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