Talking to Kesha’s Animals About Their Unfaltering Love

Kesha’s album Rainbow comes out tomorrow. It’s her first project in five years, since her torturous ongoing legal battle with Dr. Luke first began, and is a record that, she says, has saved her life. A lot of the world is waiting and watching, but nobody’s following as closely as her faithful Animals.

Kesha’s fans give new meaning to the word devotion. They have stood by the singer for the aforementioned five years despite having no guarantee that she would ever again release new music. In fact, a lot of them told me that some of their biggest fears were that they’d never hear a new song from her again, that a trip to rehab and the ongoing court battle would break their fav down. They were ready for that reality; if that was Kesha's will, then let her will be done. But they remained true to the singer—standing behind her with the #FreeKesha movement and their unwavering faith.

And like a true force, Kesha didn’t let them down either. Get a glimpse into what Animal allegiance really means, ahead.

Mitchell Haverty, works for a nonprofit in Sacramento, CA

What about Kesha inspires you?


Right now, the battle that she has been through is the biggest inspiration for me, combined with her whole approach to music. Last year, Noisey did a profile of Kesha's old Myspace that highlighted the range of music she's into. In her "influences," she lists a lot of my favorite artists—The Mountain Goats, The Fall, The Smiths, Yo La Tengo, Minor Threat, Bright Eyes, Sonic Youth—and I just think it's so rad that somebody with that range of taste ended up where she did.

I also really appreciate the way that she has presented this image of pop star outlandishness taken to its ultimate extremes with a little self-aware wink. A good example of this is how the opening lines of "We R Who We R" are a callback to The Notorious B.I.G.’s "Notorious Thugs": "Hot and dangerous/ If you're one of us then roll with us" vis-à-vis "Armed and dangerous/ Ain't too many can bang with us." That's the kind of reference that you might expect from a rapper emulating early ‘90s New York hip-hop, but she packaged it into a pop song that debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

How long have you been an Animal?


I started listening to Kesha right around when “TiK ToK” came out. I became a fan when I listened to the Cannibal EP, but I think it was Warrior that really cemented my love for her music. I made my Twitter name "big kesha fan" in 2014 and haven't looked back since.

Kesha’s been through a lot leading up to her new album, what do you admire the most about her as an artist?

The fact that not only has she persevered through the torture that she was put through, but she rebounded with some of the best music of her career. I especially admire the fact that her opening single was "Praying." It was a huge break from what most people know her for, and very much not your typical bop. She could have easily picked a more dance floor-ready track to draw people in, but specifically chose a gospel-inspired ballad, and I believe that was a performative act to separate herself from the image that Dr. Luke had imposed upon her. It was an incredible statement.

What's your favorite Kesha moment?


I think I have to go with making a reference to Jeffrey Dahmer in the title track of her Cannibal EP. What pop star does that?

Have you ever lost faith in Kesha?

I wouldn't say I've lost faith in Kesha, but, for a period, I was afraid I'd never get to see new music from her again.

What’s the wildest thing you’ve done for Kesha?

I wouldn't say that I’ve really taken any extreme actions as a fan of her music, I've just found it deeply important to my life and carrying far more meaning than a lot of music fans have bestowed upon it.

Amanda Rosenblatt, marketing coordinator in San Diego

What about Kesha inspires you?

Kesha inspires me because I can relate a lot to her journey of finding what she wanted to do with her life, but coming across a lot of pitfalls on her way to doing what she actually wanted to do with her career. I can't relate to this horrific legal battle, but I know she'll overcome this struggle at some point. I love her ability to overcome adversity, I love her creativity, and I love that, despite the fact that she has been hurt in life, she has nothing but love. She uses her mantle to give a voice to others, such as abused animals, sexual assault victims, the depressed, the LGBT community, and many more subjugated people.

How long have you been an Animal?

I have always loved Kesha's music and her as a person ever since "TiK ToK" first came out, but because I was an "older" fan of hers and not a party all night personality, I didn't tell anybody. It wasn't until she came out with the reality show My Crazy Beautiful Life, as well as [had] a lot of personal growth in my life, that I was vocal about being a Kesha fan. Her music made me happy, and it is sad I didn't really join that fan community until then, but here I am now. Why did I care that much about what other people thought in my taste of music? I definitely don't anymore.

Kesha’s been through a lot leading up to her new album, what do you admire the most about her as an artist?

I love the evolution that Kesha has been through as an artist. It's been amazing to watch her literally fight and sacrifice to release the kind of music and art that she wants in the world. Some would be satisfied being a famous pop star, and, for her, it's not enough. She wants to show the world her potential and talent, even if it means she had to risk almost completely losing her career. Seeing the last few years of her struggle, and then watching her recent music videos for "Praying" and "Learn to Let Go," still gets me choked up no matter how many times I watch them. I'm just so proud. It makes you feel good to stand behind someone who constantly says, "Let me show you what I can really do" for so long and then does THAT. What she has been through, and the new songs she will release to reflect those battles, is going to help a lot of people.

What's your favorite Kesha moment?

Other than meeting her in 2013, my favorite Kesha moment is when she performed "It Ain't Me Babe" at the 2016 Billboard Awards. As always, she had to fight to make that moment a reality, and when she sang that song, it was an opportunity to show the world she had more to offer vocally. She looked so healthy, her suit was an amazing statement piece that she could look great while also reclaiming her body. And because Bob Dylan is her idol, I can tell she already had passion for that song, other than the meaning behind those lyrics and what they meant to her. It was similar to when she covered Dylan's other song, "Don't Think Twice, It's Alright." You can hear the emotion in her voice there, too.

Have you ever lost faith in Kesha? What keeps you excited? 

I have never lost faith in Kesha during this process. It has been a long journey for her to get through what she has been through, and there have been ugly moments. I remember when it was first announced she went to rehab for an eating disorder and all the fans were in denial for days. When that image was released of her sobbing in court last year, I had a brief, horrific moment where I was thinking, This is so wrong—I can imagine this will make her want to turn away from the music industry and I wouldn't blame her. It would have been sad if she gave up on music at that point, but I want her to be happy, so I would have accepted it. Seeing that we are getting a new album and a new tour makes me so excited and grateful to have kept following along through this rough time period. The worst part is that Kesha is still struggling with this issue, but she's getting there.

What’s the wildest thing you’ve done for Kesha? 

I guess there are two wild things I've done for Kesha. One is that I got a tattoo of some of her song lyrics, and even though that was also a memorial tattoo to a friend who had passed away in a car crash a few weeks earlier, those lyrics also mean a lot to me on another level. I freaked out when Kesha saw the tattoo and reacted to it on Twitter a few years back. I also used to run a really popular Kesha fan podcast, but due to my schedule and responsibilities changing in the past few years, it's fallen to the wayside. That was a very fun couple of years, though! Maybe if my fellow fans want it back, I can revive it in vlog form, or something, as a community project.

Sean Zolanski, works for a tech company in New Jersey

What about Kesha inspires you?

Kesha was kind of unpolished in a way that you rarely see represented in the mainstream music scene—she had an edge to her. She's unabashedly herself and speaks honestly about what really goes on in her life. The last few years have been difficult to watch unfold, but I feel like I've grown to appreciate her even more because of her strength and perseverance.

How long have you been an Animal?

After I heard “TiK ToK” back in 2009, it immediately stuck with me as so different than anything else on the radio. I looked her up and stumbled onto some songs she'd posted on YouTube that would later be on Animal. I knew immediately that this girl was something special.

Kesha’s been through a lot leading up to her new album, what do you admire the most about her as an artist?

Despite everything that happened, she never let the situation take away her drive or her humor. When you've been through hell, it's easy to let that eat you alive, but she didn't, and her new music showcases her coming out on the other side stronger than before.

What's your favorite Kesha moment?

It's immensely hard to pick just one, but, if I have to, I'm going to go with the infamous Conan interview where she describes her songwriting process. It never fails to make me laugh, and I always appreciated that she was very much in on the joke.

Have you ever lost faith in Kesha? What keeps you excited?

I've never lost faith in Kesha herself, although the bleakness of the last few years was definitely trying. While I still love the music she's put out in the past, I always knew she was capable of even more, and that's what kept me excited. And what she's put out from Rainbow so far has confirmed to me that my faith was not misplaced.

What’s the wildest thing you’ve done for Kesha? 

When I heard about the first protest at the New York Courthouse, I told myself there was no way I could justify skipping work for that—and then at about 10pm the night before, I decided that's exactly what I was going to do. And then I did the same for the other two New York protests. I just knew I had to be there for her.

Alyssa Johnson, restaurant manager and student in Connecticut

What about Kesha inspires you?

What inspires me the most about Kesha is how fearlessly she stands up for not only herself but for others as well. She's partnered with so many organizations to help animals and different communities of people. Right now she's partnered with GLAAD to help the transgender community. I just love her kind spirit and how she's always willing to help someone in need.

How long have you been an Animal? 

I've been an Animal for almost eight years now! Wow, I can't believe it's been almost a decade since I fell in love with her magical personality. Tomorrow with be the 18th time I've seen her in concert!

Kesha’s been through a lot leading up to her new album, what do you admire the most about her as an artist? 

How strong she is. She just went through hell with this lawsuit and came back stronger than ever with her new album Rainbow. I don't know how she had the strength not to give up, but she never did. And now she is able to show the world her voice, the music she actually wants to be heard. She made me realize that, even if times are tough, you can and you will get through it because after every storm comes a rainbow!

What's your favorite Kesha moment? 

Two weeks ago when  I saw her at her concert in Iowa. She was about to sing one of her new songs, “Woman.” This would be the first time she would sing her new music in front of her fans, I can only imagine how nervous she must have been. You could hear the entire crowd supporting her and cheering her on as she broke down and started crying. After her boyfriend, Brad, comforted her on stage, she regained her composure and started into the first-ever live performance of "Woman," and she KILLED it. Everyone in the crowd was jumping and singing along. To have been there, when she was finally able to give the world her new music for the first time, and see her reaction afterward. 

Have you ever lost faith in Kesha? 

Of course, I've never lost faith in Kesha! There was one point where she didn't know if she would be able to make new music, but still, we didn't lose faith in her for a moment. We stood by her side and supported her at protests that we held in NYC, at festivals she played at, and on her last little tour with Kesha and The Creepies.

What's the wildest thing you’ve ever done for Kesha? 

Fly out to Nebraska with five of my best friends, who I met through Kesha of course, to embark on a week-long road trip through the Midwest to follow her F*** the World Tour. It was a crazy week filled with traveling, lots and lots of glitter, and sleeping on the sidewalk waiting for shows. One of the shows got canceled due to a crazy storm in Chicago, but we still met Kesha three times during our trip and made an awesome cover video for her song “Praying.” It was probably the best week of my life.

Jared Vollmann, photographer in New Jersey

What about Kesha inspires you?

While countless things about Kesha inspire me, it always comes back to the way she encourages people to be the best, 100 percent authentic and unapologetic self they can be.

How long have you been an Animal?

Definitely since 2009 when I first heard “TiK ToK.” I heard it a couple times and thought it was just so much fun, and I couldn't get it out of my head! Then, I finally started to look up all of her videos and other songs online, and my obsession began.

Kesha's been through a lot leading up to her new album; what do you admire the most about her as an artist?

Her dedication, truth, and love for her craft. This is her dream. She made it come true, and she knows it. She is not ever going to let anybody or anything take that away. This is her passion and soul, and this is where she belongs.

What's your favorite Kesha moment?

The first time I met her. It was when she performed for Pride in Pittsburgh. She came down to the front and hugged me and then let me talk on her microphone. So I got to meet my idol, AND confess my love to her over the microphone and in front of thousands of people. It was so special and magical.

Have you ever lost faith in Kesha? What keeps you excited?

Never. Times have been tough, but Kesha is a WARRIOR. I'm always excited because the past nine years, so much has come out of being an Animal. I've been to outrageous concerts, traveled all over the place, and made countless amazing friends and experiences in the process. I always relate to her music more than any other artist or band. Her music always keeps me going, and going to her concerts is such a celebration.

What's the wildest thing you've done for Kesha?

Definitely back when "Die Young" first came out. I was just so ecstatic about it. I had my roommate tattoo "Die Young" to my thigh with a pin and some ink. And then I would hop from party to party and show it to people and let everyone know when her sophomore album was coming out. It was like an extreme sales pitch!

Michael Eisele, music publicist and student in Connecticut

What about Kesha inspires you?

The fact she has always embraced her life and her differences unlike any artist has. She uses her music as a message to celebrate life and really spread the message of loving yourself, and I feel like that was super important to me when I was younger, going through the eighth-grade problems that most kids have when they’re that age. Her music emits messages of love, and she really spoke to me.

How long would you say you’ve been an Animal?

I’ve been an Animal since I was in the eighth grade, and now I am a junior in college, so it’s been a long time.

What's your favorite Kesha moment?

I think it was her My Crazy Beautiful Life series. We were able to see the side of her behind the music and just her personality and life. She’s such a free spirit, in her music and in real life. 

Have you ever lost faith in Kesha? What keeps you excited? 

Never, no. Not once. It’s interesting because she was talking with Sirius XM about her losing faith in herself. There were days when she woke up and she thought to herself, This is just unreal, I can’t even imagine myself releasing music, and I feel like the strength that all of us, Kesha’s fans, were able to give to her hiatus, and us not losing faith, is the reason why we're seeing this record. It’s honestly the reason why it’s going to come out—we never lost faith.

What’s the wildest thing you’ve done for Kesha? 

Probably rallying up all her fans and protesting outside of Sony Music and outside of her trial, and just being there to support her, that’s pretty wild. I lead the Free Kesha protest and all of the petitions with the Free Kesha campaign, which recently landed me on Dr. Luke’s radar. I actually have a deposition this weekend for the whole case.

Penn Shelly, self-employed in Pennsylvania

What about Kesha inspires you?

A lot. She's such a positive person, and she's so caring toward her fans. Her music is super fun, and the newer songs being released are so uplifting and positive.

How long have you been an Animal?

Since her first album, Animal, was released.

Kesha’s been through a lot leading up to her new album, what do you admire the most about her as an artist?

I admire that she never gave up. She went through hell, and she was able to make it through and she's got an album coming out.

What's your favorite Kesha moment?

I'm not sure I have one favorite moment. I've become friends with her, so every time I get to talk with her, it's great. I love when she gets the opportunity to perform at like the AMAs or BBMAs and other large events.

Have you ever lost faith in Kesha? What keeps you excited? 

I've never lost faith in her. Even through the tough times, I was on the front lines of the protest in NYC and leading up Twitter trends trying to help online. What keeps me excited is her positivity for life and how much fun she has, and I wish to be able to do the same as her.

What’s the wildest thing you’ve done for Kesha? 

Well, I have graffitied some stuff for her, protested for her in NYC, just did a road trip for a week following her all over the Midwest to different shows, and working on a trip that covers 75 percent of her upcoming shows.