Summary:
Kesha transitions from pop star to tech entrepreneur with her new startup, Smash
Smash is a community-based platform for music creators to connect and protect their rights
The platform aims to be a "LinkedIn for music creators", fostering collaboration without gatekeeping
Kesha's personal struggles with the music industry inspire her mission to empower artists
Alan Cannistraro, ex-Apple and Facebook, leads the technical development of Smash
Kesha, the renowned pop star, has embarked on a new journey as a startup founder with the launch of Smash, a community-based platform designed to connect and protect music creators. This initiative aligns with her recent establishment of Kesha Records, aiming to empower artists by ensuring they retain their creative rights.
Image Credits: Amy Sussman / Getty Images
Having removed the dollar sign from her name, Kesha is now focusing on funding the seed round for Smash, not for personal gain but to foster a safer, more collaborative environment for artists. The platform is envisioned as a "LinkedIn for music creators" or a "Fiverr-style marketplace", but with a strong emphasis on protecting artists' rights at every step.
Kesha's personal experiences with a predatory record deal and a public legal battle have deeply influenced her mission. She aims to eliminate gatekeeping in the music industry, allowing artists to collaborate, hire each other, and maintain control over their creations without compromise.
Leading the technical development of Smash is Alan Cannistraro, a seasoned tech expert with a background at Apple and Facebook. His expertise is expected to bring robust functionality to the platform, ensuring it meets the needs of today's music creators.
This venture marks a significant pivot in Kesha's career, from a glitter-clad pop icon to a tech entrepreneur advocating for artist empowerment and rights protection. Smash represents her commitment to creating a more equitable music industry.
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