Ke$ha will be performing tracks from her debut album, Animal, which debuted at #4 on the ARIA charts and has recently achieved gold sales status. Her hit single, Tik Tok, held the #1 spot on the ARIA singles chart for 8 consecutive weeks. Her second single Blah Blah Blah has achieved gold is currently making waves in the Top 10.

Ke$ha’s live show is on Tuesday 23rd March, Entertainment Quarter at 6:30pm.

Source: SameSame.com.au

Pop-mess Ke$ha popped into our mini-studio to give us the lowdown on this year’s awards.

Kesha is delighted that pal Katy Perry is getting married to Russell Brand.

The Tik Tok star is hoping she’ll have an important part to play during the wedding.

‘Katy had better ask me to be a bridesmaid,’ she says.

Kesha, 23, is a huge fan of Russell, 34, and wants him to hook her up with one of his friends.

‘He’s so bright and funny,’ she tells The Sun.

‘Maybe he can find me a booty call in London. I love English men!‘

Russell proposed to Katy, 25, in India on New Year’s Eve.

Source: Now Magazine

There are as many ways of taking Kesha Sebert in conversation as there are of listening to her debut album, Animal. You can skim the froth off the surface and — as a number of notably irate and mostly male reviewers have done — dismiss the 23-year-old from Nashville, and her songs, as lightweight, or calculating, or crude, or bonkers. Many would contend that that last description would apply to the moment, late in our encounter, where she launches into a long riff about positive thinking and reincarnation. “I’m into energy,” she twinkles. “I recently went to see a past-life regressionist, who is also a psychic. I wear my placenta around my neck every day, because it’s supposed to give you second sight. I feel like I’ve had many lifetimes before.” You can view her whole shtick — the provocative videos, the co-opted dollar sign that renders her professional name as Ke$ha, the tales of throwing up in Paris Hilton’s wardrobe and breaking into Prince’s mansion — as Gaga-like attention-seeking, as the antics of someone who is more victim than victor in the cauldron of celebrity culture. Or you can listen, without prejudice, to the case she makes for herself, to the brutally attitudinal or self-aware lyrics, to the outrageously weird, ADHD-frenzied sonic inventiveness of Animal, and conclude that, when it comes to chart pop in 2010, Sebert is right at the front of the pack.

The millions of people who have bought downloads of her songs to date (chiefly, the worldwide smash Tik Tok) most probably just like the tracks. It is safe to assume that none of them has responded to Sebert with anything like the precision vitriol and ostentatious outrage her detractors have huffed and puffed with. The least of these dismissals amounts to labelling the singer, with sometimes barely disguised misogyny, as nothing but a good-time girl. Funny, I thought she was someone who writes and sings brilliant, batty electro-pop.

“So many people,” she sighs, “say, ‘So, what, are you a party girl?’ And I say, ‘I’m a walking good time.’ Do I sometimes go out and drink? Hell, yes. But could I have a No 1 song if I wasn’t also working hard? Maybe that needs a little more respect.

“Also, the phrase ‘party girl’ implies someone who is out at a club, maybe doing some guy in the back who you’ve just met. Then you get in your car and you flash your vagina at the paparazzi. And I’m none of the above. None of the above.”

Sebert is just getting warmed up. “I’m so not a victim,” she continues. “I have been working on realising this dream, my path, my mission, for years. I’ve really invested a lot of thought, time and effort into it. The last thing that makes me is a victim. I think it’s a bummer when people don’t represent that properly, when they portray me as purely one-dimensional.”

Can she understand why they might? “But this is nothing to be embarrassed about,” she responds, with real feeling. “People like to have fun. And sure, there’s my deepest, darkest hipster side that wants, for whatever pretentious reason, to hate pop music. But I’m just trying to give people a way to think, it’s cool, you can not hate my record. You know — it’s okay.”

Sebert, who was born in California, moved with her single mother, Pebe, and siblings to Nashville when she was four. Pebe would later find success as a songwriter for the likes of Dolly Parton, and has co-written several tracks on Animal, but the early years were hard, penny-scraping ones, an experience her daughter believes armoured her against the more vapid and vulgar sides of the music business. “It’s a nasty world,” she comments. “But then you do a concert, and people are moshing, crowd-surfing, it’s insanity, and you think, ‘This is why I do music.’ F*** all the haters, all the industry people that tried to bring me down [Sebert moved back to LA at 17]. And those people that are online talking shit, like, go get a job — why are you sitting around blogging about why this particular outfit doesn’t look good on me? I’m not doing it for you.”

She reacts with good grace to questions about the Hilton incident, although you sense she’s weary of the topic almost to the point of exasperation. I can’t help asking, however, just how much vomitorial damage and reach we’re dealing with here. “I don’t exactly recall it,” she laughs, “but I know there were shoes involved.”

Sebert was at the infamous heiress’s house because she had been working as a backing singer on her album. “I needed rent money,” she mock-pleads, “and it paid $1,000, which was, like, amazing money — two months’ rent. As for the vomiting, well, I guess that was kind of my statement on American society, the celebretard, really extravagant, $8,000-handbag, coked-out rich-girl thing. I’ve got some money myself now, but that doesn’t mean I suddenly believe in spending it all in really gluttonous and disgusting ways, which American society has for so many years almost glorified. I have nothing against [Paris Hilton] specifically, but that whole only-wears-name-brands, only-wears-something-once thing…” She screws up her nose.

Party at a Rich Dude’s House, the track inspired by the Hilton debacle, captures everything that is so wonderful about Animal. Over a scuzzy, hyperactive backing, our bleary-eyed, puffy-faced heroine stumbles at dawn from the party, cackling defiantly: “We’re young and we’re broke/And I can’t find my coat/And the sun is coming up and, oh my God, I think I’m still drunk/Ewww… where’s my coat?” A lethal, perfectly timed pause, “Where?”, then the music crashes back in, an explosion that both nails the compulsive, chaotic waywardness of such a lifestyle and, beneath the major-key propulsion, hints at the flip side, the dis­advantages and even misery. The album is not, Sebert insists, a straightforward celebration. “There are always repercussions,” she says knowingly, looking suddenly much older and less perky.

If that track, or others such as the dreamy 1980s soft-pop of Stephen, or Sebert’s revealingly jaded, anti-scenester new single, Blah Blah Blah, were from, say, the stable of Britain’s über-hit-makers Xenomania, or by the Swedish electro pixie Robyn, you just know they would be praised to the skies. For reasons that aren’t altogether clear, Sebert’s name above the title opens Animal up to a good kicking. The involvement of Dr Luke and Max Martin (Britney Spears, P!nk, Katy Perry et al) has failed to placate critics at the more pursed-lipped end of the spectrum.

“Yeuucch,” Sebert spits. “Look, you can be intelligent and also like to be happy. You don’t have to be so pretentious that you can’t have a good time. Sorry, but if you need an excuse to get your arse on the dancefloor…” The rest of the sentence is lost in a sound that expresses, messily but perfectly clearly, her disgust.

For the most part, though, she comes across as unbothered, and possibly even thrilled, by the harrumphing. “It’s really funny,” she laughs, “that men are getting their panties in such a twist over my album. I’m just saying the stuff they say to women — I’m saying it back. And I’m doing it with a smirk on my face. It’s just silly, just fun — there’s no need to get upset over it.”

The real point of the Prince story is not that Sebert snuck into the star’s house. It is that, wanting to get a demo to him, she had the crazed chutzpah to think that she should try. “Nobody actually believes this story,” she begins. “But I did watch him rehearse, yes. And his driveway really was lined with purple. I walked into his house and found a bedroom, and I did think then, ‘I can’t go in there, Prince could be sleeping — awkward. Or having sex with somebody — even more awkward.’ So I go round the corner, and there he is, rehearsing, as far away from me as that chair. I freaked out, called my mum and said, ‘Mum, what do I do?’ And she was, like, ‘Honey, what do you mean you’re in Prince’s house?’”

And the Jack Daniel’s lyric? “Everyone’s really offended by that,” Sebert says, shaking her head. “But come on, brushing your teeth with Jack Daniel’s: what girl does that? People are like, ‘Do you really advocate brushing your teeth with bourbon?’ I’m like, ‘Yes, actually, I do, every day, for everybody. Especially eight-year-olds.’ I mean, what are you talking about? Of course I don’t. Come on.” She laughs delightedly as she says this, and she doesn’t look calculating, or bonkers, or like a victim. Her expression says one thing, loud and clear: do I look like I need an excuse?

Animal is out now on Columbia.

Source: Times Online

You may not know Ke$ha’s face or how to pronounce her name (Keh-sha), but her monster hit “Tik Tok” has proved to be an unavoidable presence on the radio and dance floor. Before hitting the road with Sarah McLachlan and Cat Power in the revival of Lilith Fair, the vivacious 22-year-old will be making her way to Palm Springs, Calif., for both Dinah Shore Weekend and the White Party to showcase her distinctive style of pop. Open to making out with men, women, or androgynous types like Adam Lambert, Ke$ha talks with The Advocate about her sexuality, the inspiration she receives from transgender people, and her fantasy of getting Sarah Palin to join her and Shakira for an all-girl sleepover.

The Advocate: I heard a rumor you read The Advocate.
Ke$ha: I do.

What draws you to the gay community?
I just think that gay men have much better taste than any straight man I have met. I have never gotten any grief about having a good time, being unapologetic, and irreverent from a gay man. And let’s be honest, sometimes I wish I was a gay man.

Trust me, it only looks greener on the other side. Beyond just gay men, you have a particular interest in the transgender community. Your not-yet-released music video for “Backstabber” was cast almost entirely with transgender people.
I am a huge fan of the transgender community. I am so not a proper, good female. I can’t dance in high heels and I’m just so not girly, but then I see these men with these banging bodies, dancing in heels, singing, and having so much fun with so much makeup on. That makes me honestly want to be a better woman. It is so fascinating that someone can commit their whole entire lifestyle to being such a fantastic woman when I’m such a bum about it.

How would you describe your sexuality?
I just want to have fun. I think across the board, with my music, my style, my makeup, and my sexuality in life, I don’t think it should be taken so seriously. The reason my record is called Animal is because I am an animal, we all are, and we have crazy instincts that maybe aren’t quote-unquote right or socially acceptable, but fuck that. I think people should give in to what they feel like doing at the time and be a raw animal.

Well, talking about giving into urges, you have discussed being attracted to women and making out with them on occasion. What do you say to critics who claim that talking up your love for ladies is all part of a publicity stunt to sell records?
I mean, was I using that to sell records when I made out with chicks before I had a record out? I don’t really care what people think. I just have to be myself. Like I just said, if I feel like kissing a woman, I will. I don’t really think I should have to explain that to any critic because I’m not asking them who they are going home and fucking.

You have a line in your new single, “Blah Blah Blah,” that says, “Come put a little love in my glove box.” Who are you singing to?
Well, there are lots of people. Recently, I have started a postcard relationship with David Spade. I have such a boner for David Spade, but only when he has a mullet.

So David Spade in Joe Dirt?
Yes! And I also want to touch that fat guy from The Hangover [Zach Galifianakis]. I want to touch that guy where he pees.

Those are some unusual choices. Who would you invite to an all-girl sleepover?
Oh, my God, my fantasy would be Rihanna! We recently started being friends, and I think she is really cool. I would want Shakira to come because she is so hot. I would also invite Sarah Palin, and I would put her hand in hot water to piss herself.

You’ve been quite vocal about the inspiration behind your song “Party at a Rich Dude’s House” being about a time you threw up in Paris Hilton’s closet. Is there anyone else’s closet you would like to get into?
I definitely want to raid and hang out in Keith Richards’s closet. I want to see what’s in there and think it would be fascinating, like going into a museum. Also there is this tranny in Los Angeles named Detox Icunt. She was in my “Backstabber” video, and I have always wanted to raid her closet. I think that would be a lot of fun with lots of glitter and neon colors.

Well, maybe she will at the Palm Springs White Party. You will be playing there in April, correct?
I am. Are you coming?

Are you inviting me? You are also performing at the Dinah on April 2. Are you hoping to make out with any girl while in the desert?
We will see what happens. If there is some hot girl and I’m in the mood.

Maybe some Jack Daniel’s will set the mood.
I am a fan.

I figured as much. You mentioned Jack Daniel’s a few times on Animal — are you hoping to get an endorsement deal?
I just wrote those because I am a fan, but I will take all the free Jack Daniel’s I can get.

Lastly, we have to talk about you allegedly vandalizing the Hollywood sign to read Ke$hawood.
That was my idea for a long time. I didn’t have the money to get it together, and I didn’t have the camera. I wanted to make sure that if I did do it that it was documented. Actually, I’m talking to my attorney right now, and he said legally I’m not allowed to talk about it. Let’s just say I finally got the resources together, I think that’s all I can say.

Did you think it was going to be such a big deal?
No, I had no idea. I just thought it would be funny. It’s not like we destroyed anything.

So it’s not a hoax?
Legally, I’m not allowed to say.

Fine, we will have to leave it at that. What do you have planned for the rest of 2010?
Well, my next single, “Blah Blah Blah,” is out. I’m really excited to come to the desert and play some shows. I am a huge advocate for any and every lifestyle, so I am really excited to support those two events. I am also going on Lilith Fair in the summer, and I am really trying to cover every country with as much glitter as possible.

Source: Advocate.com

Billboard’s new pan-European sales charts show Sade starting a third week atop European Albums with “Soldier of Love” (Epic/Sony Music Entertainment), while Ke$ha’s “Tik Tok” (RCA/Sony Music Entertainment) moves into a fifth week at No. 1 on Hot 100 Singles. (…)

The Ke$ha single keeps its European crown with the help of another week at No. 1 in France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria (further afield, a parody version of the song by the Midwest Vikings on the Independent label holds at No. 5 in Australia).

Ke$ha’s “Animal” album falls 10-16 on the Europe-wide chart, but remains in the top ten in Austria and Switzerland. (…)

Source: Billboard

Here at Take 40 HQ, we are super excited for the party girl’s visit after her smash hit debut single ‘Tik Tok’ was number one on our chart for a massive 9 weeks.

We have some exciting stuff planned with Ke$ha while she’s here later this month so make sure you stay tuned to take40.com for all the details!

In the meantime, check out her latest video ‘Blah Blah Blah’ featuring the boys from 3OH!3! Click here to watch ‘Blah Blah Blah’ now!

Source: Take 40

PICTURES LINKS:
- Candids from 2010: March 5 – Arriving at Residenz Theater in Cologne [HQ]

PICTURES LINKS:
- Unsorted: ARMREVOLUTION Goes Backstage to Save the Children in Haiti [2010]