Kesha Releases . (Period), Brings Tour to Nashville

eastof8th

10 months ago

Kesha’s . (Period): A New Era, Continued Evolution

When Kesha roared onto the music scene with mega hits such as “TiK ToK” and “Die Young,” she instantly earned the crown of party pop queen. While still carrying that mantel, her lyrical selections have reflected on both her growth as an artist and the challenges she has faced in her career. If you’re a fan of her work, it’s undeniable that as her music has become more reflective, it has also become more intentional. Her lyrics, persona, and style all come with purpose.

Therefore, it is fitting that her sixth studio album, . (Period), is released today, July 4. The noteworthy release date, utilizing her own label, and opening with a track titled “FREEDOM,” point directly to one core theme: reclaiming power on Kesha’s own terms. . (Period) marks a new chapter in her journey—a moment of self-definition, creative control, and full artistic freedom.

Kesha’s earliest works were straight up party bangers meant to be belted out at high volume—preferably while drunk and a bit crazy. Kesha’s most recent albums Rainbow, High Road, and Gag Order were smartly written, but weighted by the emotional complexities that spurred their creation. . (Period) strikes an amazing balance. It flows like a curated mix: track transitions are seamless, moods shift naturally, and the project as a whole feels designed to be experienced rather than dissected.

The aforementioned opening song, “FREEDOM,” is an unexpected six-minute slow build that stretches its message both lyrically and musically. That’s followed by last summer’s high-energy “JOYRIDE,” a personal favorite of ours and still one of the strongest tracks in this collection. The combination of the two songs feel like building anticipation that’s finally met with release. Newer songs like “YIPPIE KIYAY” (featuring T-Pain) bring in a surprising country-pop flair, while “BOY CRAZY” pulses with glitchy, hyperpop momentum. “TOO HARD” takes a softer vocal turn—gentle without being fragile—and offers a different side of Kesha’s delivery that feels refreshing mid-album.

The album feels a bit short, but in a good way. We simply get to the end way too fast. But what an end it is. The closer, “CATHEDRAL,” is a clear emotional standout. A stripped-back piano ballad, it ends the album on a raw, emotional note that lingers. Going forward, whenever we want to showcase Kesha’s vocals to the uninitiated, this will be the showcase track. If anything, the only real letdown on . (Period) is that there aren’t a couple more songs like “CATHEDRAL” on the record. It still incorporates Kesha’s pop flair, but does it in a way that stirs deep feelings.

Ultimately . (Period) refreshingly doesn’t feel like an effort to prove anything to anyone. Instead, it’s Kesha doing things on her own terms. It’s not trying to recapture past Kesha eras, but neither does it reject them entirely. It blends the glam, the grit, and the growth—all without asking for permission.

Live in Nashville: The Tits Out Tour Comes to Ascend Amphitheater on July 15

Kesha is currently on the road for the Tits Out Tour with a stop scheduled for Tuesday, July 15 at Ascend Amphitheater in Nashville. The tour is in support of . (Period), and marks her first full North American tour as an independent artist.

She’s joined on all dates by glam-pop group Scissor Sisters, back together for their first North American shows in more than a decade. Also performing in Nashville is Slayyyter, a Missouri-born pop provocateur who’s known for a blend of Y2K nostalgia, electro-pop hooks, and unapologetic attitude.

The show promises a mix of new material and older favorites, with an overall tone that mirrors the album: assertive, rooted in personal freedom, and loaded with opportunities to sing along. The tour is also sponsored in part by the dating app Feeld, with themes of connection and consent woven into the experience.

Tickets to see Kesha in Nashville Tennessee are available through the Ascend Amphitheater event site here.