Kesha has never been one to shy away from bold statements, and her new music video for “Joyride” is a testament to her fearless creativity. Released under her independent label Kesha Records, the video is an exhilarating blend of Tarantino-style visuals, personal empowerment, and high-octane action. It’s not just a music video—it’s a short film that feels as rebellious and triumphant as Kesha’s career resurgence.
This article may include affiliate links. Click here to read our full Affiliate Disclosure. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Kesha’s “Joyride” Music Video:
A Breaking News Start With a Dramatic Italian Introduction
The video—directed by Dimitri Basil, Cooper Roussel, and Laura Gorun, with co-direction from Kesha, while Marz Miller acted as cinematographer—begins with a faux segment, with a radio voice-over announcing: “Breaking news: Popstar Kesha is set to be released after nine years of wrongful imprisonment. Sources say new evidence exonerating the singer has come to light, prompting the court to overturn her conviction. Details on her release and next steps remain limited.”
This opening serves as a poignant callback to Kesha’s highly publicised nine-year legal battle with Dr. Luke. While he denied the allegations and filed a defamation countersuit, the cases were finally settled out of court in 2023. During this turbulent period, Kesha fulfilled her contractual obligations with Kemosabe Records, paving the way for her to part ways and establish her own independent label, Kesha Records.
From there, the narrative takes a dramatic turn with a Western-inspired twist: an Italian segment adds tension and flair, revealing the stakes of the story. Kesha gets out of the Jaguar Waymo self-driving vehicle wearing a fiery red leather outfit and has an Italian conversation with her bail bondsman, played by Sissòn. Translated, the announcement warns that Kesha’s enemies have “60 miles of blacktop” to stop her from achieving her goal. This inventive storytelling device seamlessly blends international cinema vibes with a high-stakes setup, instantly immersing viewers into the Tarantino-like, action-packed world of “Joyride”.
Kill Bill Meets Kesha
It’s impossible to watch “Joyride” without noticing its homage to Quentin Tarantino’s iconic Kill Bill series. From the stylised character introductions to the vibrant fonts splashed across the screen, the video embraces Tarantino’s signature blend of gritty action and dark humour. From the start, Kesha is introduced to us as “Mother”, which she most certainly is!
Kesha steps into the role of a fearless antihero, speeding down a desert highway in a sleek vintage Jaguar convertible. Her enemies, played by a quirky and formidable cast, include Marc Hertle as Yippie & the Kiyays, Anna Malygon as Sadie the Stabber & the Crazyboys, Neil Stephens as Rowdy Ricky & the Red Flags, and Mike O’Hearn as the imposing Derk Delusional The One to Outrun.
Each antagonist brings their own flair, adding to the Tarantino-inspired chaos as Kesha outmanoeuvres bullets, helicopters, and a sawed-off shotgun showdown. Alongside each assassin is an assistant with Clara Mouton acting as Female Assassin 2, Cyrus Hobbi as Mob Man 2, Marc Hapke as Cowboy 1, Nick Atkinson as Prison Guard 1, William Beckles as Prison Guard 2, and Scott Lea as Prison Guard 3.
A Rebellion in Fashion
Kesha’s outfits in “Joyride” are as much a statement as the video’s storyline. She dons a stunning cropped Alpinestars sports jacket paired with bold red-and-black leather pants, a nod to both biker culture and the fierce femininity of Tarantino heroines. Her fashion choices amplify her character’s unapologetic confidence, making her a symbol of resilience and power throughout the narrative.
Symbolism in the High-Speed Chase: A Triumph Over Adversity
The symbolism of Kesha outrunning her enemies mirrors her escape from a restrictive past, positioning her as a victorious figure reclaiming her narrative. Each assassin in the video—playfully exaggerated and menacing in their own right—can be seen as a stand-in for the obstacles she faced during her tumultuous journey. From the explosive legal battles to the emotional toll of her public struggles, the relentless pursuit in “Joyride” transforms into a metaphor for resilience.
Kesha’s journey is not just about survival—it’s about thriving. Her bold decision to break away from her previous label and establish Kesha Records underscores her defiance of industry norms and her determination to chart her own path. The video’s vibrant, action-packed visuals highlight this theme, painting Kesha not as a victim, but as an unstoppable force tearing through barriers.
The video concludes with a tense stand-off between Kesha and the formidable Derk Delusional, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats. This emphasises her resilience and defiance. Rather than offering a neat resolution, the ending reinforces the ongoing nature of her journey—a reminder that triumph is often found in the act of standing one’s ground against impossible odds.
Empowering Lyrics and a Tease for What’s Next
The song itself is an anthem of defiance and self-assurance. “I’ve earned the right to be like this,” she sings, delivering each line with a blend of sass and triumph. Her words resonate as a declaration of independence, perfectly complementing the visuals. Check out all our thoughts in our previous review article of “Joyride” when it was first released, by clicking here.
A Cliffhanger That Sets the Stage for What’s Next
The suspenseful finale of “Joyride” leaves viewers in a tense moment, as Kesha locks eyes with the imposing Derk Delusional. This unresolved confrontation transitions seamlessly into a teaser for her next single, “Delusional”, building anticipation for what’s to come. Rather than offering closure, the cliffhanger cleverly sets the tone for the next chapter in her narrative, mirroring the unpredictability and resilience that define her journey.
With “Joyride”, Kesha has established her artistic freedom and control. The teaser for “Delusional” promises even more bold and boundary-pushing storytelling, leaving fans eager to see how she continues to redefine herself on her own terms. With its release just days away, the follow-up track is set to drop on November 29, 2024.
Why “Joyride” Matters
“Joyride” isn’t just a music video—it’s a declaration of Kesha’s resilience, creativity, and independence. From its cinematic flair and Tarantino-inspired aesthetics to its empowering message, the video showcases Kesha at her boldest and most authentic. It’s a visual and musical triumph, reminding fans—and the music industry—why she’s an unstoppable force.
As fans eagerly await the release of “Delusional”, “Joyride” stands as a testament to Kesha’s unrelenting spirit and her ability to turn personal struggles into art that inspires and empowers. Whether you’re a longtime admirer or new to her work, this is one ride you won’t want to miss. Get in loser!