Kim Petras Seeks Exit From Republic Records as Kesha and Grimes Back Her Fight

Kim Petras is pulling back the curtain on her relationship with Republic Records, and fellow pop stars with firsthand industry scars are stepping in to show support.

On Tuesday, the Grammy-winning artist publicly asked to be released from her contract, citing frustration over stalled music releases and a lack of autonomy. In a post shared with fans, Petras said she was “tired of having no control over my own life or career,” explaining that she wants to continue financing and shaping her work independently.

The request sparked immediate conversation across the pop landscape, particularly among artists who have navigated similar battles with major labels. Kesha Speaks From Experience

Kesha was among the first to respond, offering a message rooted in hard-earned perspective. The singer, who spent nearly a decade fighting for independence from producer Dr. Luke and Kemosabe Records, framed Petras’ situation as part of a larger pattern.

“I spent many years fighting for the rights to myself,” Kesha wrote. “Watching another woman realize that the ‘golden cage’ is still a cage isn’t a victory — it’s a tragedy we have to stop repeating. Freedom isn’t a privilege; it’s a birthright.”

Kesha reached a settlement in her legal dispute in 2023 and later launched Kesha Records, releasing her sixth studio album, . (Period), outside the major-label system. Her response positioned Petras’ struggle as less of an individual dispute and more of an industry reckoning that continues to resurface. A Stalled Album and Unpaid Collaborators

Petras has been candid about the reasons behind her request. She claims Republic Records has declined to set a release date for her upcoming album, Detour, despite the project being finished for roughly six months. She also alleged that collaborators involved in the album have yet to be compensated.

“I want to continue to self fund and self curate my own music,” Petras wrote, adding that she has formally asked the label to drop her.

Her last full-length release, Problématique, arrived in 2023, following the breakout success of “Unholy,” her collaboration with Sam Smith. The track topped the Billboard Hot 100 in October 2022 and later earned Petras a Grammy, making her the first openly trans artist to win a Recording Academy award. Grimes Weighs In on the Bigger Picture

Grimes also entered the discussion with a wide-ranging critique of the modern music economy. In a lengthy post, she argued that nearly every artist eventually encounters a damaging label situation, describing an industry model driven almost exclusively by short-term hits.

She noted that labels often promise amplification once a song gains traction but rarely invest early in experimental or emerging work. Grimes also took aim at venture capital firms purchasing artist catalogs, claiming current incentives actively discourage innovation.

The singer suggested fans may ultimately play a role in reshaping distribution models, calling the moment an opportunity to rethink how music reaches audiences. From Industry Favorite to Public Fallout

Petras signed with Republic Records in 2021 and enjoyed a rapid rise soon after. In 2023, she even presented the label with Billboard’s Label of the Year honor, praising Republic from the stage as “the best label ever.”

Now, the tone has shifted.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding her contract, Petras reassured fans that Detour will see the light of day. “I’m dropping Detour regardless,” she wrote, signaling that the music, with or without label backing, is coming.

Republic Records has not publicly commented on Petras’ claims.

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