Going back into the archives. In the age of pop stars going country, I find this early adopter to be one of the most fascinating collaborations of the last half-decade: Kesha and Sturgill Simpson. Back in 2019, Kesha teased a new song called “Resentment,” which would later appear on her 2020 album High Road. While some thought this might be Kesha’s take on a country song, it’s far from that. If you are plugged into social media at all, you might know that Kesha has gone through a lot in the public eye over the last decade. In 2014, Kesha accused Dr. Luke, one of her former producers, of sexual, physical, emotional, and verbal abuse, and attempted to break her contract with his label, Kemosabe Records. After Kesha’s accusations, Dr. Luke filed a defamation lawsuit, noting that her claims were false and defamatory. While the two reached a settlement agreement in 2023, Kesha’s nearly decade-long battle was very tumultuous. During this time, she released music that detailed her experiences, and helped her therapeutically during that horrible time in her life. One of those songs that was very healing for Kesha was “Resentment,” which featured Sturgill Simpson, Brian Wilson, and Wrabel. Leading up to the song’s release, Kesha took to social media to share how much this song meant to her. “‘Resentment’ is such a powerful and destructive emotion and in my experience is more complex than hate or anger. Brian Wilson is one of my personal musical heroes, so when he said he would collaborate with me on the recording… that moment was one of the most exciting in my career. Still can’t even believe it. Then add in Sturgill, who I have all the respect in the world for and admire so so much, as well as my close friend, the insanely talented songwriter Wrabel. This record feels more like a dream than just another song to me, I hope y’all like it.” (1/3) https://t.co/1sINPn1HRo Resentment is such a powerful and destructive emotion and in my experience is more complex than hate or anger.@BrianWilsonlive is one of my personal musical heroes, so when he said he would collaborate with me on the recording pic.twitter.com/0fW7dDHk4a — kesha (@KeshaRose) December 12, 2019 The lyrics of this song are raw and powerful, embodying Kesha’s sound at this time in her life. So, where does Sturgill fit in? Unlike many pop artists today trying to collaborate with country artists on a twangy song, Kesha brought in Simpson to highlight his vocal talent in the background of this track and add depth to the harmonies with his thick, rich voice. While this track might not be one I reach for on a day-to-day basis, I love that Kesha didn’t bring Simpson onto the track to make something that’s not “her,” nor did she expect Simpson to sound like something that he’s not. This is how you showcase a country talent in a space where they are not known. Simpson sounds incredible supporting Kesha on this moving song, and it blends their two genres together seamlessly. Maybe some of the pop artists wanting to get in on the country action should take notes from 2019 Kesha. She was onto something then, and this approach would do well today, six years after the single’s release. Check it out. The post Did You Know That Sturgill Simpson & Kesha Have A Song Together? first appeared on Whiskey Riff.