Pop icon launches LinkedIn-style platform for musicians
By Alan Fink, Senior Correspondent
Pop star Kesha is taking a bold leap into the tech startup world with Smash, a newly announced professional networking app designed specifically for musicians. Modeled after LinkedIn, the platform aims to provide artists with innovative tools to connect, collaborate, and advance their careers within the competitive music industry.
The singer-songwriter, widely recognized for her chart-topping hits and bold persona, is now stepping into entrepreneurship with a mission to empower fellow musicians. Currently seeking seed funding, Kesha is building a team to bring Smash to life and position it as a game-changing platform for artists at every stage of their careers.
Her move reflects a larger trend of entertainers turning to tech to address long-standing gaps in their respective industries—using their influence to foster innovation and community-driven growth.
A Digital Home for Music Industry Connections
Unlike general-purpose networking sites, Smash is tailored for the unique needs of the music world. It’s being built as a comprehensive platform where vocalists, producers, songwriters, instrumentalists, managers, and even indie record labels can find each other, connect, and create opportunities that might otherwise be missed.
The app’s core offerings are expected to include:
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Customizable profiles showcasing discographies, skills, and career highlights
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Project boards where users can pitch ideas or join collaborations
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Advanced search tools to help artists discover like-minded creatives
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Integrated messaging and contracts for secure, fast agreements
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Virtual jam rooms and feedback sessions for live interaction and skill sharing
Kesha’s vision is not just to create another social media platform but to offer a space where authentic professional relationships can flourish—something she believes the industry desperately needs.
Kesha’s Firsthand Inspiration
Kesha has openly discussed the challenges she faced breaking into the music business, noting the absence of accessible networks for undiscovered talent. With Smash, she aims to remove some of those barriers by leveling the playing field for emerging artists and giving them tools that traditionally were reserved for insiders.
“There’s so much untapped talent out there,” Kesha has shared. “Smash is about giving musicians the visibility and access they deserve. If we can help even a few artists get discovered or land a big break, that’s a win.”
Her own career, which began with a mix of grassroots hustle and big-label support, serves as both a testament and a roadmap for what the app hopes to offer its users.
The Investment Push
To fund development, Kesha is actively courting investors in the venture capital and entertainment tech sectors. Early reports suggest the seed round could be in the $3 million to $5 million range—enough to fund platform development, testing, and a pilot launch.
The startup is already attracting attention from both tech investors and music executives intrigued by the concept and Kesha’s hands-on involvement. Unlike typical celebrity-backed startups that rely on name recognition alone, Smash is positioning itself as a utility-driven platform with long-term potential.
If successful, the app could follow a path similar to Clubhouse or Patreon—platforms that started within niche creative communities and grew into broader, highly valued ecosystems.
Looking Ahead
The projected timeline includes a private beta rollout in early 2026 with curated users across major U.S. cities, followed by a public launch later that year. Plans are also underway to explore partnerships with streaming platforms, copyright management tools, and music gear companies to enhance the user experience.
Kesha hopes that Smash becomes a cornerstone of the modern musician’s toolkit. Beyond a digital resume or collaboration hub, the platform aspires to become a vibrant, supportive community where artists help each other succeed.
“Music has always been about connection,” she noted. “Smash is just making that connection easier—and smarter.”