Ke$ha on 'Trannies,' DIY Tattooing and Being a Pervert: More With the Jack-Swilling Pop Star
By PAPERMAG STAFF
Photographs by Dan Monick
Who makes Ke$ha 'want to be a better woman?' What are her secrets for picking up dudes? Can she give you a homemade tattoo? Find out in these outtakes from Whitney Spaner's feature on the ascending, Jack Daniels-loving pop star from PAPER's summer music issue, on stands now. (Click through the above gallery for additional outtake photos from Ke$ha's shoot with photographer Dan Monick for PAPER.)
On 'trannies:'
Freaks are what make everything mildly more interesting in life but with trannies, they make me want to be a better woman. I see these men who have way better bodies than I do, more beautiful faces, better complexions, beautiful makeup, and they're more fun than any person I've met in my life. They make me feel like I'm not a very good woman.
On possibly going country:
I'm really inspired by country music -- my mom wrote country music -- and I love Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash. I think at some point there might be some country collaborations or records in the future. But I'm also really digging being called, like half jokingly, a white girl rapper. I think it's really funny and I'm going to ride that train for a little bit.
On her love for DIY tattooing:
A friend of mine told me you can [create a tattoo] with pen ink and a safety pin and I was like 'That's amazing. I could give tattoos at anywhere in the world at any hotel.' I saw this hot dude recently and I gave him a tattoo sitting in the lobby of the hotel. I was just like 'Can I borrow a pen and a sewing kit?' I think I got an admirer out of that one.
On being a 'pervert:'
I wouldn't say I'm aggressive, but I'm a pervert. I have a gold Trans Am and my favorite thing to do in the world is to drive around blasting Zeppelin or Sabbath, cat calling dudes. It doesn't work, but it's fun.
On her pick-up methods in bars:
I usually do something ridiculous like send him over a shot of whiskey and then spank him. Something like that.
On whether Jack Daniels is really her drink of choice:
I like whiskey and I like red wine -- those are my two favorites. I love to lie around my house listening to vinyl records and drinking red wine. It's amazing. But I'm never home, so...
On 'trannies:'
Freaks are what make everything mildly more interesting in life but with trannies, they make me want to be a better woman. I see these men who have way better bodies than I do, more beautiful faces, better complexions, beautiful makeup, and they're more fun than any person I've met in my life. They make me feel like I'm not a very good woman.
On possibly going country:
I'm really inspired by country music -- my mom wrote country music -- and I love Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash. I think at some point there might be some country collaborations or records in the future. But I'm also really digging being called, like half jokingly, a white girl rapper. I think it's really funny and I'm going to ride that train for a little bit.
On her love for DIY tattooing:
A friend of mine told me you can [create a tattoo] with pen ink and a safety pin and I was like 'That's amazing. I could give tattoos at anywhere in the world at any hotel.' I saw this hot dude recently and I gave him a tattoo sitting in the lobby of the hotel. I was just like 'Can I borrow a pen and a sewing kit?' I think I got an admirer out of that one.
On being a 'pervert:'
I wouldn't say I'm aggressive, but I'm a pervert. I have a gold Trans Am and my favorite thing to do in the world is to drive around blasting Zeppelin or Sabbath, cat calling dudes. It doesn't work, but it's fun.
On her pick-up methods in bars:
I usually do something ridiculous like send him over a shot of whiskey and then spank him. Something like that.
On whether Jack Daniels is really her drink of choice:
I like whiskey and I like red wine -- those are my two favorites. I love to lie around my house listening to vinyl records and drinking red wine. It's amazing. But I'm never home, so...
Your Comment
Posted at 7:19 on Jul 28, 2010
She is silly.
Posted at 10:05 on Jul 28, 2010
Ugh, this chick is so gross. She obviously thinks she's just the edgiest person who ever walked the planet.
Posted at 11:16 on Jul 28, 2010
She's a big, fat whitehead on society's ass. I can't believe any one has bad enough taste to keep her in the music business.
Posted at 1:54 on Jul 28, 2010
SO, she's trying to differentiate herself from other pop stars, especially since the whole freakin' world is goo-goo for Gaga, but her music is undeniably catchy, hot and fun. So stop hatin'.... she brings something unique to the table!
Posted at 2:07 on Jul 28, 2010
"her music is undeniably catchy"
Uh, no it's not. It's inane, garbage that probably kills brain cells. My guess is you've listened to too much pop music, and have too few brain cells left if you like her, for lack of a better word, music. Catchy is not an adjective I'd use to describe what she does.
Posted at 3:41 on Jul 28, 2010
Oh no Pami, it's catchy--in the way that herpes is catchy. Kesha is the herpes of the radio.
Posted at 2:55 on Jul 29, 2010
Ke$ha is stright to the point and I like that in a women. She seems not to hide who she is and thats a big plus these days. Ke$ha you keep doing what you do best and thats singing your voice is so sexy love you always see ya in Millwaukee!!
Posted at 11:11 on Jul 29, 2010
she's total white trash and will be gone from music within 2-3 years. No talent.
Posted at 4:27 on Jul 29, 2010
It's gullible people like Chad that keep the pop stars in business. It's called an act, Chad. They have to pretend they are edgy and cool, like you want to be, so you'll look up to them.
Posted at 5:52 on Jul 29, 2010
Its sad that little girls are sing her songs. When i was growing up i had music in my life that ment something. Artist that sang about real life.
Posted at 8:54 on Jul 29, 2010
Jeesshhh what is up with all you haters! If you don't like her then why are you reading this interview and shizz.
Everyone is different why can't you just accept her for who she is. she not pretending she's anyone else which i think is amazing, most celebrities these days try to be something they're not.
I for one thing Kesha is Awesome - Personality, Looks and Singing Wise.
GO KESHA! I Love you :) You Are Rad.
Posted at 10:45 on Aug 04, 2010
All of you folks with the negative and mean spirited comments might just as well be talking about Lady Gaga. Her music is also very entertaining. Both are exremely talented artists. This puts your comments well into the minority.
Posted at 7:31 on Aug 04, 2010
OMG! will all you haters just stfu for once! shes not trying to act like someone! obviously she has people that influence her but who doesnt? she has some songs that are just meant to make you let loos and have fun but she definitley has lots of meaningful lyrics. give her a chance! shes just starting out!shes very truthful to who she is and she is edgy and a lot different from other artists but we need more people like that these days. just about all current celebrities dont even care about fans, just about the money. Right Round with Flo-Rida was HUGE last year and she didnt even want ANY money for it. I love her and all her work. i wouldnt change any of it.
Posted at 4:45 on Aug 05, 2010
Oh my gosh, like any of you who wrights shit about her know her? How the hell can you say that she's white trash and catchy like herpes and all of that when neighter of you seems to really stand for it since you didn't wrote your name. I don't say I'm better and that I know her but I got the descent to not just write shit about her that isn't really true. I get sick of all people who think she's not real or stuff like that cause she's the realest person you'll get in hollywood! She admit that she's a bit crazy sometimes and that's just cool! Stop pickin on her, whattahell has she done to you?!?
Posted at 1:35 on Dec 18, 2010
I'm so glad everyone is just dissing on her. NOT! Unlike most people, Kesha is real and actually living life rather than staying in a shell. I admire her for that. She enjoys what she does and isn't afraid to show it. You guys should think twice before judging her. Labels are a standard that I like to call: LAME.