Dr. Luke’s Kemosabe Records Confirms Layoffs

Dr. Luke’s record label is conducting layoffs, a spokeperson for the megaproducer’s Sony Music imprint Kemosabe Records has confirmed. However, the label isn’t shutting down, according to a statement sent in reply to Pitchfork’s questions. “Kemosabe Records and Sony elected to downsize certain departments,” the statement reads. “Some of those functions will be handled by Sony as part of their joint venture relationship. Kemosabe continues to be fully operational and is excited about its current releases and the upcoming year.” Pitchfork has reached out to ask why Kemosabe is downsizing and whether the reductions are linked to Dr. Luke’s high-profile legal battle with Kesha. Update (7:40 p.m.): The spokesperson said the cuts had nothing to do with the Kesha legal case.

Dr. Luke, whose real name is Lukasz Gottwald, and Sony teamed up to launch Kemosabe Records in 2011. In addition to Kesha, Kemosabe’s roster has included R. City, Becky G, Lunchmoney Lewis, Christian Burghardt, Sophia Black, Elliphant, and Lil Bibby.

Kemosabe has been in the headlines recently as a result of rival lawsuits filed by Dr. Luke and Kesha. Most recently, a judge dismissed nearly all of Kesha’s claims in a New York state court. Kesha is still signed to Kemosabe through a deal with Dr. Luke’s production company, according to The New York Times.

Read “Why Kesha Lost Her Court Battle, But Not Necessarily the War” on the Pitch.

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