Kesha Declares "Tits Out" During Her Miami Boiler Room Set

When Kesha dropped the flyer for her Boiler Room in Miami last Monday, many were still recovering from the party onslaught brought about during Miami Music Week. Still, that didn't stop fans of the pop singer, who were already riled up by the announcement that her sixth album, Period, is set for release on July 4. Visual teasers hint at the new era's aesthetic of Nashville-tinged indie sleaze but edgier, pinker, and more exhibitionistic. It's a celebration of her newfound freedom on the heels of a long-standing legal battle with her former longtime collaborator, Dr. Luke.

This is all to say that with Kesha seemingly embracing her Animal and Cannibal-era roots again, the idea of a Boiler Room set felt fitting.

Those who managed to snag an invite showed out. They sparkled in sequins, bikinis, and harnesses, pregaming BuzzBallz and smoking cigarettes, paying homage to Mother. The line to get inside M3 Studios, located in Brownsville, just off the Airport Expressway, snaked toward the overpass. The event was scheduled for 8 p.m., but, in typical Miami fashion, started an hour late. Once inside, you were greeted by White Claws, who sponsored the party, and mixed cocktails available for purchase before heading inside a soundstage.

Local DJs Robyn Sin Love and Alejo kicked off the evening, warming up the room with a tech-trance-oriented back-to-back set. The duo's chemistry behind the decks added to the sexy vibe as people filled the room. After they dropped Luvstruck's edit of Fatima Yamaha's "What's a Girl to Do," the crowd couldn't resist dancing. Eventually, their dark take on Snoop Dogg's "Sensual Seduction" slowly brought their the set to an end.
The evening was hosted by Portland party girl Tasha Tektite, who introduced New York City-based DJ Flirty800 and amped the crowd by teasing Kesha's appearance. When Flirty began, the Evo 2 speakers suddenly sounded much louder. His set was a flawless escalation of intensity. The crowd caught a vibe when he looped the quintessential Jersey club kick drum pattern, which transitioned into an irresistible mashup of Pitbull's "Culo" and "The Parade" by Joel Corry and Da Hool.

Flirty dropped heaters like Hamdi's "Skanka," sending everyone into overdrive. However, it became a challenge to keep dancing, with the crowd's patience wearing thin due to the lack of space and air conditioning. Soon, partygoers were demanding to know when Kesha would appear.

When Tasha returned to introduce Ty Sunderland, she asked the crowd if they were boiling yet (too soon!) and if they were ready to surpass it. The heat didn't stop Sunderland, though. He reoriented everyone's focus with some disco and had the crowd jumping and singing to Lady Gaga's "Abracadabra." His selections, from Doechii's "Alter Ego" to "Girls" by the Dare, helped everyone forget about the heat.

Though Sunderland's set ran longer, the crowd's exhaustion returned as people vocally wondered where Kesha was again. People toward the back began pushing their way to the front, leading to some confrontations.
Thankfully, as Tasha announced Kesha's arrival, the aggression died down. The pop singer appeared, clutching a cluster of balloons shaped like a dolphin, orange slice, rocket ship, and gold heart. She wore high-waisted camo hot pants with matching leg warmers and a white crop top that read "Tits Out" in the front and "Make America Gay Again" in the back. Peering at the crowd over her black cat-eye sunglasses, she stood in front of an American flag with the phrase "Tits Out" sewn on. It perhaps was promoting her upcoming Tits Out Tour, which will stop at the iThink Financial Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach on August 9 alongside the newly reunited Scissor Sisters and Rose Gray supporting.

"And the party don't start 'til I walk in," Kesha brattily moaned, igniting ecstatic screams.

Sunderland stayed nearby to help with the mix. Ten minutes into her set, she announced, "I don't know if anybody told you, but I'm fucking free! So tonight, we party!"

Naturally, Kesha spun plenty of fan favorites: "Backstabber," a mashup of "Joyride" and Benny Benassi's "Satisfaction," and the remix of Charli XCX's "Spring Breakers," which features Kesha. The singer also dropped the unreleased track "Boy Crazy," which was teased last October. Every selection felt deliberately measured. She knew what fans wanted and delivered without hesitation.
Partygoers sang along whenever Kesha, Britney, or Charli played. During the Cirkut remix of "Blow," it felt like the place was actually about to blow. The crowd fed on Kesha's energy. Standing on the table, she eventually twirled a bra. At one point, she stated, "I don't see any nipples tonight!"

Kesha performed for about 30 minutes before thanking everyone who came. Though some moments were dulled by the late start, heat, and overcrowding, the Boiler Room set felt like a gift. Watching Kesha tap into her party-girl roots to unveil a redefined version of herself, one she now owns, was nothing short of sublime.