Katy Perry has responded to criticism regarding her collaboration with producer Lukasz “Dr. Luke” Gottwald on her upcoming album 143. In an interview with Call Her Daddy released on September 4, Perry, 39, discussed Dr. Luke’s involvement in the project, amid ongoing scrutiny due to his past legal disputes with Kesha.
Perry acknowledged the controversy surrounding Dr. Luke, who is known for his work on some of Perry’s biggest hits, including “I Kissed a Girl,” “California Gurls,” and “Teenage Dream.” “I understand that it started a lot of conversations,” Perry said. “He was one of many collaborators that I worked with. But the reality is, it comes from me.”
She emphasized that her new album 143 is a personal reflection of her experiences and growth. “The truth is, I wrote these songs from my experience of my whole life going through this metamorphosis, and he was one of the people to help facilitate all that,” Perry explained. “One of the writers, one of the producers. I am speaking from my own experience.”
Perry also highlighted the empowering message of her album’s lead single, “Woman’s World.” “When I speak about ‘Woman’s World,’ I speak about feeling so empowered now, as a mother, as a woman,” she said. “I created a whole ass heart! And I did it, and I’m still doing it.”
The album 143, set for release on September 20, marks Perry’s sixth studio effort. Described in a press release as a “sexy, fearless return to form,” the album is noted for its exuberant dance-pop style, with the number 143 symbolizing the message of love throughout the project.
In addition to her album release, Perry will headline a sold-out performance at Rock in Rio in Brazil on the same day, marking her return to the Rio de Janeiro festival since 2015.
