Kelsie Kimberlin is a Ukrainian-American singer-songwriter with a purpose, blending captivating melodies with poignant lyrics that glances at pressing societal issues. Her musical journey, rooted in a deep connection to the sonic arts, has seen her evolve into an artist with a meaningful voice in the sphere of pop and rock music.
Kelsie’s story traces back to her upbringing surrounded by music. From singing in choirs to actively participating in Yoko Ono’s Peace Project, she dedicated her free time to crafting original material in the studio. In 2020, she made a powerful debut with the single “Lobotomy,” setting the context for her commitment to infusing her music with important messages.
One of her notable releases, “American Guns,” addressed the pressing issue of gun violence in the United States. Beyond her domestic concerns, Kelsie Kimberlin’s music has become a platform to shed light on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Songs like “Armageddon” and “Another Chance To Live Again” passionately confront the devastating consequences faced by the Ukrainian people, using dark pop and alternative rock sounds to amplify the message.
Continuing her dedication to raising awareness, Kelsie Kimberlin now brings us the third instalment in her trilogy of songs and videos filmed and produced in Ukraine in August. This trilogy serves as a showcase of her commitment to using her artistic platform to spotlight the unjust war and the struggles faced by the Ukrainian people, echoing the sentiments of Ukrainian President Zelensky, who urged artists to speak out against the conflict.
With “Turn Back,” she spins a heartbreaking indie pop ballad. With a beautiful arrangement of dancing piano notes, floating strings, orchestral flourishes and atmospheric percussive shots, she caps the song with her stunning vocal layers. Threading poignant lyricism of longing, “Turn Back” is a moving composition with of blissful melodies, spectacular instrumentation and elegant vocal performance.
Paired with the single is a cinematic music video that cuts shots of Kelsie singing on stage drenched in soft spotlights, with scenes of Ukrainians sharing inspiring messages of hope and resilience. The inclusion of photos on The Wall of Remembrance in Kyiv, dedicated to soldiers who lost their lives defending Ukraine, adds a deeply personal touch to the video. It not only pays homage to those who made the ultimate sacrifice but also underscores the ongoing struggle for freedom and dignity in Ukraine and Kelsie Kimberlin fittingly honours them with her dazzling new song.
Commenting on the multiple meaning of “Turn Back”, Kelsie shares, “First, it is a plea for those millions of refugees who left Ukraine after the war began to come back home to help Ukraine rebuild. Ukraine needs those Ukrainians to bring their hearts and skills back to benefit the country. Second, it expresses the longing of all those Ukrainians who have a friend or family member fighting near or far to come back home alive.”
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Eshed Music & Art