Tempo Talks: A Conversation with Kelsie Kimberlin
THE RELEASE
A singer from Ukranian-American roots, Kelsie Kimberlin, has gained millions of views, listens, and streams of her music and videos and has been played on the radio. And who can forget her appearance at the show? Her concerts were successful, and Kelsie didn't need anything longer than a title song. Through a series of enchanting songs based on her deep roots in Ukraine, Kelsie Kimberlin recently hit the charts with tunes that rocketed all over the internet and were loved by people everywhere. Capitalizing on this response, Kelsie then staged a well-received release of the song "Vlad," with its live first airing on a known UK radio station, provoking an uproarious on-air reaction from listeners. Kelsie Kimberlin, talent aside, is poised at her stage to use her influence in the global arena to support and bring out awareness for Ukraine's case. Through art, Kelsie makes an impact that is now considered very real, both nationally and internationally, that Marines tomorrow may seek only too eagerly. Endowed with a passionate commitment to her art and her community, Kelsie remains a star of philanthropy and a creator.
Picking up where his trilogy set in Ukraine hit the mark, Kelsie Kimberlin's latest release is called "Vlad."These include tracks like "Armageddon," "Another Chance to Live Again," and "Turn Back." With millions of views, streams, plays, and global radio recognition for her music, Kelsie's art won listeners the world over. As a consequence, she was invited to present a program on the radio in the UK, where she talked about her music and shared stories from a trip she had made to Ukraine.On the show, Kelsie unveiled 13 of her Ukrainian-themed songs,which include the track "Vlad." This song is driven by an intriguing storyline, showing the legacy of a man associated with evil.Even without mentioning any names, Kelsie skillfully blends instruments, an energetic beat, and rap lyrics to convey her message. The chorus boldly describes the villain as a "man." To add to the feeling of the music and lyrics, Kelsie approached Kyiv filmmaker Pavlo Khomiuk to help her create an edited lyric video for "Vlad." Using cutaways adds to the experience, and its synergy with the music is powerful in the visual impact of his movie. On the back of her work, Kelsie Kimberlin seeks to remind humankind that we need to withstand banditry. She urges her audience to consider the calamities next door and to keep alive an awareness of our generation's duty to keep Ukraine from trouble after trouble.
THE INTERVIEW
If you had to create a Mount Rushmore of inspiration, what four individuals molded the artist you are today?
My greatest inspiration is my father who is an amazing musician and songwriter, and he believed in me when I did not believe in myself. Second, would be Paul McCartney who taught me about melody. Third, is John Lennon who taught me to put passion and activism into my music. Fourth, is Taylor Swift who showed me that I can make it by being true to myself, by being a woman, by being professional, and by hanging my emotions on my sleeve.
Were there any personal experiences or stories that influenced the creation of the music video, and if so, how did they shape the final product?
"Turn Back" is the third of a trilogy I filmed when I was in Ukraine this past summer. It is a call for all soldiers to come back alive and for all refugees to come back to Ukraine to help defend and rebuild the country. I am American-Ukrainian so I need to speak out about what is happening there.
What was the most rewarding aspect of making the music video, and what message do you hope viewers take away from it?
I filmed the three videos in Ukraine during martial law with air raid sirens blaring and drones and missiles being shot down overhead. It was a very emotional experience and the most rewarding aspect was meeting ordinary citizens and soldiers who do extraordinary things daily for their country. It was so humbling.
Can you share any interesting anecdotes about the song's development with your co-writers or producers?
My father is my co-writer and he produced the song. All of my recent songs also include Grammy winners and nominees in the production process. This song was mixed by Grammy winner Liam Nolan (Adele). One interesting aspect of the song is the polyphonic vocal harmonies which weave in and out and trade places. This gives the impression that I used a harmonize or auto-tune but in fact, I sang all these harmonies without any effects whatsoever. It creates a hypnotic and mesmerizing feeling.
When it comes to the songwriting on this record, what is the message you want to get across to your listeners?
I want people to relate to the song in their own way. I know many people have said that they can relate to the lyrics in their own lives because so many people have been in a relationship where one person wants to leave because they think that the grass is greener on the other side. However, once they leave, they realize that they belong back home. But I wrote the song for Ukrainians and it has really left an emotional mark on them. Many have written that they wept when they first heard it.
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