Now meet artist Kelsie Kimberlin, an American-Ukrainian whose Track ‘We Are The Promise’ is more than just a song – it’s a powerful story against authoritarianism covered in stunning shots of Ukraine rich in historical heritage. Picture this: The interpretation includes music outlawed, a symbol of real-life difficulties and a symphony by the Kyiv Radio Symphony Orchestra. This is not just a song, but it’s an act of resilience and artistic ambition.
Her music does not encompass everyone’s preferences. She is a Jack of all trades, venturing into rock and pop music; so it’s rap or Latin – you name it. Her songs? They are tales to tell, based on any and everything from the wings of a butterfly or a homeless child’s request. And she has plans, with 25 songs to be released and one about a transgender girl of twelve years.
Kelsie’s message to fans, then? Much appreciation and please do stay. This is not a journey of her music; it is about standing with Ukraine, defending democracy and firstly believing in the promise of freedom.
Watch Are The Promise below
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What is your stage name.
A. Thank you for the opportunity to talk with your readers. My stage name is the same as my real name, Kelsie Kimberlin.
Is there a story behind your stage name?
A. I want to be authentic so I use my real name.
Where do you find inspiration?
A. I hear, see, and smell music so everything inspires me, from the wings of a butterfly to the homeless child begging for money. Everything in life is a story that can be put to music and that is why I am so prolific. Every week I am writing and recording a new song. Currently, I have 150 songs ready for release, fully mixed and mastered. So that gives you an idea of how many songs I have written.
What was the role of music in the early years of your life?
A. I have been enthralled with music since I was born My dad started taking me to concerts when I was a toddler and I started going with him to the studio when I was eight. At age 12, I recorded my first solo song and at 13 released my first video that went viral after Taylor Swift’s fan site posted it.
Are you from a musical or artistic family?
A. Yes, my father is a fantastic musician and songwriter and he is my partner in this musical venture.
Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry?
A. My father has been my strongest musical influence. However, I have been influenced by strong and professional musicians such as Taylor and Paul McCartney.
How did you learn to sing/write/to play?
A. I was around music all the time as a child. When I was eight, I won a contest working with Yoko Ono’s Peace Project and I took first place and got $5000. So I spent every penny on music lessons.
What was the first concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform?
A. Oh my, you would have to ask my dad because it was before I could even talk. But I have seen hundreds of concerts, most recently, BabyMetal, Carley Hansen, and Peter Gabriel. Before digital tickets, they used to issue paper tickets and I have an entire wall of them.
How could you describe your music?
A. I do not fit into any particular genre. I am very versatile and can sing rock, pop, rap, Latin, and pretty much any other style. I get so bored of artists who constantly release music in the same style. If someone were to categorize me, it would probably be indie -rock-pop-Latin-rap…..
Describe your creative process.
A. That to me is a funny question. Everything inspires me. Most songs write themselves. Music is not a struggle. If something moves me, I will write about it and I know that it will move others. To use the example above, I was in the NY subway and saw this little girl with a tin cup in her hand begging for money. So I went straight home and wrote my song “Little Girl.” which is a haunting tune that I will release later this year.
What is your main inspiration?
A. Over the past several years, I have been inspired to write about Ukraine and the terrorist war against it. My songs have garnered millions of views and rave reviews. Music to me should be meaningful rather than disposable.
What musician do you admire most and why?
A. I admire most musicians but especially the ones who are professional and attend to their craft without being self-destructive with drugs and alcohol.
Did your style evolve since the beginning of your career?
A. Actually, yes and no. I have been writing in all kinds of styles since the beginning but the industry tried to put me in the country pop genre when I started at 13 but I rebelled against that and now I can release whatever I want.
Who do you see as your main competitor?
A. I don’t have any competitors because my music is unique. When you hear a song by Kelsie Kimberlin, you know it’s me no matter if it is a soft pop song or a Ukrainian war cry.
What are your interests outside of music?
A. I love family, travel, and animals. We have a dozen animals including a pot-bellied pig named Ozzie after you know who!!
If it wasn’t a music career, what would you be doing?
A. I can’t imagine doing anything else. But since you ask, I launched a foundation to support Ukraine which I am focused on. It is called the www.KelsieKimberlinFoundation.org.
What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music?
A. Oh don’t get me started. The main problem with the industry is that in many cases it rewards mediocrity. Also, there is way too much of an echo chamber with so many of the pop artists sounding the same and singing about victimhood rather than empowerment.
If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be?
A. Again, there is not just one thing wrong. But real artists need to be supported and nurtured. I have to say that I get annoyed when I hear a song and then go look at the credits and see a bunch of writers of the song. Are you kidding me? So a huge artist has a song with a dozen writers with big names and then the big label puts a million dollars behind promotion and suddenly it’s a hit. Is it really? I would be ashamed to put out music like that.
Why did you choose this as the title of this project?
A. The Ukrainian people are protecting the entire world from a dictator who wants to subjugate humanity. Ukrainians are the promise that will save democracy, they are the story of the century, and their victory will be the glory of freedom.
What are your plans for the coming months?
A. I am releasing a lot of music this year. 25 songs. My next song will be about a 12-year-old transgender girl and it is called “Twinkle.” Then I have two videos coming out in the spring with a Latin style that I filmed in Colombia. So lots going on.
Do you have any artistic collaboration plans.
A. I would like to take a delegation of strong female Grammy winners to Ukraine to meet with the President and show support for Ukraine. In 2022, President Zelensky won Time’s Person of the Year and in 2023, Taylor won it. So I would love to get them together.
What message would you like to give to your fans?
A. I love you so much. Thank you for all your support. Please stick with me and with Ukraine.
