Based in Washington, DC, Kelsie Kimberlin has steadily become one of the most distinctive voices in modern music, blending artistry with activism in a way that feels both natural and deeply personal. The Ukrainian American singer-songwriter has built her career around more than just sound. For Kimberlin, music is a tool for storytelling, awareness, and connection, allowing her to spotlight important global issues while still delivering emotionally resonant songs.
Music has been part of Kimberlin’s life from an early age. She began singing in choir and quickly realized how powerful music could be in bringing people together and sparking meaningful conversations. That early understanding shaped the direction of her career and eventually led to her involvement in Yoko Ono’s Peace Project. From there, she continued to expand her creative work, building a catalogue of more than 100 original songs and collaborating with Grammy-winning producers. Her music has since reached tens of millions of listeners through streams, radio play, and video views.
Although her sound moves across genres, the message at the centre of her work remains consistent. Kimberlin’s music often focuses on empathy, human connection, and awareness of the world around us. In recent years, much of her work has been shaped by the ongoing war in Ukraine, a subject that carries deep personal meaning because of her heritage. Through a series of songs and music videos, she has worked to draw attention to the realities of the conflict while highlighting the human stories behind the headlines. Some of these videos have even been filmed in active war zones, combining cinematic visuals with raw, emotional storytelling that captures both hardship and resilience.
Her latest single, “Champ,” continues that mission. Released on the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the song serves as a tribute to the courage and dignity of Ukrainians who continue to stand strong despite the devastation around them.
The track is inspired by the story of Mariia Hnes, a 16-year-old Ukrainian karate champion who competed in Venice against an athlete from Russia. After both athletes won medals, they were expected to stand together on the podium for a group photo. Instead, Mariia chose to walk away. With her father serving in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, her decision quickly became a powerful and widely shared moment that resonated with Ukrainians around the world.
Reflecting the intensity of the story behind it, “Champ” is built around a driving rock foundation with a pop edge. The song features bold guitar riffs, energetic rhythms, and a commanding vocal performance from Kimberlin. The powerful hooks and empowering lyrics give the track a sense of urgency and strength, making it both emotionally charged and memorable.
To bring the story even closer to home, Kimberlin travelled to Kyiv last September to film the music video alongside Mariia herself. The shoot took place over several days during some of the most intense missile and drone attacks of the war. At one point, the video even captures a real attack while Kimberlin and Mariia take shelter together in a hallway.
Within the narrative of the video, Kimberlin appears at a moment when Mariia needs encouragement, stepping into a mentor-like role that reminds the young athlete of her strength and determination. The result is a powerful visual story that reflects both the personal courage of one teenager and the resilience of an entire nation.
