Pigeon Opinion Featuring an Interview with Kelsie Kimberlin

Interview with Kelsie Kimberlin

(^)> What inspired you to write Champ as a tribute to the dignity and honor of Ukrainians?

I was inspired by the story of 16-year-old Mariia Hnes, who refused to shake the hand of a Russian competitor or take a photo with her on the podium. This act of honor went viral in Ukraine, so I wrote the song and then asked her to film a music video in Kyiv.

(^)> How did your experiences in Ukraine, including filming under martial law, influence the song’s emotional core?

We filmed the video during a week of the worst bombings of the war, so we had to be very careful during our outdoor filming. At one point, we heard the air raid sirens and ran into a protected hallway to shelter in place when a Shahed drone blew up nearby, causing a blackout. This was actually captured on film and made it into the video.

(^)> How do you balance personal storytelling with the broader message of Ukrainian resilience in your music?

I want to tell the stories of personal courage, resilience, and honor, so I find someone who has a story that will resonate. In Champ, I immediately clicked with Mariia, and we spent three days in Kyiv filming.

(^)> What role did your humanitarian work play in shaping the themes and lyrics of Champ?

I have been providing humanitarian relief to both civilians and soldiers for more than four years, so Mariia's story as the daughter of an active soldier really stuck with me. I knew her father was very proud of her, and that pride was felt by the entire country.

(^)> How did collaborating with producers across multiple continents impact the production and sound of the track?

I have developed relationships with producers on three continents, many with Grammy awards or nominations, so they all get a say in everything that I release now. It is wonderful to get such incredible support and experience, and I always know that the song will be at a world-class level.

(^)> How does being Ukrainian-American inform your perspective and artistic voice in this song?

I have always wanted to be a pop singer, but the war in Ukraine made me expand my voice. President Zelensky asked me to use my platform and music to support Ukraine, so I have released about a dozen songs and videos about Ukraine, but I also still release songs unrelated to Ukraine.

(^)> What challenges did you face while creating music and filming in conflict zones, and how did you overcome them?

Oh my, there are so many challenges, including just traveling to Ukraine. Fortunately, I have a great team in Ukraine and work closely with the Armed Forces, so I have special authorizations to film and go places that are otherwise restricted. We always have to monitor apps for missiles and drones, take shelter when there is an air raid siren, and get special permission to film with drones. Last September, I filmed a music video called "Dream of Peace" at the top studio in Ukraine, One Location, and after I left, it was destroyed by a Russian missile. When I was filming my full-length movie in Ukraine, I stayed at a hotel that was bombed shortly after we checked out.

(^)> How do you hope listeners respond emotionally and intellectually to Champ?

I have gotten so many great responses to Champ, with everyone inspired. Many people have said it has a "Rocky" vibe, while others have said it should be played during arena sporting events. Those are good indications that it has hit an emotional chord.

(^)> In what ways does Champ connect to your broader catalog of songs and your upcoming releases?

Champ is more rock-oriented than many of my other songs, but it had to be aggressive and loud to work. I love all kinds of music, and this summer I will be traveling to Colombia to film some Latin-flavored music and videos.

(^)> How does this song tie into your upcoming film and the narrative you’re telling about Ukraine?

Champ is a step toward getting more fans and support from and for Ukraine, because it is tied into a fundraising campaign to provide scholarships for the children of soldiers serving in the Armed Forces. There is a lot of footage in my movie about the Armed Forces because the film is about the death of my 21-year-old cousin in Ukraine.

(^)> What does receiving the UN Humanitarian Award and the St. George’s Royal Medal of Honor mean for your work and your music?

When I received the awards at a red-carpet ceremony in Los Angeles, Princess Cantrell handed me the awards, and famous UK celebrity Sandro Monetti said, "The next one will be a Grammy." Clearly, getting the award not only recognizes what I have been doing for Ukrainians, but it also raises my profile. In my movie, there are several of my songs in the soundtrack, which will expose millions of people to my music. It is really quite humbling.

(^)> How do you envision Champ contributing to global awareness and solidarity for Ukraine?

As part of the fundraising campaign for children of Ukrainian soldiers, we will be engaging with athletes not only in Ukraine but globally to support the campaign with their money and their voices. This will keep Ukraine in people's hearts and bring more media attention to the children affected by the war.

(•)> That's all, Folks! Check out Kelsie Kimberlin on the Pigeon Opinion Playlist