Feature: Kelsie Kimberlin Decodes “Turn Back”
Can you share any interesting or unique stories or perspectives in "Turn Back?"
"Turn Back" was filmed in Ukraine during martial law while air raid sirens were blaring and attack drones and missiles were being shot down overhead. Despite this, the Ukrainian Armed Forces were protecting us so I never felt unsafe. I am the only international artist to be allowed to film under such conditions at the locations of the worst atrocities around Kyiv. I really wanted to see and experience the war so I could tell the stories to the world with my music.
What was your favorite moment in making the music video?
Well, I would not call it my favorite moment but I can call it the most poignant moment. When I was filming at the "Wall of Remembrance" where there were thousands of photos of soldiers killed in the war, it was very difficult for me to contain my composure because mothers, wives, children, and friends were constantly coming to the wall to pay their respects. But one particular incident ensured that I totally lost my composure. I saw a soldier in uniform and carrying a bouquet of white Irisis walking along the wall which is the length of a football field looking for a specific photo. Suddenly, about three-fourths of the way down, he stopped, dropped to one knee, placed his forehead on the photo, and began weeping, his broad shoulders heaving with each breath. He stayed there for what seemed like an eternity and then got up, stood ramrod straight, and saluted his fallen comrade. Witnessing that is something that will forever stick with me.
What impact do you hope this "Turn Back" will have on your audience or the music industry?
It seems like "Turn Back" is hitting viewers emotionally which was my aim. But I hope that it will go viral like my first two videos about Ukraine and that it will get viewers to think about what is happening there.
Can you share a bit about your musical background and the journey that led you to where you are today?
I have been involved with music all my life and my father who is a musician started taking me to concerts when I was just a toddler. I have been to hundreds of concerts from pop, to rock, to jazz, and Latin. I started recording when I was eight and released my first music video when I was 11 and it went viral after being flagged by Taylor Swift's fancite. I am in the studio every week and have recorded hundreds of originals, and now all of my songs have Grammy winners in the production process. For example, "Turn Back" was mixed by Liam Nolan (Adele) and mastered by Stuart Hawkes (Amy Winehouse).
How do you balance the artistic aspects of your music with the business side of the industry?
I have a terrific team that helps with the business side although I am involved with every aspect of my work. My main focus is creating great music and cool videos, some with a message but many just for entertainment. I also travel a lot for my music. In addition to going to Ukraine this year, I was in Colombia filming two cool music videos with a Latin feel, and I am going to Florida in two weeks to film another music video. I take care of my health and spend a lot of time with family and friends.
