Kelsie Kimberlin has launched into 2025 at full throttle. After the release of her previous single "It's Not The Same," she has left all her fans eagerly awaiting and in suspense to see what she would bring this new year.
As expected, Kelsie never disappoints her audience. Her new release, "Walking Away," presents itself as an impressive audiovisual offering that opens a window into a more introspective and emotional side of the young, talented American/Ukrainian artist, who has earned the love and recognition of the whole world for her dedication as an activist and her inherent artistic creativity.
On previous occasions, we have highlighted Kimberlin's innate versatility, which allows her to move freely across various musical styles. Examples of this can be found throughout her extensive and acclaimed discography. "Parking Lot" (2024), for instance, features a very colorful urban pop influence, on the other hand, "Armageddon" and "Vlad" (2023) take her into the world of heavy rock, while her masterpiece, "We Are The Promise," blends a strong confrontational narrative with a fascinating orchestral touch.
However, "Walking Away" delves into a much more intimate tone and manages to connect with the audience on a significantly more introspective and profound level. Not only from a musical standpoint, where listeners can be enchanted by Kelsie's emotive vocal performance accompanied by the warm piano notes that complement her unmistakable voice, but also because this song bravely tackles an issue that seems to affect many people today.
Toxic relationships and how they gradually undermine our freedom has undoubtedly become one of the most complex and growing challenges within our society. However, it is not enough just to talk about it and put the topic on the table; sometimes it is necessary for works like "Walking Away" to emerge, creating the necessary impact, shedding light on this lingering issue, and giving it the attention it truly deserves from the unique perspective that only Kelsie Kimberlin can deliver.
“Too many people are living in abusive relationships where they feel stuck forever for a variety of reasons so I wanted to give them a voice and hopefully the courage to finally just walk away. Life is way too short and too precious to live it subjected to negativity and control.”
Kelsie Kimberlin - Singer & Songwriter
Her powerful message of strength and resilience in the face of this situation is not only reflected through her harmonious melodies and thoughtful lyrics, where she manages to build an attractive and unusual lyrical contrast that perfectly blends emotional vulnerability with determination. Phrases like: "I don’t know if we just grew apart or if we just weren’t right, from the very start. I don’t know if it was just your control, but I just can’t play, that stupid role" show how the protagonist reflects on what went wrong, but makes it clear that she can no longer play that self-destructive role in an abusive relationship. However, "Walking Away" goes much further, as it is accompanied by an impressive visual proposal that stands out for its beautiful locations, its high level of production and photography, but primarily, for its abundance of symbolisms and significance.
In the music video, Kelsie walks alone through the streets of Kyiv, covered in a heavy garment that gradually sheds as she progresses on her journey. This action represents her liberation, both physical and emotional, leaving behind the ties and emotional weight that, as the protagonist of this story, have been restricting and wearing her down over time.
The ascendant progression of both the song and the music video creates an inevitable sense of "relief" in the audience. The aura of desperation and frustration that begins the piece gradually fades as we closely follow Kelsie’s steps. The intensity of the music rises, reaching a beautiful climax where the piano merges with string arrangements, while we see a renewed Kelsie, walking freely and confidently.
The choice of Kyiv as the main location for this video is no coincidence. Kelsie, known for her meticulous attention to every detail in her works, shows that abusive relationships do not only occur between individuals, but also between nations, alluding to the armed conflict that has devastated millions of people in Eastern Europe in recent years.
The production and recording of "Walking Away" video was not exempt from complications and controversy, as it was filmed alongside her documentary on Ukrainian Resistance and Resilience, during which both Kelsie and her team had to shoot the scenes amidst the deafening sound of air raid sirens and the terrifying drone attacks.
This feat not only required courage, but its bold approach also amplifies her message, taking it to a global level, while simultaneously reaffirming Kelsie's unwavering commitment to exposing the horrors of the war in Ukraine and offering her unconditional support to the Ukrainian people's fight.
If you’ve enjoyed "Walking Away," we invite you to continue following Kelsie Kimberlin's path on her social media, where you can stay updated on her upcoming releases, future projects, and special announcements. Don’t forget to share this article with your family and friends and show them this amazing music video, as it is a piece that truly has much to teach us all.