Kelsie Kimberlin has always been more than just a pop singer. With her latest release Dream of Peace, the American-Ukrainian artist proves once again that music can be both art and activism. Released on September 19, 2025, just ahead of the International Day of Peace, the single and its cinematic video mark one of her most ambitious and moving projects to date.
At only 26, Kimberlin has already lived a career that feels larger than life. From recording her first song for Yoko Ono’s Peace Project at age eight, to releasing over a dozen singles produced by Grammy-winning teams, she has built a reputation for pairing emotional storytelling with world-class production. But what sets Dream of Peace apart is its raw urgency—it’s not just a song, it’s a statement.
The track begins softly, layered with orchestral swells and choir harmonies that feel almost prayer-like, before building into a stirring crescendo. There’s a sense of weight in her voice, as if every note carries the hopes of those living through conflict. Produced by Ukrainian composer Yuriy Shapeta and Colombian producer Pedro Vengoechea, with mixing and mastering by Grammy-level engineers, the song is polished yet deeply heartfelt. Its blend of pop, orchestral elements, and cinematic choral textures makes it a powerful anthem rather than just another single.
The music video, filmed in Kyiv under martial law during one of the city’s heaviest missile attacks, is equally breathtaking. Directed by Denys Akulov, who previously worked with Ed Sheeran, the visuals bring Kimberlin’s message to life with haunting imagery. The story unfolds in a barren, post-apocalyptic landscape where she discovers an astronaut lying lifeless in the sand. With a single touch, time rewinds, and the scene transforms into lush, fertile fields—a striking metaphor for rebirth and peace. When the astronaut removes the helmet to reveal Kimberlin herself, the video closes on a powerful frame: the singer standing among sunflowers beneath a clear blue sky, the colors of the Ukrainian flag.
This isn’t the first time Kimberlin has used her art to spotlight Ukraine’s struggles. She has traveled to the country multiple times during the war, filming videos in Bucha and Irpin under real danger, and has even turned her experiences into a forthcoming full-length film. Earlier this year, she received both the United Nations Humanitarian Award and the St. George’s Royal Medal of Honor from King Charles for her dedication to raising awareness.
What makes Dream of Peace so impactful is its balance of intimacy and universality. On one level, it’s deeply personal—rooted in Kimberlin’s heritage, her family’s loss, and her direct experience in Ukraine. But it’s also a global anthem, resonating with anyone who longs for peace in times of division.
Kimberlin has always been a prolific artist, with over 100 original songs written and dozens released, earning millions of views and streams worldwide. Yet Dream of Peace feels like a defining moment in her career. It cements her not just as a talented pop artist, but as a fearless humanitarian voice.
With its soaring soundscape and powerful visuals, Dream of Peace is more than a song—it’s a reminder that even in the darkest moments, music can light the way forward.
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