On September 19, 2025, American-Ukrainian pop artist Kelsie Kimberlin released her moving new single and music video “Dream of Peace,” a cinematic and emotional masterpiece created to honor the International Day of Peace on September 21. More than just a song, it stands as a deeply personal statement of resilience, hope, and global unity.
Filmed in Kyiv, Ukraine, during one of the war’s most devastating missile and drone attacks, the video is both stunning and courageous. Working under martial law, repeated air raid sirens, and the looming threat of violence, Kimberlin and director Denys Akulov delivered a piece of art that feels both urgent and timeless. Akulov, known for his work on Ed Sheeran’s viral “2Step” video, brought the vision to life using motion control and striking imagery. The result is a film-like experience that marries allegory with reality.
The video unfolds like a surreal journey. Kimberlin wanders a post-apocalyptic world and encounters an astronaut lying in barren dunes. A touch spirals the figure back through time and space, transforming the wasteland into a thriving, fertile landscape. When the astronaut removes the helmet, it is Kimberlin herself, now standing in a vast sunflower field beneath a clear blue sky—the colors of Ukraine. The symbolism is unmistakable: peace is not only possible, it is necessary, and it begins with recognition of shared humanity.
Sonically, “Dream of Peace” is just as powerful. Produced and arranged by acclaimed Ukrainian composer Yuriy Shapeta and Bogotá-based producer Pedro Vengoechea, the track builds like a cinematic score. Starting gently with orchestral and choral textures, it gradually swells into a soaring crescendo that feels both heartbreaking and uplifting. Vocal director Larry Friedman guided Kimberlin’s heartfelt performance, while Grammy winners Liam Nolan (Adele) and Stuart Hawkes (Amy Winehouse) handled mixing and mastering to ensure world-class quality. The result is a soundscape that stirs deep emotion, often leaving listeners in tears.
Kimberlin’s voice—clear, emotive, and unwavering—carries the song’s message of hope in the face of hardship. For her, the piece is personal. As a Ukrainian-American, she has long been outspoken in her support for Ukraine, even traveling there during wartime to film videos in Bucha and Irpin. Her work has earned global recognition, including the United Nations Humanitarian Award and the St. George’s Royal Medal of Honor presented by King Charles in 2025.
What sets “Dream of Peace” apart is its fusion of artistry and activism. While it is musically rich and visually captivating, it also serves as a call for compassion and solidarity with those enduring conflict. Kimberlin herself describes the song as a way to focus attention on Ukrainians’ aspirations for peace, but its message resonates far beyond borders.
As Kimberlin prepares for the release of her full-length film about Ukraine in 2025 and her upcoming album Natural Protagonist in 2026, “Dream of Peace” feels like both a centerpiece and a promise. It demonstrates her ability to blend pop sensibility with meaningful storytelling, ensuring that her music not only entertains but also inspires action.
Ultimately, “Dream of Peace” is more than a release—it is a testament to the power of music as resistance, remembrance, and renewal. On a global stage, Kimberlin has delivered a song and video that will be remembered not only for its artistry but for its courage.
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