American pop phenomenon Kelsie Kimberlin welcomes 2025 with “Sally,” an exquisitely organic single that refuses to bow to contemporary production conventions. In an age when pop songs are often weighted down by electronic beats, “Sally” succeeds on the strength of pure musicianship, a reminder that, in this age of VST plugins, real instruments can still have a place. A testament to Kelsie’s versatility, this song instantly straddles the line between modern and gritty.
The Kelsie-directed visual guide to the music video also leads viewers through the colorful streets of Kyiv, Ukraine. Filmed while they're working on a movie about Ukrainian resilience, the video follows the journey of Sally, a young woman who learns to restore her confidence after loss. With the creative eye of noted director Pavlo Khomiuk, Kelsie represents Sally’s emotional development, striding through the colorful streets of Kyiv not only with polish but also with insight.
But “Sally” is a brash battle cry. It’s a reminder that pop music doesn’t always have to be of the same color, and Kelsie Kimberlin won’t allow herself to be boxed in. She continues to stake her claim in the industry, one electrifying track at a time, and with her bold approach to genre and storytelling, she remains a trailblazer.