Kelsie Kimberlin continues to carve out her own lane in pop music with her latest release, Perfume, a song that drips with mystery, romance, and an intoxicating allure. Dropped on February 22, 2025, Perfume is more than just a pop anthem—it’s a sonic metaphor for love’s power to enchant, captivate, and linger like an unforgettable scent. The track is already making waves, and on March 14, 2025, its official music video—filmed in the heart of Kyiv, Ukraine—will offer an equally mesmerizing visual companion.
With each new song, Kimberlin proves that her music is more than just catchy hooks and polished production. It’s storytelling. Perfume takes inspiration from the classic novel and film of the same name, a story of obsession and olfactory-driven madness. But where the book takes a dark and tragic turn, Kimberlin spins a more uplifting take—one where love is the perfume, its essence irresistible, drawing someone in without a single word spoken. It’s this kind of clever reimagining that sets Kimberlin apart.
The song itself is a lush, atmospheric dream, with layers of shimmering synths, hypnotic beats, and Kimberlin’s signature, ethereal vocals weaving in and out like wisps of fragrance on the wind. There’s an undeniable sensuality to the track, but beneath the surface, there’s also a quiet intensity—love, like perfume, has the power to linger, to haunt, to pull someone back into its orbit long after the moment has passed.
And then, there’s the music video. Directed by Kimberlin herself—her third self-directed project—the video transports viewers to the cobblestone streets of Kyiv, where Kimberlin moves through the city, trailed by a lover entranced by her presence, her essence, her scent. The film’s concept, developed alongside acclaimed director Pavlo Khomiuk, is simple yet deeply evocative—a love story told without words, only glances, moments, and the invisible pull of attraction.
But the video’s setting carries a deeper significance. Kyiv, a city steeped in history and resilience, is not just a backdrop—it’s a silent, powerful presence in the film. And behind the romance of the visuals, there’s a heartbreaking reality: while celebrating love through music, Kimberlin and her film crew were faced with the stark reminders of war.
Shortly after wrapping up filming, a Russian drone strike hit a nearby apartment building, tragically taking the life of 15-year-old Mariya Troyanovskaya. This moment shook Kimberlin to her core, and in response, she has dedicated Perfume to Mariya’s memory, ensuring that her name, her story, and the realities faced by Ukrainians will not be forgotten.
Kimberlin’s commitment to art with a purpose is what elevates her beyond the realm of typical pop artists. She doesn’t just write love songs—she writes songs that carry weight, history, and meaning. With more than 100 original tracks in her catalog, she has been steadily amassing an audience that appreciates both her artistry and her activism.
Every track she releases is touched by musical greatness, and Perfume is no exception. Mixed by Liam Noland (Adele) and mastered by Stuart Hawkes (Amy Winehouse), the song boasts a production quality that places it firmly in the realm of pop’s elite. Yet, despite its polish, there’s something incredibly raw and human at its core.
Kimberlin’s journey doesn’t stop here. This year marks a major shift in her career, as she prepares to release a full-length film along with a soundtrack featuring many of her songs. Touring with the film, she aims to raise awareness, support Ukraine, and introduce new audiences to her music, proving once again that she’s an artist not just to be heard, but to be experienced.
Perfume is more than a song—it’s an invitation into Kimberlin’s world, where love, loss, memory, and meaning intertwine in ways that are both intoxicating and unforgettable.
