The war in Ukraine is far from over. We spoke with advocate for Ukraine, UK Based music artist, Belle Scar about her recent single “Kyiv in my heart”. This song and music video not only features Ukrainian Artists, but also depicts the horror and destruction the ongoing war in Ukraine causes. We highly suggest you stream “Kyiv in my heart” to gain insight into the importance of advocacy and staying connected with Ukrainians, even if they are an ocean away. The 16 Ukrainian artists featured in “Kyiv in my heart” tells a story, and each creation is compelling as the next. If that isn’t enough, Belle Scar’s vocals mixed with the work of a choir are sure to leave you with chills. Please continue reading below for more information about Belle Scar and her new single!

Where are you based?
North London UK.

Jejune has had the pleasure of interviewing you in the past, but for those unfamiliar with your amazing career, how did you get your start in the industry?
It started at five with a piano, then later on, with a pencil and paper, a synth, a guitar, then a computer, basically just experimenting, writing songs, performing and producing my own shows. I’ve been performing for many years in different projects. I always like to reinvent myself, and create new work.

Can you tell us a bit about your new single named “Kyiv in my heart”? Why did you feel it was important to put out this song?
This war is insane, and when it all started in February, I was really affected by it. I’m a musician so I always express what I feel through music. The song started as an idea during the night, and after a few days of working out chord progressions and a few melodies, I started to write choir parts, as I thought It would be great to have many voices singing for peace. It’s a song in support of the people in Ukraine. I was privileged to have the fantastic drummer Christophe Deschampsfrom France to put down some beats and my husband, musician and producer, Marc Olivier, to write some amazing strings, produced and mixed the song. I was very honored that Sean McGee from the legendary Abbey Road Studios offered to do the mastering of the song.

Do you have roots in Ukraine?
No, I don’t. I consider myself an earthling that doesn’t really fit anywhere, but connected to everything.

What were the musical influences for “Kyiv in my heart”?
I didn’t think too much about it, I let the song become what it was meant to become. I just went along with that gut feeling, as I naturally do. So, there wasn’t any specific influence.

How would you describe your genre of music?
A mix of moody, cinematic, alternative, tribal, folk rock with some soul. Never know which box to tick for the genre. I’ve been told a mix of Nick Cave, Bowie, Nina Simone and Kate Bush in a Jim Jarmusch film. I kind of like that.

Is “Kyiv in my heart” considered your niche genre, or was there some experimentation involved?
I guess you can recognize some of the cinematic mood with the strings, synths, and choir voices, but I think it’s slightly smoother and more folk pop then what I normally do…but It’s all connected. I go along with the idea that’s in my head, once it’s stuck in there, I can’t sleep, so instead of going mad, I write the music.

Can you tell us a bit about your experience with the choir? How exciting was that? Have you ever worked with a choir before? Why did you think it was important to use one for this song?
It was so lovely to have so many people come and sing on the song. Everyone was happy to participate and support Ukraine. I have conducted and directed a choir of 30 singers back in Montreal. I do group choir and vocal workshops here in London. There’s something magical about many voices singing together. I thought it would be special for this song.

The music video to your new single features illustrations from 16 Ukrainian artists depicting their understanding of the war in Ukraine. What was your initial reaction to the art and the war as a whole?
I was very touched by the artists and their powerful work. I think they are very talented, brave and strong to continue making art during these difficult times. It’s inspiring.

Were there any obstacles to the collaboration with Ukrainian artists who contributed to the project?
They were all so nice and really interested in being a part of this project. I’m very pleased about how it all came together.

How did you find the artists you wanted to feature?
I found them on social media, mainly on Instagram. I found several pages of art made by artists from Ukrainelike, Ukraine.art.war, and Blue yellow art for Ukraine. I wrote to them directly and explained the work I was doing.

How do you wish the audience to interact with the song? Do you believe social media is an asset when it comes to advocacy for such issues? Can real change be made?
I hope that people will be touched by the song and the work of the artists in the video. As a musician, you hope your music will make people feel something strong or just make them experience a connection in that moment with sounds, melodies, and words.

I think Social media can have a massive impact on keeping people connected to each other all over the world. It was an asset for me to be able to speak with the artists in Ukraine and find out about their work. Can real change be made? I hope so, it’s complicated and our history is complex. But I do believe we can make things better when we all show some kindness.

All profits of your new single will be going to the “Save the Children Charity”, how did you find this charity and how can our readers do their part besides streaming “Kyivin my heart”?
I follow what they do as they are a very active charity helping children in crisis all over the world. The song can be purchased on my band camp.(link below) The funds will go directly to Save the children for the Ukraine crisis. People can listen to it on all streaming platforms and watch the video on YouTube. I encourage people to share the video and the song on their social media to spread the word. Most of all, I encourage people to purchase the song at any price they wish to contribute. It’s a song made to help the victims of the war in Ukraine. Any amount will help.

What specifically does “Save the Children Charity” do for the victims of war?
They have teams of people who work in the country affected by the war. They provide food, rent, child protection services, hygiene items, books, medicine, mental health support to children and their families, education kits, learning programs…

In a perfect world, how would you like to see this end?
Peace. Stop the war.
That people in Ukraine can live their lives safe and free.

There has been a bit of fatigue with all the horrible things going on around the world. How would you like to see individuals and governments help with this war?
Yes, our world is filled with so many challenges. It’s overwhelming but It’s important not to close our eyes. We need to speak out and share positive messages of peace around us and help financially, when we can, to those who are in urgent need. Charities like Save the Children, UNICEF, DEC Ukraine Humanitarian appeal, Who health, Red Cross, International rescue committee…

What is your motto in life?
When nothing happens, make things happen.

Please stay connected with Bella on the following platforms:
Instagram: @bellescar.uk
Facebook: Belle Scar
Website: www.bellescar.com
Linktree: @bellescar
YouTube: “Kyiv in my heart”
Bandcamp Charity Link: https://bellescar.bandcamp.com/track/kyiv-in-my-heart

A Talk of Peace With Belle Scar