Jon Campbell, Ukrainian Blood | Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈

In the 13^th edition of Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈 (2024), we highlight the song, “Ukrainian Blood” performed by Jon Campbell.  

Prepare to beam with P-R-I-D-E 🏳️‍🌈! Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈 celebrates, embraces, and spotlights songs by LGBTQ musicians or allies.  In this column, we provide background and insight into the respective musician(s), as well as analyze + go gaga over the decadent bops being served up.  Furthermore, when the music dictates deeper, more transcendent discussion, we ensure the point is articulated to the fullest.  All styles of music are welcome while the songs can be classics or brand-spanking new. So, without further ado, in the 13^th edition of Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈 (2024), we highlight “Ukrainian Blood” performed by Jon Campbell.

“My father’s got Ukrainian blood / Should I, should I, should I, worry more / About America and Russia’s war?” Thought provoking lyrics from American-born singer/songwriter and visual artist, Jon Campbell.  The opening lyrics from “Ukrainian Blood”, the ninth track from the Berlin-based artist’s album, Still Life With Motion Sickness, set the tone for this socially conscious song.  Campbell composed, arranged, and produced the indie-folk cut, which sounds distinct from the opening tip.  Besides serving up superb, authentic vocals, Campbell also performs body percussion, in addition to playing colander and tambourine.  The percussion plays a key part of the sound, establishing a driving rhythm.  Also bolstering the sound of “Ukrainian Blood” is trumpet (Robin Kahl), trombone (Jan Landowski), and bass (Rosie Salvucci). The musicianship is top-notch; impressive.

The sound is a vibe, but the biggest reason why “Ukrainian Blood” is successful is the theme and lyrics. Jon Campbell reflects on the inhumane state of the world, specifically citing his connection to the devastating situation in Ukraine.  Of course, he is NOT in the warzone: “I watch them from the safety of my phone / Can’t understand a sibling’s blood in our hands.”  Seeing devastation from pictures on a phone isn’t the same as experiencing it firsthand.  When you are part of a situation live and in person, it ‘hits different.’ Far too often, even if we, as humans find something to be horrible, we aren’t truly as affected or as outraged as we should be. In the final section of the song, Campbell asks, “Where the hell’s our humanity? / Should I cry more for my baby niece / Or one in Yemen or Somalia / How much blood should we share before we know peace? / How much blood shall be shed before we know peace?”  Once again, thought provoking, and Campbell repeats the final line several times for emphasis.  “Ukrainian Blood” marks an epic, must-hear number from a talented, talented individual.

Jon Campbell // Still Life With Motion Sickness // 7lb // 2024

Jon Campbell, Ukrainian Blood: Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈 No. 13 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner/ The Musical Hype; 7lb; Elias Souza, Los Muertos Crew from Pexels; CatsWithGlasses, Maicon Fonseca Zanco, Square Frog, Sudo from Pixabay]