Ukrainian-American singer-songwriter Kat Moran talks about her new song and music video for “Fight for Ukraina.”
What was the inspiration behind ‘Fight for Ukraina’?
“Fight for Ukraina” was born from a deeply personal place. I’m Ukrainian-American and grew up in Kyiv, so when the Russian full scale invasion began, it felt like my heart was split in two.
I watched from afar as my home, my people, and my childhood memories came under attack.
I needed to do something meaningful. Music has always been my voice, and this song became my way of standing with Ukraine, amplifying it’s fight, and honoring the courage of those on the frontlines and those living through the unthinkable.
It’s more than just a song, it’s a message of resilience, unity, and love for a country that fights for peace and freedom.
The music video for ‘Fight for Ukraina’ is visually striking. How did the concept come to life?
Thank you so much! We didn’t have much time to shoot this video, it all came together incredibly fast.
We developed the concept, organized the shoot, filmed, and edited everything in just one week. Time was tight, but the urgency of the message pushed us forward.
We chose to film in a dark studio setting to capture the raw emotion and heaviness behind the song – grief, strength, and resilience.
We then cut that with beautiful footage of Ukraine to remind people what we’re fighting for.
One of the most powerful moments we captured was the Taras Shevchenko protest and march in Times Square, organized by Svitanok NYC, which we were lucky enough to film.
It added such a real and moving element to the video, showing that the fight for Ukraine is happening not just in Ukraine, but around the whole world.
What are the biggest influences on your music and songwriting?
Honestly, every song is different, it really depends on the emotion or message I’m trying to convey. I don’t have just one set of influences, because I pull inspiration from all over, depending on the project.
For example, with “Fight for Ukraina”, I was inspired by traditional Ukrainian folk songs, which have such a deep emotional and cultural resonance.
We also looked at iconic Eurovision-style production for that big, anthemic feel, and even something like “We Are The World,” because I wanted it to have that same sense of unity, hope, and global call to action.
With streaming, technology, and social media shaping the industry, what’s it like to be an artist in the digital age?
It’s exciting, overwhelming, and empowering all at once. As an artist today, you have the tools to create, release, and promote your music independently and that’s incredible.
You can reach people all over the world. But at the same time, there’s this constant pressure to be a content creator, marketer, and entrepreneur in addition to being a musician.
I always struggle trying to find the time between being a mom, running a business and being a music artist to stay on top of my content creation. But overall, I’m grateful for the access and freedom we have today.
I’ve seen how one song, one video, or one message can reach someone across the globe and make a real impact and that’s the power of the digital age.
What advice would you give to up-and-coming artists and singer-songwriters looking to break into the industry?
I would tell them – don’t give up. I know that sounds cliché, but it’s true. You have to keep pushing forward, even when it’s hard, even when it feels like no one’s listening. Some of the most important projects I’ve ever worked on were also the most challenging.
When I was writing “Fight for Ukraina,” there were so many moments I almost gave up. It was incredibly emotional and painful to tap into those feelings and put them into words.
My husband, Kent Moran, who also directed our music video, kept encouraging me. He told me he wasn’t going to let me walk away from it, and I’m so grateful he did.
If you could collaborate with any artist on a dream duet, who would it be and why?
Oh gosh, that’s such a difficult one. There are so many artists I’d love to collaborate with! But at the moment, I’d say Kygo or David Guetta. I really love their music and the energy they bring to every track.
Their productions are so emotional yet danceable, which is something I try to channel in my own work too.
How do you personally define success in your career and creative journey?
I’d say that if I see people resonating with my music, it means I’m on the right track. Music is such a powerful force, it’s always been there to lift me up or support me through tough times.
My hope is to do the same for others through my own music.
If there’s one message you hope listeners take away from “Fight for Ukraina,” what would it be?
The main message of “Fight for Ukraina” is that Ukraine isn’t just fighting for itself, we’re fighting for the whole world. It’s a fight for freedom, for democracy, and for the right to exist in peace.
I want people to feel that this isn’t just a distant conflict, it affects all of us and we need to stand with Ukraine.
“Fight for Ukraina” is available on Spotify.
To learn more about Kat Moran, follow her on Instagram.
