Hailing from Ukraine, singer-songwriter Natisa Gogol leaned on the power of hope to persevere through the seismic changes she endured over the last year. Having to flee Ukraine for Prague, “all that was dear and important” to the artist was left behind. Using music as a channel for her pain, she created “Wind Of Hope” – a gut-wrenching triumph of a track, to say the least.

Joining forces with the Prague-based musician Gregory Darling on the track, the pair made magic. With Darling having worked with Julian Lennon (John Lennon’s son) on the track “Lucky” – already the musician has landed studio time with some high flyers. When it came to “Wind Of Hope”, the two did what they had to do, penning searingly intimate lyrics like: “Tell me why they broke into our house/Tell me why they tore apart our lives?/ Love will rescue us/Ukraine lives in our hearts.”

Sonically, Gogol’s vocals soar. Pared-back instrumentals and tentative piano keys underpin the artist’s lilt. Crescendoing with intensity – “Wind Of Hope” bursts into spine-tingling violins. Accompanied with an equally touching music video, layers of billowing black satin encompass both the violinists and the artist. In a burst of liberation, the setting no longer evokes death – but life. In a glimmering gold dress, Gogol is the embodiment of a thread that runs throughout her work: love. “Love is like air,” the artist imparts. “It is everywhere.”

Staying strong in the face of conflict and using her voice as a means for protest, it’s hard not to be inspired by her story. Wielding a wealth of artistic influences – from Ella Fitzgerald and Mariah Carey to Madonna – nobody’s doing it like Natisa and it’s safe to say we’re ready to come along for the ride. With an album set to release this year, one thing is for sure, this won’t be the last we’re hearing of her.

Head below to check out the music video for “Wind Of Hope”…