Kelsy Karter Creates a Rebels Anthem with “Stick To Your Guns”
review by Liv Bjorgum || graphics by Aneta Urbonaite
★
Kelsy Karter continues to take the world by storm. The New Zealand native made headlines last year for getting a (fake) face tattoo of Harry Styles to promote her single “Harry,” which consequently premiered on Billboard. In her words, she “rocked the world,” further proving her wit and rock and roll savvy. As with the “Harry” video, Karter directed, edited, and starred in the music video for her song “Devil On My Shoulder.” The saga follows the singer and her monkey companion as they evade pursuit in Los Angeles. Even when she’s running from the law, she seems cool, calm, and collected, evincing the control that the songstress exercises over her own narrative.
Kelsy Karter’s second rebellious single of 2020, “Stick To Your Guns,” is a song of resilience to sink your teeth into. Bare piano initially accompanies the emotional lyrics. The stripped piano notes evoke the sharp guitar in “Devil On My Shoulder.” “Stick To Your Guns” then flows into a bombastic rock song driven by guitar and drums that combines a steady beat, like the bass line in “Harry,” with the vulnerability of “Liquor Store On Mars.” Her signature rasp pervades the track, tying it all together. Lyrically, she stands up against expectations, citing - and refuting - a couple, such as “Be a good girl/Be a lady.” The line “But you’re a renegade” persists, echoing in the chorus and driving home Karter’s message of determination and independence. Kelsy Karter’s tongue-in-cheek sensibility and sincere lyrics are an enigmatic force to be reckoned with.
Kelsy Karter creates modern-age rock and roll that refreshes. Her attitude fuses her music into its own universe where the rebels rule. In both her music and her visuals, Karter takes inspiration from the rock greats of the past. However, she keeps things new with her vulnerability and her focus on the future. She is always one step ahead. Kelsy Karter’s impressive catalog of music is heartfelt, bold, and unapologetic. “Stick To Your Guns” explicitly says, “take it or leave it.”
We’ll take her music, now and always.
