Many would recognize this young singer-songwriter from her Youtube fame---when she would be regularly stunning viewers with her immensely appealing personality, her show-stopping vocals and her ability at creating striking, compelling songs.

But Molly Kate Kestner’s foray into mainstream music has just been equally rewarding, for both herself and her growing legion of fans. Often dubbed as the American answer to Adele, this Minnesota native lets her supreme voice do the talking in her new single ‘My Way Up’, a tenacious, irresistible pop ballad about determination, fearlessness and hope. 

 Kestner has revealed that Whitney Houston is one of her major musical influences, and it certainly shows in her dynamic vocal range. Being able to effortlessly between the brassy low pitches in the verses and the freeing, soprano highs of the chorus, she exudes control and confidence throughout. And she is not afraid of the challenges that are accompanied by bolder production techniques. The chorus, in fact, dips into some electronic sounds, as her refrain, I’m going, repeats in succession. Whereas the backup vocals allow the song to retain some of Kestner’s gospel and soul interests--it also creates an emotive reinforcement in line with the song’s major themes. ‘Cause I bend but I don't break---is an honest admission of both her vulnerabilities as well as her points of strength, and that is why this tune could serve as an anthem of liberation . It lets her listeners feel their best as they are singing at the top of their lungs---a swift release through music. 

The song can best be described as one about moving forward, about retaining strength in the face of darkness, and finding the light at the end of the tunnel. Kestner has been outspoken about her faith, and this song reaffirms how she is willing to call upon her faith to get her through the hard times. The percussive beats grounding the verses once again highlight the production value of the song, and how Kestner is willing to combine a number of her genres in creating a track this meaningful and emotional. Most significantly, she enlists a winning blend of instrumentation to complement her raw, abrasive and soulful sound. 

 Singer-songwriter