Violinist Karolina Protsenko has a unique talent for converting pop songs into something beautiful and entirely her own. Her cover of “You Are My Sunshine” is one of her warmest performances. With her two younger brothers, Leo and Nicholas, Karolina makes one exuberant yet tender family moment. Her violin offers a sweet, soothing riff on a familiar song, and her brothers sweeten the mix, illustrating the loveliness of family making music together.
Karolina’s violin playing elevates the simplicity of “You Are My Sunshine.” Each note flows effortlessly, gently massaging the warmth from the original song as she plays. The blend of Karolina’s violin with the piano played by her younger brother offers a smooth, motivational experience that feels personal and full of love. As much as it is a moment of excellence, it is also just a reminder of the joy and connection that music can bring into a family.
3 year old joins me | You Are My Sunshine – Karolina Protsenko
The original recording by Jimmie Davis, back in 1940, was always meant as an invocation of love and happiness. Karolina continues this notion with her expressive playing, which turns it into a playing that really causes the listener to feel one with the music. This is no surprise, as the presence of her young brothers deepens the warmth, with the clear hint that music can be a serious family glue.
Shifting gears from the sweet and folksy “You Are My Sunshine,” Karolina comes out swinging in an energetic, youthful wave on her cover of One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful.” Such a performance gives the number a bouncy, lively energy, making the upbeat pop number a showcase for a violinist with flair and rhythm to spare. The shift from the soothing and gentler vibe you had in the first song to the bounced tempo of that song, “What Makes You Beautiful,” clearly establishes Karolina as a versatile artist.
What Makes You Beautiful – One Direction | Karolina Protsenko – Violin Cover
It’s a bristling, energetic, and joyous melody. Still, here, it’s clad in yet another layer of sophistication, with Karolina’s playing also emphasizing the playful rhythm and youthful attitude of the original. There’s no doubt Karolina can quickly shift her style depending on the vibe — be it a soft soothing or a rockin’ pop anthem.
Karolina Protsenko has a magical way of spinning even the most unlikely songs into entirely different tunes. She will probably be heard playing a sentimental oldie or a pop standard, but she always puts her spin on it. Follow Karolina on social media to never miss her incredible violin covers. She posts her newest music and connects with her expanding following on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.