Friends – Marshmello & Anne-Marie – Karolina Protsenko – Violin Cover
Music has a unique way of bridging gaps, transcending languages, and creating emotional resonance across borders. In the realm of instrumental interpretations, Karolina Protsenko has become a household name. Her violin covers continue to enchant global audiences, and her rendition of “Friends” by Marshmello and Anne-Marie is no exception. Transforming an energetic pop song into a soulful violin performance, Karolina captures the essence of friendship, heartbreak, and playful banter — all without uttering a single word.
The Original: “Friends” by Marshmello & Anne-Marie
Released in 2018, Friends quickly became a radio hit thanks to its catchy beat and the unmistakable sass delivered by Anne-Marie’s vocals. The song tells the story of a platonic relationship where one person clearly wants more — and the other is drawing a bold line. It’s cheeky, it’s honest, and it resonated with millions who’ve been stuck in that awkward “friend zone.”
The Marshmello production added a punchy beat and energetic rhythm, making the song dance-worthy while keeping its emotional bite. It’s not just a breakup song — it’s a boundary-setting anthem.
Karolina’s Transformation: From Beat to Bow
While Friends in its original form is bold and electronic, Karolina Protsenko’s violin version takes a refreshing and heartfelt turn. She strips away the synthetic layers and replaces them with warm strings and rich, emotive phrasing. In doing so, she offers a completely different perspective — one that is just as emotionally charged, but much more introspective.
Through her violin, Karolina carries the mood of the lyrics — from lighthearted teasing to heartfelt frustration. You can almost hear the voice of Anne-Marie in the swells of the melody, but it’s not imitation — it’s interpretation. It’s a testament to Karolina’s musicality that she can communicate the message of the song through her instrument alone.
Setting the Scene: A Street Performance Full of Life
Karolina’s performances are often captured in bustling outdoor environments like the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica. The street becomes her stage, and passersby — caught off guard by the sheer talent of this young performer — often stop in awe.
During her cover of Friends, Karolina typically performs with a joyful, animated energy. Her movement, her expression, and the rhythm of her bow work in harmony to mirror the playful and firm tone of the song. It’s clear she’s having fun — but she’s also taking the song seriously, delivering it with emotional honesty.
Street music is raw and real. And Karolina shines in that setting, blending the chaos of the crowd with the clarity of her artistry.
Violin as a Voice: Telling the Story Without Lyrics
One of the most impressive aspects of this cover is how Karolina uses her violin as a narrative instrument. In Friends, the lyrics are conversational and pointed, with lines like:
“Haven’t I made it obvious? Haven’t I made it clear?”
Instead of words, Karolina uses dynamics — crescendo, vibrato, staccato — to mimic this intensity.
You can feel the “no-nonsense” attitude in her playing. There are playful parts, as if she’s smiling through the notes, and then more dramatic sections where the violin practically shouts the message. It’s a masterclass in musical storytelling.
The Power of Youth and Emotion
Karolina is still young — a prodigy by any standard — but what sets her apart is not just her technical ability. It’s the way she plays with heart. There’s joy, there’s feeling, and most importantly, there’s connection. When she performs Friends, she isn’t just recreating a pop hit. She’s expressing a relatable emotion through a classical lens.
Whether it’s joy, frustration, or confidence, Karolina doesn’t just play the notes — she embodies them. Her expressive face and movement draw people in and make the song feel personal.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Karolina’s violin covers are often the first exposure many young people have to classical instruments. By performing modern pop hits like Friends, she opens the door to a whole new world of music appreciation. Kids who might never have considered the violin “cool” are now begging their parents for lessons.
Her influence is undeniable. She shows that classical training and pop music can coexist beautifully, and that the violin isn’t limited to the concert hall — it belongs on the street, in the moment, among people.
Why “Friends” Works So Well as a Violin Cover
Some pop songs don’t translate well into instrumental versions — they rely too much on lyrics or vocal performance. But Friends is different. Its melodic hooks and rhythmic patterns give Karolina a strong foundation to build on.
The song’s playful tone is captured perfectly in the violin’s higher register, while the intensity of the chorus finds depth in the lower strings. The contrast between the sassy verses and emotional chorus allows for expressive variety — something Karolina handles effortlessly.
A Performance Worth Rewatching
It’s no wonder this cover has racked up millions of views online. Fans return not just for the technical excellence, but for the emotion, the setting, and Karolina’s sheer charisma. There’s something timeless and uplifting about watching a young artist perform with such genuine love for her craft.
You can tell she enjoys what she’s doing — and that joy is infectious.
Final Thoughts: Friendship, Music, and Emotional Boundaries
Karolina Protsenko’s violin cover of Friends by Marshmello and Anne-Marie is more than just a musical interpretation. It’s a creative reimagination of a pop anthem into a classical, emotional experience. She takes a fun, sassy song and infuses it with feeling, depth, and a universal musical language.
By performing it on the street, among everyday people, Karolina reminds us that great music doesn’t have to come from a studio or a stage — it can bloom right in the heart of the city.
In the end, Friends is about connection — sometimes difficult, sometimes lighthearted. And through her violin, Karolina connects with her audience, her emotions, and the essence of the song in a truly beautiful way.