Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Mr. Vel
Mister Vel (Valerii Myroshnychenko) is an actor at Kyiv National Academic Operetta Theater (Ukraine), known for his expressive stage presence and versatility. Alongside his performing career, he is a vocal teacher for twelve second-graders, nurturing young voices and confidence through music.
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
I became interested in music while in primary day care, where my music teacher let me play the piano at the age of four. I also performed at home, and at five years old I appeared at my first grand performance as Cheburashka [the Soviet Elmo with huge ears], wearing a costume handmade by my Mom.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
Before that, I would mostly just perform songs created by others. My first real musical experience was at the age of 16, jamming with my friend Kolya in a college dorm kitchen in Luhansk City when I was singing and him playing the guitar.
In 2014, my development paused when our coolest band broke up, but after moving to Kyiv in 2015, I started studying at the University, creating demo songs, and teaching myself songwriting. Since then, I’ve been developing my voice, exploring different styles, and now I can write songs from scratch and fully express my musical ideas.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
My full name doesn’t sound quite right for a stage identity – it is long, hard to pronounce and the last name is very common – thus, I felt the need to create something that truly represents me. I experimented with names like ‘Mr. Darcy’ (if you know what I mean), and eventually became Mr. Vel.
After six years working in the theater, I kept asking myself where I was as an individual artist. That experience ultimately led me to step forward as a solo performer – and choosing the name Mr. Vel felt like the most natural way to express that. So here I am!
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
My music blends modern pop sound with the elements of musicals and rock opera, which have strongly influenced my musical taste. I also enjoy experimenting with song structures – moving beyond the traditional verse/chorus format to find my own unique form.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
Working with children completely changed my approach to music. It helped me reconnect with my inner child, where there are no boundaries and creativity feels free and natural.
My creative process is shaped by my work in the theater, performing with an orchestra, and collaborating with other professionals. I also draw inspiration from listening to music, reading, visual art, and fashion (check out my looks of the day on Instagram!) – any form of art really.
The piano has always been my main instrument when creating songs, and I use Logic Pro as my primary software for producing and developing ideas.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
Right now, I’m really into James Blake – I really love his experimental approach to music and how he pushes boundaries with sound.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
My experience of performing over twenty roles in theater has deeply shaped my musical and artistic vision. At the same time, I feel like I’m constantly evolving – this process never really stops, especially for creative people.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
First of all, I hope listeners pay attention to their inner world – and their feelings – and search for their own individuality.
Secondly, I want my music to inspire them, help them step away from everyday routine, and immerse themselves in a different emotional space.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
The most important lesson music has taught me is not to focus on just one thing, but to truly listen to myself and stay open. I’ve learned not to be afraid of experimenting with sound and my voice – that’s what keeps me moving forward.
Through my work in the theater, I also realized that I can be many different things as an artist, and that versatility is one of my greatest strengths.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
Eurovision for now.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
I would choose David Bowie because he was bold, unconventional, and truly ahead of his time, both in his music and his image. His ability to challenge norms and constantly reinvent himself is something I deeply admire.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
Reply
https://youtube.com/@mr.vel_official?si=QdLAab725_vnycjE
https://www.instagram.com/mister.vel?igsh=cHdlbWV3eW9zYzZo&utm_source=qr
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
My dream for the next chapter is to take on an inspiring new role in a musical while continuing to grow as a solo artist. By the end of 2026, I plan to release four new singles and at least two music videos.
Looking further ahead, I would love to be invited to Eurovision Song Contest.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
I’m different – as you can probably see from my social media – and I’m open to all kinds of artistic experiments. I honestly don’t know yet what else I might discover about myself.
Thus, follow me on social media, and let’s explore together what life and the stage have in store for us.
