With more than two decades dedicated to his craft, Ukrainian guitarist Orest Halytskyi—also known as Orest Galitsky and performing as OREST—has built a reputation for his distinctive sound and genre-blending style. From a childhood surrounded by music to performing on major stages and television productions, his journey reflects both experience and passion. In this interview, OREST opens up about the key moments that shaped his career, the influences behind his sound, and the genres that feel most authentic to him.
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Having collaborated with some of Ukraine’s most recognised artists while carving out his own signature style, OREST offers insight into what it really takes to stand out in today’s music landscape. He reflects on the importance of emotional expression, the journey of finding a unique voice, and why continuous growth remains at the core of his artistry—even after more than 20 years in the industry.
Alongside reflecting on his career and creative journey, OREST is also celebrating the release of his latest single “Вічність” (“Eternity”), a deeply personal track dedicated to his wife, Mariia Prytoliuk. Exploring themes of love and connection, the song captures the feeling of finding your soulmate and choosing to spend a lifetime together.
Describing “Eternity” as more than just a romantic song, OREST explained that the track reflects his own personal journey towards finding true love. Inspired by the moment he realised he had met the person he was meant to be with, the single captures themes of love, commitment, and the feeling of discovering something truly special.
Speaking about the track, he said, “Each of us dreams of finding our soulmate. Some people find theirs early in life, while others spend years searching. For me, it took exactly as long as it needed for me to realize that I had found the one. That period became my own personal eternity.”
Accompanying the single release is a heartfelt music video directed by Henry Lipatov, with cinematography by Bohdan Borysov. The visual sees OREST sharing a romantic bike ride with his wife, Maria, while intercutting moments from their relationship that highlight the love, connection, and personal story behind the track.
Following the release of “Eternity”, OREST took the time to reflect on his musical journey, creative influences, and the experiences that have shaped his distinctive sound. From his early beginnings to performing on major stages, he offers insight into the path that has defined his career so far.
How did it all begin? When did you first pick up a guitar, and where did you learn to play?
My father is a musician, and thanks to him I grew up surrounded by music. There was always great music playing in our home, along with vinyl records and CDs by legendary international artists.
I started studying music when I was five years old. I attended music school, initially learning piano, and at around the age of 12 I picked up a guitar for the first time. By the time I was 15, I realized that this was the path I wanted to follow. I dreamed of becoming a guitarist and performing on big stages.
How many years have you been playing, and which musical style feels most natural to you?
I’ve been playing guitar for more than 20 years.
Over that time, I’ve become comfortable performing in many different genres thanks to a wide range of experiences—from playing at weddings to performing on major stages and stadiums, from studio recording sessions to working as a guitarist on television productions, including live broadcasts of shows like The Voice of Ukraine.
However, soul, funk, and R&B have always been the genres closest to my heart. I especially enjoy blending Ukrainian music with these styles to create a fresh, modern sound.
People often call you one of the most unique guitarists. How do you feel about that?
Thank you—it’s always wonderful to hear.
Those words inspire me while also reminding me of the responsibility that comes with them.
To me, uniqueness isn’t only about technique or playing style. It’s about expressing music through emotion and developing your own voice as a musician. I spent many years searching for my sound, listening to different guitarists, experimenting, and exploring various genres and musical approaches.
If listeners truly hear something special in my playing, that’s the greatest reward I could ever receive.
Which musicians or guitarists inspire you the most?
Honestly, thanks to today’s access to information, I’m constantly discovering new guitarists, techniques, approaches to music theory, and improvisation.
I’m inspired not only by legends but also by younger musicians who continue pushing music forward.
Last year I had the opportunity to attend a guitar camp hosted by George Benson, where he brought together legendary guitarists such as John Scofield, Lee Ritenour, Steve Lukather, Tommy Emmanuel, and many others. I was fortunate to attend their masterclasses and gain an incredible amount of knowledge.
George Benson is already over eighty years old, yet he continues performing, teaching, and inspiring new generations of musicians. Watching people like him—and having the chance to live in the same era—is incredibly motivating.
How do you continue developing your skills? Are you still learning?
Absolutely.
Every day I try to stay in shape by practicing and challenging myself. I’m constantly exploring new styles, techniques, and musical ideas, then adapting them to my own artistic vision.
For me, growth is a lifelong process of discovering new sounds and refining my personal style.
Which artists have you worked with, and which collaborations have meant the most to you?
I’ve had the privilege of working with many wonderful artists.
The most significant collaborations for me have been with Nataliya Mohylevska, Iryna Bilyk, Ruslan Kvinta, and my friend Mykhailo Khoma (DZIDZIO). They opened the door for me into the Ukrainian music industry, and I’ll always be grateful for their trust and support.
I’d also like to mention one particularly meaningful creative project—the duet “Dyvo” with Gaitana, for which we also produced a music video together.
What creative goals have you set for yourself now, and what do you hope to achieve in the coming years?
My main goal today is to continue growing as a musician and creating music that goes beyond simply playing an instrument well.
I want to focus on my own original projects, collaborate with talented artists from around the world, and continue expanding my musical perspective.
Over the next few years, I dream of performing on major international stages and sharing my music and artistic vision with an even larger audience.
For me, success isn’t just about reaching a certain level—it’s about leaving behind something genuine: music that inspires people, evokes emotion, and remains meaningful for years to come.
Thank you, OREST, for taking the time to answer these questions and share more about your musical journey, creative influences, and the story behind your latest single “Eternity”. We appreciate you giving us an insight into the experiences that have shaped your artistry, the inspirations behind your sound, and the passion that continues to drive your career forward.
With more than two decades of experience behind him, OREST continues to showcase the passion and creativity that have shaped his career so far. From his distinctive guitar style to his ability to blend different genres and emotions into his work, he remains focused on creating music that connects with listeners on a meaningful level.
As OREST continues to share his artistry with audiences around the world, “Eternity” serves as a reminder of the personal stories and emotions that can inspire powerful music. Through his continued evolution as a musician, he is building a body of work that reflects both his journey and his commitment to leaving a lasting impression.
“Eternity”, by OREST, is available to download and stream, right now, across all platforms, via FoxLab.
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