Exclusive Interview - VÏKÆ - a podcast by Hands of Grace-Rae of Light

Please join us in welcoming VÏKÆ to chat with Heart of Indie Radio Co-Host Emme Lentino

Born in Ukraine, Veronika Bell [who goes by the pseudonym VÏKÆ ] and her family moved to New Zealand to seek refuge after The Chernobyl Disaster. Veronika was introduced to the beauty of classical music from an early age; studying the piano (Royal Schools ABRSM) and going to ballet school as well as finishing a drama program all before the age of 12. Finding a niche within the performing arts gave Veronika a sense of purpose. Under the tutelage of Gina Sanders, Veronika studied the Trinity College Guildhall vocal syllabuses and at age 16 she was awarded a choral scholarship towards tertiary tuition.

Originally enrolled in a Classical Performance program at University she switched to a Contemporary  Performance program in her 3rd year. Veronika obtained a Bachelor of Music (Contemporary Performance Voice) and a Diploma for Graduates in Music (Jazz) in 2016 from The University of Otago. She became a resident vocalist of The Dunedin City Jazz Orchestra and began releasing her own music. Veronika formed and managed a band 'VTMNK'. When this venture dissipated, Veronika moved to Auckland to pursue a solo career as an artist.

As a freelancing singer-songwriter, Veronika now works as a recording artist and teaches privately in her home studio. Amassing over 350k streams (collectively amongst all platforms) she celebrates the release of her debut EP FINE LINES. Veronika is a self-managed independent artist who creates all her own content, music videos, and photoshoots.

VÏKÆ is actively gigging and has completed two tours in just under six months apart... and plans to do it all again in due course. Veronika's vocals have been compared to the likes of Imogen Heap and Halsey. VÏKÆ recently finished her second tour playing at major festivals Basecamp, The Mix Festival and Baydreams Nelson 2021.

VÏKÆ has music to be released in 2021 with shows yet to be announced.

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