Orest Halytskyi is a Ukrainian guitarist, composer, and arranger with more than 20 years of professional experience. Throughout his career, he has worked with some of Ukraine’s leading artists, including Nataliya Mohylevska, Iryna Bilyk, Ruslan Kvinta, Mykhailo Khoma (DZIDZIO), and Gaitana.

OREST is known for his distinctive guitar style, blending Ukrainian musical traditions with elements of soul, funk, and R&B to create a contemporary signature sound.

Here he speaks to ESC Covers –

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 twelve I picked up a guitar for the first time. By the time I was fifteen, 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 twenty 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. 

Recently, OREST (real name Orest Galitsky) released a new single dedicated to his wife, Maria, entitled Vichnist (Eternity). You can see the music video below.

Source: ESC Covers