Ukrainian singer Mileya: I have never strayed from my dreams to be a singer

Mileya is a Ukrainian singer who has never strayed from her dreams and confidently pursued her goals. For several consecutive years, she has participated in one of the biggest Ukrainian awards, "Halytsky Shlyager," and has been actively working on releasing her own songs. Recently, she released two songs, "Oh, on Ivan's Day" and "Waiting for Victory". Mileya shared with us her experience of performing for the first time at "Halytsky Shlyager," her collaboration with Ukrainian musician Arseniy Ovcharuk in the duo "TANDEM," and her future projects.

Interviewer: Do you remember the moment when you realized you wanted to pursue music? What was it like?

Mileya: Yes, ever since I can remember, I've been involved in music. From a very young age, as soon as I could stand and reach the piano keys, I started playing. I would pick out different melodies by ear to the songs that were sung to me. Once I learned to speak, I began singing, composing music, and creating songs on the piano. That’s when I realized that music is my calling, and I dream of becoming a singer. Throughout my life, I have never betrayed my dream and have always pursued my goal.

Interviewer: Recently, you released the song "Oh, on Ivan's Day". What was the process of preparing for the new release, and why did you choose this theme?

Mileya: It happened like this. Ivan Kupala Day was approaching, and I felt the desire to recall the historical past of the peoples who celebrated this holiday. I wanted to dive into the world of enchantment, mysticism, and fortune-telling. I also wanted to convey to every girl that love is a powerful force, even without fortune-telling, and that any girl can win a boy’s heart if she is genuine and sincere.

At first, I didn’t know how the release process would unfold. But when I visited my mother and saw my little brother, he inspired me to create a video for the song. So, my boyfriend and I immediately went to shoot the release.

Interviewer: You hold the title of Honored Artist of Pop Art. Can you tell us how you received it? When did this happen?

Mileya: After graduating from Kyiv University of Culture, named after Poplavsky, I gained a creative mentor, People's Artist of Ukraine Alla Popova. She supported and helped me in everything. At one of the concerts, she, on behalf of the entire creative community of show business, presented me with the Order of "Honored Artist of Pop Art of Ukraine." This happened on February 17, 2023. From that moment, I realized that I shouldn't stop, but instead, I should keep moving forward.

Interviewer: You participated in the All-Ukrainian National Song Award "Halytsky Shlyager – 2022." Can you tell us about this experience: how did you become one of the participants, what was the atmosphere like backstage, and which song did you perform?

Mileya: Once again, it was thanks to my creative mentor, who suggested I perform in the television project and recommended me to People's Artist of Ukraine Yaroslav Boruta. This wasn’t my first performance on a television project, so I happily agreed. My first song at Halytsky Shlyager was "Kokhayu". When all the artists are gathered together, the atmosphere is incredible. Backstage, I felt very comfortable and eagerly awaited my performance. The artists all support each other and are excited to step on stage to delight every audience member in the hall.

Interviewer: In 2023, you participated in "Halytsky Shlyager" not alone, but in a duo with singer Arseniy Ovcharuk. Can you tell us about your duo and the songs you perform?

Mileya: Together with Arseniy Ovcharuk, we decided to form the duo "TANDEM". Our first song, "Ridna Ukraina", was performed at Halytsky Shlyager. Later on, our song "Letyemo" was also released.

Interviewer: Besides your own musical career, you help children build theirs. Can you tell us about this aspect of your professional activity: how did you become a vocal coach, how do you teach children and adults vocal art? Tell us about the school.

Mileya: It all started with regular vocal and piano lessons. Eventually, I began offering online lessons worldwide. Not long after, I decided to become a producer and founded the Producer Vocal Center and the School of Show Business "MILEYAPUPILS". This school helps promote both adults and children in the world of show business. We started recording original songs that I write, creating pages for each artist across all social media platforms, and promoting them on various platforms. As a result, my center and online school have gained popularity in Ukraine and are growing rapidly. I also want to invite everyone who dreams of becoming an artist in Ukraine, promoting their songs, and performing on a big stage to join us.

Interviewer: In addition to music, you are also passionate about ballet. Do you plan to pursue ballet professionally in the future, or is it more of a hobby for you? Why did you decide to take up ballet?

Mileya: In 2024, I graduated from the Kyiv Choreographic College "Kiyanochka" at the Ballet Academy, where I obtained a degree in "Ballet Artist and Choreographer." I always dreamed of dancing on pointe, but as an adult, I never expected to start practicing ballet professionally or to be accepted into the academy without prior preparation. So, I will continue to pursue ballet professionally and strive to achieve great goals.

Interviewer: What was your first song, and how did you feel about it?

Mileya: My first song was titled "Cold", but it was in Russian. I plan to translate it into Ukrainian because this song is special to me. With this song, I first appeared in the project "Autumn Rendezvous" with People's Artist of Ukraine Maryan Hadenko, where my creative mentor Alla Popova also invited me. This song gained popularity online, so I want to make sure it is heard in Ukrainian as well.

Interviewer: What is your message in music? Why this message?

Mileya: My message in music is to convey my deepest feelings and thoughts through melodies and lyrics. I strive for every listener to feel the emotions I put into my songs and to find something relatable in them. Above all, I want people to understand my songs the way I understand and perform them—with all my heart. My music is a reflection of my inner world, and through it, I aim to create a connection with everyone who listens, helping them find comfort, inspiration, or answers to their questions.

Pictures were taken by Tarnavskay Inna, project "Beams of Kindness", Karyna Shnir