VIKAE

VÏKAE is the moniker of Veronika Bell; a Ukrainian-born, NZ based, songwriter and classically trained musician. Veronika studied ballet with the RNZB for 14 years before pursuing her passion for the performing arts and finishing drama school at the age of 12. Originally wanting to be an opera singer, Veronika switched her major and minor and graduated from the University of Otago with an honours Music Degree in Jazz with a minor in Composition and Songwriting.

VÏKAE’s distinctive sound blends the best of emo rebellion and pop sensibilities. Her compelling style of songwriting intertwines with brooding cinematic soundscapes and sits somewhere in the realm of ‘alternative pop’.

Releasing her debut EP in 2020, Finelines during the pandemic, it debuted on The NZ Official Music Charts at #5 and the lead single, Finelines was playlisted by Radio One 91FM, The Hits and Radio Active.

As a follow up to VÏKAE’s Finelines EP, she released Love Games; a 5 track mixtape collection of songs following her heartbreak. VÏKAE had interviews with Newshub and Women’s Weekly and garnered rotation on radio stations like Radio One 91FM, bFM and The Hits and received 5 star reviews from Music.net and 13th Floor. "Love Games showcases VÏKAE’s skill in vulnerable story-telling" (MMF). Love Games (Deluxe) was released in 2023 and featured an additional four songs.

Generating honorable mentions in the NZ Hot 20, Top 20 Charts and The SRN Charts; and has performed at some of the country’s biggest music festivals such as Baydreams (Nelson 2020), Mardi Gras (Ohakune 2021 & 2022) , Deep Hard N Funky (2022) , Summer Sounds (2022), AUM (NYE 2022/23), Soundsplash (2023), Dunedin O-Week (2024), To The Front Kirikiriroa (2024), Lovers & Rainbows as part of Auckland Pride (2024) and Mardi Gras (2024); only solidifying her performative prowess.

VÏKAE is forging a unique path in the music industry. With a distinctive style that seamlessly blends Ukrainian, English, and Russian influences, she is currently immersed in crafting her debut album, whose release date remains eagerly awaited. Looking ahead, VÏKAE has set her sights on Europe, where in 2025 she plans to dive headfirst into the Euro-pop genre while continuing to draw inspiration from the alternative-pop scene. Her transcontinental journey promises to infuse her music with a rich tapestry of cultural flavors, ensuring that VÏKAE's artistic evolution captivates audiences across borders.