First solo album by Druha Rika's frontman in 12 years. Theme — Ukrainian emigration 2022-2025. Release 14 June 2026.
Valeriy Kharchyshyn presents his first solo album in 12 years 'Letters from the West' on 14 June 2026 on Mukha Records label (previous solo LP — 'Home' 2014). This is an 11-track conceptual album (total duration 56 minutes) thematically dedicated to Ukrainian emigrants who left the country after the start of the full-scale aggression in 2022. Album concept — 11 'letters' from different cities where Ukrainian emigrants settled: I. 'Letter from Warsaw' (from a 32-year-old programmer); II. 'Letter from Berlin' (from a 28-year-old mother with two children); III. 'Letter from Prague' (from a 45-year-old teacher); IV. 'Letter from Paris' (from a 22-year-old student); V. 'Letter from London' (from a 38-year-old IT specialist); VI. 'Letter from Toronto' (from a 51-year-old engineer); VII. 'Letter from New York' (from a 26-year-old artist); ... XI. 'Letter Home' (general summary). Texts are based on real interviews with 11 emigrants conducted by Kharchyshyn from 2024 to 2025. Musically — soft rock with acoustic focus, with episodic stronger arrangements (where the text's emotion requires). Recording took place at Berlin Hansa Studio (September-November 2025) and Kyiv MUSCOLO (December 2025 to February 2026). Instrumental cast — Kharchyshyn (vocal, guitar), plus a 4-member session team. 30% of album sales revenue is transferred to the 'Ukrainians Abroad — Return Home' foundation (newly created Kharchyshyn foundation).
