Kantele used to be the dance party instrument two hundred years ago – so why not also today!

Melkutus Party combines old Karelian kantele melodies to electronic music creating modern kantele party music. Melkutus Party started as a solo project of Jenni Venäläinen (kantele, vocals) and after the debut album (“Melkutus Party”, Nordic Notes 2023) liveband was created and it started to tour as a trio. Janne Storm (live electronics, setara) and Tatu Viitala (percussion, live electronics) added their own unique visions to the concoction, and here we are: fresh, modern and futuristic vibes deeply connected to Karelian and Finnish history and musical actuality of past generations.

The trio has performed in Finland since 2023 and they made their international debut by touring in the United States in 2024. Since they have also performed in Latvia, Lithuania and as official showcase performers at Nordic Folk Alliance in Uppsala, Sweden. In summer 2026 the band will play their showcase at Kaustinen Folk Music Festival. In autumn 2026 Nordic Notes releases the debut album of Melkutus Party. On the album the band explores their own power, “mahti”, (an expression used by the old kantele players), dances in the post-human rave and lets out feelings of both joy, sorrow, power and frustration.

Jenni Venäläinen – kantele, vocals
Janne Storm – live electronics, setara
Tatu Viitala – electronics, percussion