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

Melkutus Party started as a solo project of Jenni Venäläinen (kantele, vocals), a Finnish folk musician and an award-winning Kantele-player. After the solo-debut album (Melkutus Party, Nordic Notes 2023) the project kept thriving, and the band quickly found its final form as a trio. Janne Storm (setara, electronics) and Tatu Viitala (percussion, electronics) added their own unique visions to the concoction, and here we are: fresh, modern and futuristic vibes deeply connected to Finnish history and musical actuality of past generations.

Nordic Notes releases the band's debut album Mahti on 18th September 2026. 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. Mahti takes the listener from somber meditations to hectic party-bangers, and back. In the center of the album is the Finnish traditional lyre kantele, of which sound seamlessly fits into genres like drum n bass, ambient, trance and electronica. Whether it’s time to settle down and relax, or enjoy a night full of clubbing - we are here with you.

Kantele is Finland’s national instrument, and has roots way back in history, even centuries before the common era. During the past millennia kantele’s varied history has always adapted to the current situation. Whether there has been a need for subdued background music for meditation, or more rhythmical playing to accompany dancing or partying, kantele has always been there. With the help of Melkutus Party, the kantele will once again present itself as a versatile and unique instrument with a huge variety of implementations.

The trio has performed in Finland since 2023 and they made their international debut by touring in the United States in 2024. Since then they have also performed in Latvia, Lithuania and as official showcase performers at Nordic Folk Alliance in Uppsala, Sweden.