SUNTA Finds Hope on the Dancefloor With New Single “kiss me at the bar”

Malta-born, Finland-based electronic producer and SUNTA explores the emotional uncertainty of falling in love again with “kiss me at the bar,” the lead single from their forthcoming debut album, Perforated Hearts.

“kiss me at the bar” arrives through an exclusive Bandcamp album pre-order, ahead of its general release on November 6, offering listeners an introduction to the emotional landscape of Perforated Hearts. Blending melodic breakbeats with atmospheric electronica, the six-minute release captures the excitement of a new romantic connection while acknowledging the lingering fears that accompany opening yourself up after heartbreak.

Drawing inspiration from a musical background spanning acid house, electro, techno, trance, and experimental electronica, SUNTA approaches electronic music with an appreciation for both movement and emotional storytelling. On “kiss me at the bar,” infectious breakbeats provide the foundation for an introspective journey through vulnerability, desire, and the possibility of finding happiness after a difficult relationship.

Inspired by SUNTA's personal experience following a breakup, the single explores that complicated moment when the excitement of meeting someone new begins to outweigh the fear of repeating past mistakes. Rather than allowing those uncertainties to dominate the narrative, SUNTA transforms them into something hopeful, creating a release that celebrates emotional recovery without overlooking the experiences that make new beginnings feel intimidating.

“More than anything, I hope people take away a sense of hope,” SUNTA shares, describing the track as a reminder that healthy love exists and can be rediscovered when the time is right. The release also marks SUNTA's reunion with Dealt With Records, five years after their debut single “Offender.”

“kiss me at the bar” explores the excitement of finding a new connection after heartbreak. Was there a particular moment when you realized you were ready to embrace that possibility again, and how did it influence the track?

I had a good few days hanging at the bar (Cafe Society), drinking cocktails, flirting every now and then, and it was exciting. I realized that I could be desired again after how the previous relationship made me feel.  

Your music moves between acid house, breakbeats, techno, and more introspective electronica. How has that freedom to experiment shaped your identity as a producer, and what makes this particular sound feel right for you now?

I finally came out of a very vicious cycle of living on a small island that is based around partying and raves, and snapped back into reality. I am producing music that I actually listen to on my headphones and in my car. I think the euphoric, yet melancholic vocals on the album reflect the mix of emotions I allowed myself to feel - especially slowing down and actually dealing with it. 

There’s an interesting contrast between the emotional vulnerability behind “kiss me at the bar” and the energy of its production. How do you approach translating deeply personal experiences into electronic music without relying on traditional storytelling?

I honestly don't even think about it; if I'm sad or feeling some type of feeling, I just open Ableton and try to find the first pad or lead and create a melody. Then the rest comes to me. I think producing is very therapeutic for me, so it helps me translate the negative emotions into positive grooves. As I'm producing, I'm usually feeling much better, and by the end of the session I'll be healed haha. 

You’re reuniting with Dealt With Records five years after releasing “Offender.” Looking back at that first release, how have your creative instincts, production techniques, and ambitions evolved?

I was a baby producer back then haha! I wasn't very confident in trying to explore new, more intricate sounds and melodies, and I always felt shy. I felt like I could never produce something like Perforated Hearts a few years ago because it was something complicated in my head - but I put my head into it, followed my feelings, and channeled them into music. Obviously, buying new hardware and VSTs helped me explore more sounds and learn a bit more about synthesis.  

With “kiss me at the bar” introducing your debut album, Perforated Hearts, what larger emotional journey can listeners expect from the project, and what does completing your first full-length album represent for you personally?

The album tells a story; tracks are numbered the way they are to tell it. I'm hoping that listeners will feel the anxiety and melancholy in the beginning, then a journey of healing and softer emotions - leading to finding healthy love and knowing/accepting what you actually deserve. 

This album has been in the works for 2.5 years. It started with major anxiety due to mixed signals and two-timing, then the breakup in October, which resulted in me having no reason why I was broken up with, blocked, and left stranded in a foreign country. It was a massive healing journey which took a lot of work, therapy, medication, and trauma healing. When I gave up on everything and made peace with the fact that I'm actually okay, don't want anyone, and I'll be single, my now amazing, beautiful partner popped into my life on NYE in Malta. When we met, I found out they were from the same country I was stranded in; what are the odds? Electrovuori is the last track that I produced at home in Roihuvuori in the last 4 months that I have actually been living in - back to Helsinki :D.