Sampsa Astala, born in Vantaa in 1974, established his career within the Finnish music industry as a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer. Known widely by his stage names Stala and Kita, he has moved between roles as a drummer, guitarist, and vocalist across multiple groups while pursuing academic training at the Diaconia University of Applied Sciences.
Early Career and Stala & SO.
Astala launched the musical project SO in 1997, which eventually evolved into the glam rock band Stala & SO. While the group recorded albums and performed throughout Finland, its progress slowed as Astala directed his focus toward other collaborative efforts. By late 2010, the band announced its intent to compete in Euroviisut 2011, the Finnish national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest, leading to the release of their debut album, It Is So., in February 2011.
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In 2000, Astala joined the rock band Lordi as their drummer, adopting the persona Kita. His contribution to the band involved arranging and performing all backing vocals on studio albums, including Get Heavy, The Monsterican Dream, and The Arockalypse. As part of Lordi, he achieved international recognition following their 2006 Eurovision Song Contest victory. During this tenure, the city of Karkkila renamed its local youth facilities in his honour.
Professional Departure and Subsequent Work
On 4 October 2010, Lordi announced that Astala would no longer remain with the band. The split followed a joint decision between the musician and his bandmates, citing friction caused by his public appearances outside of his stage costume. Following his departure, Astala increased his work as a producer, songwriter, and session musician. His discography includes contributions to works by Apulanta, Hanna Pakarinen, and Naked Idol, alongside his continued releases with Stala & SO.
Fast facts
- Born: 1974, Vantaa, Finland
- Primary occupations: Composer, drummer, guitarist, record producer
- Education: Diaconia University of Applied Sciences
- Stage names: Stala, Kita
- Notable band membership: Lordi
- Eurovision achievement: Winner, 2006
- Religion: Lutheranism
Questions readers ask
What is the meaning behind the name Kita?
The name Kita is derived from a Finnish word translating to jaws, gap, or maw.
Why did Astala leave the band Lordi?
His departure was a joint decision after his public appearances as himself, rather than in his Kita stage costume, violated the band's established rules.
Achievements
- Instruments: drum kit
- Genres: hard rock
