Helen Sun never intended to become a viral sensation. The London-based, Massachusetts-raised singer-songwriter released her debut EP, talk with your Teeth, in December 2025 with little more than a hope for a few friends to listen. Yet, her lack of industry strategy proved to be her greatest asset. The project, characterized by its nonchalant vocal delivery and deceptively ornate production, quickly resonated with listeners, catapulting Sun into the spotlight of the indie music scene.
The Genesis of a Bedroom Pop Breakthrough
The creation of talk with your Teeth was an exercise in pure, unadulterated creativity. Much of the material was written during Sun’s high school years, later refined while she was studying architecture and literature at NYU and living abroad in Berlin. In a testament to her resourcefulness, the EP was recorded using a discarded USB microphone she salvaged from a friend’s trash. Collaborating with producer Hank Underwood over FaceTime, Sun managed to overcome technical hurdles like video lag to craft a sound that feels both nostalgic and immediate.
Sun’s influences are as eclectic as her production style. She cites artists like ? (referencing her appreciation for noise-forward artists), Fiona Apple, and Alex G as foundational to her musical identity. These influences manifest in the EP’s cinematic, brooding atmosphere and its penchant for distorted drum breaks, most notably on the breakout track “Shiny kindness.”
Navigating the Transition to Professional Music
The rapid success of the EP forced a sudden shift in Sun’s life. After graduating and working a demanding job at an architecture firm in London, she found herself balancing a burgeoning music career with the pressures of corporate life. Ultimately, the pull of her art became undeniable. “I’m just really glad that music was blossoming, because I cannot have that job,” she admits, noting that the transition to touring has been a surreal experience.
Now, as she navigates her first U.S. tour, Sun remains grounded by the personal nature of her work. She views her music as a way to connect with her past and present selves, maintaining a sense of authenticity that has clearly resonated with her growing fanbase. Whether she is performing at intimate venues or reflecting on her journey, Sun’s focus remains on the intuition that started it all.
