EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
In Istanbul’s burgeoning house music scene, Melissa Dust is making waves. A DJ, producer, and creative powerhouse, Melissa has carved a distinct niche for herself in just two years of her career. Her journey, rooted in passion and dedication, is an inspiring narrative of self-expression, resilience, and communi- ty-building. Speaking with Melissa, one thing becomes clear: her artistry is as much about storytelling as it is about sound.
Melissa’s story begins with her love for music, nurtured by her family and shaped through years of exploration. Despite earning a degree in Economics from Yıldız Technical University, she found herself drawn to music. Her early years were marked by a love for the electric guitar, which she played in a band with her sister. These formative experiences laid the groundwork for her evolution into electronic music production.
Reflecting on the inspiration behind her mu- sic, she says,
“When creating my music, I draw inspiration from virtually everything around me. My music has the power to tell stories and evoke emo- tions. Inspiration can be found in many for- ms—whether it’s a dialogue from a film, the sound of a raindrop falling from the sky, or any other moment that sparks creativity. By infu- sing these moments with personal experien- ces, I can craft an authentic narrative.”
Her approach to creating music is deeply per- sonal, focusing on originality.
“When creating my music, I never reference existing tracks. In my view, doing so can signi- ficantly compromise originality. Authenticity is what elevates the quality of art, taking it to a whole new level. The thrill of creating and presenting something unique is unparalleled.”
A VISION FOR UNITY ON THE DANCE- FLOOR
For Melissa, house music isn’t just a genre— it’s a means to foster connection. She finds joy in crafting tracks that bring people toge- ther under one roof, where everyone is equal. She explains,
“As a DJ and producer, knowing that everyo- ne is equal on the dancefloor, and being able to channel that unity, is what drives me. It’s about embodying that spirit and using the power of music to bring people together. Here I am, in this journey, where we are all one, and with Dust, we are even more united.”
Her live sets often feature her own tracks and acapella, creating a narrative that resonates deeply with her audience.
“I typically incorporate my tracks, and I have a considerable number of unreleased pieces that I’m excited to share with you all soon. I enjoy including acapellas at the beginning, end, and sometimes even within my sets, as a way to convey a message. This is one of the techniques I use to engage and capture the audience’s attention.”
BUILDING A COMMUNITY
Melissa’s passion extends beyond her music to her role as a founder of Volx Community, a collective supporting both local and global artists. Through Volx, she organizes events, nurtures talent, and creates opportunities for emerging artists. She is also developing a house music sub-label under the Volx umbre- lla.
“As the name Volx Community suggests, it is a collective that supports both local and global artists in their music careers. Our goal is to keep the label as open as possible to demos, respecting every submission we receive.
mixmagnl.com 5
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52
