Melissa Dust: Istanbul's rising star in house music

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 community-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 music, she says,

“When creating my music, I draw inspiration from virtually everything around me. My music has the power to tell stories and evoke emotions. Inspiration can be found in many forms—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 infusing these moments with personal experiences, I can craft an authentic narrative.”

Her approach to creating music is deeply personal, focusing on originality.

“When creating my music, I never reference existing tracks. In my view, doing so can significantly 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.”

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 together under one roof, where everyone is equal. She explains,

“As a DJ and producer, knowing that everyone 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.”

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 umbrella.

“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. While we are inclusive of various styles, under this platform, we aim to further cultivate the culture of hard techno, hypnotic beats, and, shortly, house music through an additional sub-label.”

Volx Community is also a vehicle for philanthropy. Melissa organizes events to raise funds for causes close to her heart.

“Our first event, Stronger Than Together 1, was a fundraising campaign to support victims of the earthquake in my home country. Following that, Stronger Than Together 2 focused on the devastating forest fires, using the funds raised to support tree planting initiatives.”

Melissa’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. From managing her career to facing difficulties during performances, she has learned to navigate the ups and downs with resilience.

“When it comes to facing challenges, there are always stories to tell, but to me, the key is how we handle them. I believe I am someone who can always find the positive in difficult situations and use it to fuel my growth. That’s why I always strive to stay positive, and regardless of the obstacles—whether in my career or personal life—I continue to embrace the process of learning and evolving.”

Melissa’s advice to aspiring artists is to remain authentic and committed.

“Everyone has dreams, but what truly matters is the effort we invest in making those dreams a reality. My advice to aspiring artists would be to never stop dreaming. Dream, invite inspiration, and trust that it will come to fruition. Learning is a continuous journey—never stop learning. Above all, stay true to yourself and remain authentic. This authenticity will resonate with others and be recognized by all.”

Looking ahead, Melissa is focused on pushing the boundaries of house music, supporting emerging talent, and creating unforgettable experiences for her audience. Her vision is clear: to unite people through music, foster a sense of community, and leave an indelible mark on the world of electronic music.

Melissa Dust is more than a rising star; she is a storyteller, a unifier, and a dreamer with a purpose. Through her music and her work with Volx Community, she exemplifies the transformative power of art. As she puts it,

“The name Dust embodies the idea that the stardust within the name represents the union of many elements coming together as a whole. Being an artist has shaped me with humility, respect, and likability. These are the core elements that define the quality of my art.”

Melissa Dust is just getting started, and as her story unfolds, one thing is certain: she’s turning up the volume on her dreams, and the world is listening.