Close Encounter: MeltX
After a solid set this weekend in the main room of Here and Now Club in Dublin, we had a close encounter with Limerick-born DJ MeltX. Not only did the breakout artist’s tracklist have the crowd on their feet from the moment the doors opened, MeltX was representing in a custom XYZ nylon boob tube and cargo skirt. The perfect fit. Get to know more about the super talent below!
Tell us a bit about your musical background? When did you realise music was what you wanted to do?
Music was always a big part of my life growing up. I started piano lessons at Limerick School of Music when I was around seven years old and began musical theatre singing at Croagh school of music when I was nine, doing the latter up until grade 8. I sang as a soprano in my secondary school’s choir in Laurel Hill Coláiste FCJ, conducted by the marvellous Ms Orla Colgan. She also taught me music for my Leaving Cert.
I guess performing on stage in front of a crowd has always been something I’ve enjoyed tremendously, and I guess DJing isn’t far off from that type of experience. My earliest memory of wanting to be a DJ and producer was when I heard the song “Stereo Love” on the radio coming home from school back in 2009. I vividly remember being in my head pretending that I had made it myself, which is kind of funny, but I remember it feeling like most rewarding sensation. Looking back now, it seems like I had some strange vision into my future. I know that I am happiest when listening to music. I even remember always stealing my dad's iPod to listen to old electronic dance hits at five years old. I’d go out into the garden, dance with his headphones on, and just feel on top of the world.
How did you make the journey into music production?
I was quite the computer nerd growing up. Also, I loved art, so I combined the two when I was eleven by making my own short films and entering them into festivals until I was eighteen. I transitioned from filmmaking into music production when I began composing soundtracks for my films. I was always drawn to electronic music from a very young age so when I decided to start producing techno at the age of nineteen it felt very natural.
You recently played in Index in Dublin, how was that? Where’s been your favourite place to play a set so far?
Playing in Index was undoubtedly special to me as that was where my techno journey began properly, back when I moved to Dublin in 2018. My friends and I used to go every weekend. I never expected that one day, people would be going to see me play there, so it was a pretty cool experience. Playing at the Four Four stage in the forest at BD Festival this year was probably my favourite experience. I adore playing at festivals. It was just a complete dream come true. The atmosphere was just unreal and perhaps the biggest crowd I had ever played to in my life.
What for you creates a solid set? Your pace is robust and consistent, what’s your secret?
I think that creating a sense of flow is vital. I try to achieve this by using a story-like structure: Introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and dénoument. I want people to genuinely feel like they’re on a journey through music rather than merely listening to one song being mixed into another repeatedly.
You’re signed by Speed management, how did this opportunity come about?
Around two years ago, Rachael Bailey scouted me and contacted me via Instagram, expressing her interest in working with me. After a couple of meetings, I was then signed to her agency, Speed Management. She has been an enormous help to me as an artist these past couple of years. Her advice and guidance have enabled me to thrive as a budding artist. I don’t know how I would’ve managed without her this past year with all my shows as I juggled a bar job and my final year studies.
What software would you recommend for producing and mixing?
I honestly believe that it doesn’t matter which one you use, but it’s down to how you use it. But if I had to recommend any, it would be Logic or Ableton. I’ve just found them to be the most efficient. In terms of mixing, you can never go wrong with Pioneer and Rekordbox.
Recent release Pass Out is a great track, and you lay down a free speed tune ‘Can’t Go Home Alone. What’s next for Meltx? I am spending a lot of time in the studio, so you can expect many more releases to come by the end of the year. In 2023, I hope to release my first-ever EP. My dream would be to release an entire album one day too. I have so many unreleased that I could do that now if I wanted to, but I want to ensure they are masterpieces.
Where can we catch you playing in the coming months? You can catch me playing in your favourite clubs around Ireland and some of your favourite European cities next year! You can stay up to date with all my gigs over on my Instagram @meltx__
What’s your dream venue / event to play? I’d be happy to play in any club in Berlin, like Club Ost or Trésor, but Berghain will always be at the top of my list. Then for some reason, I’ve always dreamt of playing at ADE. However, my biggest dream would be to have my own Boiler Room set one day! You just can’t get that intimate vibe with a crowd anywhere else. It creates a special union between the DJ and the dancers, a tight, intimate space producing an energy so unique and magical that you just can’t achieve anywhere else.
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Next up in our iD interview series is the hottest event photographer in town right now, Kodak Dan. His work has been causing a stir as he has been recognised by some of Ireland’s favourite electronic artists and clubs to capture intimate nightlife moments.