A compelling 90 minutes of progressive from rising producer Kallisto…

New Zealand-born Kallisto is steadily making a name for herself with ear-catching sets crafted for progressive house purveyors. Since relocating to Melbourne, it’s a skill that’s not gone unnoticed, landing her on lineups alongside the likes of Hernan Cattaneo, Kasper Koman, Eelke Kleijn, GMJ & Matter, Subandrio and more.

She’s a relative newcomer to world of production, yet already boast releases on Germany’s TRIP and emotions label and Australia-based UGNENIUS crew. Most recent release ‘Meraki’, on the Almar imprint, is a big slice of dancefloor fodder, hinting at what’s to come from the young producer. Couple that with a growing Youtube channel featuring live Kallisto mixes, and all signs point towards an artist to keep tabs on.

On this Balance Selections mix, her ability to craft compelling stories are on full display. Featuring tracks from Hernan Cattaneo, Kostas Outta Agustin Peros and more, it’s vintage progressive filled with melodic drama and spacious euphoria that is perfect for getting lost in.

Balance Series · Balance Selections 302: Kallisto

Tracklist
1. Maze 28 – Cry of the Deserts (Molac & Nicolas Viana Remix)
2. ELECGROUND – Molecule (Felipe Gurascier Remix)
3. Andre Moret, Mariusso – Don’t Look (Instrumental Mix)
4. Edu Schwartz – With Me (Weird Sounding Dude Remix)
5. Kostya Outta, Kamilo Sanclemente – Starlight (Callecat Remix)
6. Kostik Makso – Always in My Mind (Gai Barone Extended Mix)
7. Einmusik – Walensee (Original Mix)
8. Super Flu, Malive – Loira (Original Mix)
9. Dave Walker, Luis Damora – Luna (Original Mix)
10. UNIV3RSE (sL) – Magical Voice (Miguel Ante Remix)
11. Agustin Petros – Transformations (Luciano Elvira Remix)
12. CamelPhat, Shimza, Idd Aziz – BADO (Extended Mix)
13. Anton Borin (RU) – Submerged (Four Candles Remix)
14. Kasey Taylor, Karl Pilbrow – Alluvium (Original Mix)
15. Dave Seaman – YoHo (James Harcourt Remix)
16. Mercurio, Hernan Cattaneo – Quick Kick (Original Mix)
17. Kostya Outta – Chasing Highs (Original Mix)
18. Benja Molina – Foraker (Original Mix)
19. BOg, Diana Miro, 19:26 – Underwater (Hernan Cattaneo & Marcelo Vasami Remix)

Balance Selections Q+A

Name: Melanie Carr
Location: Melbourne
Alias/Producer name: Kallisto
Labels affiliated with: Ellum, Spectrum, Diynamic, Pets
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My last 3 releases

What music did you listen to as a child?

Looking back, it’s no surprise that music became such an important part of my life. My parents had quite the eclectic taste. Our Road trips through New Zealand were sound tracked by that classic mix of country rock and roll. On any given day I would be listening to Elvis, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and The Eagles spinning on vinyl.

When was the first time you realised that you liked electronic music?

Probably around the time I got an Above & Beyond tattoo (no regrets there!). My first real experience in the dance scene was seeing them live when I was 20, which opened up a whole new world of euphoric sound.

It took some time to find my style, transitioning from trance to deep house, then melodic techno, which finally led me to progressive house. A few years later, I found myself at Sisyphos in Berlin. Let’s just say I stumbled (or got pulled) into a secret room with prog house playing and I was sold. No turning back after that!

When was the first time you saw a DJ in a club?

I started sneaking into clubs in New Zealand at 16 with a fake ID (sorry Mum!). It was mostly R&B and drum & bass at the time, but when I moved to Melbourne at 19, the scene was a revelation. My nights were spent at iconic venues like Palace Theatre (Anyway Club), Billboards, Revolver, and 161.

Palace Theatre, with its grand design and stage setup, blew me away – it felt like I was at a festival main stage. Melbourne definitely took my clubbing experience to the next level.

Which artists inspire you?

I draw a lot of inspiration from Australian music and art festivals, where I’m constantly exposed to new sounds, set designs, and creative experiences. I believe in mixing both well-known and underground artists in my sets – if it fits, it fits!

Right now, I’m vibing with Gai Barone, Redspace, Maze 28, and some of Hernan Cattaneo’s new releases. But inspiration for me is fluid; it’s always evolving with every new track I hear.

What was the last album that you liked?

Desire by Anjunadeep, featuring Dosem. You can expect high-energy progressive house with hypnotic techno and trance elements.

Anjunadeep · Dosem – Desire

What is your current production and DJ setup like?

I’m working out of a spare bedroom-turned-studio that I’ve sound treated. Luckily it’s good enough to not get too many complaints from our understanding neighbours… For gear, I use iLoud studio monitors and produce with Ableton Live 11. Some of my favourite synths include Pigments, Serum, and Kickstart 2.

My DJ setup features a DJM800 and 2000 Nexus CDJs. It’s a solid combination that serves me well during performances.

What releases do you have on the horizon?

Stay tuned! I’ve been putting in the hours in the studio to craft something that really aligns with my sound. I can’t say too much just yet, but I’m really excited about what’s coming next.

Where can we hear you perform?

I’ve been taking some time off live performances to focus on studio work, but you can catch my monthly sets on YouTube. I’m building a dedicated audience there, and I’ll be keeping my Instagram up to date with any upcoming gigs. Keep your eyes peeled!

Tell us more about the podcast you made for Balance?

Being asked to do a Balance Selections podcast was a bit of a milestone for me so I’ve put a lot of thought into it. It’s filled with tracks from some of my favourite artists like Dave Seaman, Hernan Cattaneo, Gai Barone and Kostya Outta.

I curated the set on Rekordbox and recorded it live on my CDJs, keeping it raw and authentic. Expect a journey through deep progressive house with organic touches, melodic elements, and hypnotic flow.

The top track in my DJ set currently is: