Melissa Perales is a Berlin-based music and film curator, promoter, and consultant originally from Chicago. A key figure in Berlin’s independent scene since the 1990s, she founded the concert series M:Soundtrack in 2004 and co-founded Music Pool Berlin, supporting local artists with resources and mentorship. Her work centres on uplifting local talent, marginalised voices, and community building — from co-curating Torstraßen Festival for ten years, and launching We Make Waves and Night School Berlin, to curating Durchlüften, a transcultural music festival at the Humboldt Forum, and most recently, the Café Chocolat series. Through her company Supertape-Berlin, Melissa also works as a music supervisor for film and media. Melissa also has participated in many juries, specifically the International Music Journalism Awards at Reeperbahn festival (#IMJA). She is passionate community builder and advocate for equity in the arts, she continues to shape Berlin’s cultural landscape — when she’s not being a super mom, making playlists, or hosting legendary dinner parties.
