Words: Theo Thompson, Images: Press Shots
Styli’s career as a jack of all trades from dancer to promoter to DJ is nothing short of an inspiring narrative of passion, perseverance and transformation. His journey is defined by his unwavering dedication to both his craft and his identity, overcoming obstacles while pushing for inclusivity in an industry that still grapples with diversity. From his early beginnings in Cyprus to his current role as a prominent figure in Bristol’s underground music scene, Styli’s story speaks to the power of following one’s instincts, embracing change and challenging the status quo.
Early Beginnings: Dance as a Foundation for Creativity
Styli’s relationship with dance began at a young age, influenced by his mother, who was a dancer herself. “It was always dancing… my mum used to be a dancer back in the day,” Styli recalls, noting that his passion for movement started when he was just eight years old. His early experiences with dance laid the foundation for his creative expression, which would later extend into his DJ career.
After moving to the UK to pursue higher education, Styli’s relationship with dance deepened. “I moved here, got into uni, carried on dancing and then dancing started becoming a bit more of a job,” he reflects, revealing how his passion evolved into a source of income while juggling university life. His first choreographic opportunities seemed to come “out of nowhere,” an example of how his hard work and dedication to his craft opened doors organically.
Navigating Identity: From Cyprus to Bristol
Styli’s journey also encapsulates the complexities of navigating one’s identity, especially as a queer individual. Growing up in Cyprus, Styli’s sense of self was stifled by societal norms.
“Being queer back home at the time was just not a thing,” he admits. Moving to Bristol marked a turning point in his personal and professional life. “It was such a diverse place… the people I met here helped me shape my personality today and grow into this confident person I am today,” emphasising how this newfound freedom allowed him to embrace his identity fully.
This move didn’t just help him grow as a person; it also ignited his creative evolution.
“There’s more to life. There’s more out there. There’s more to me that I don’t know about,”
Styli says, embodying his journey of self-discovery and creative expansion.
From Dancer to DJ: A Seamless Transition
Styli’s transition from dance to Ding came naturally. “I started Ding the year I was dance director… I was watching YouTube videos on how to do things on some dodgy mixing software,” he admits, illustrating his self-taught approach to mastering new skills. His dance background gave him an innate understanding of how music and movement interact.
“When you are having a good time, people receive that 100%. Your job is to lead the dance floor, not just play the tunes that you want,” Styli explains, underlining how his experience as a dancer informs his work as a DJ. His unique ability to dance behind the booth while Ding adds an extra layer of energy to his performances. “People will remember you if you were having fun,” Styli says, capturing the essence of his philosophy: music is about connection and joy, not perfection.
Challenging the Norms: Pushing for Inclusivity
Styli’s work as both a DJ and promoter reflects his commitment to making the music industry a more inclusive space. He’s not afraid to critique the industry’s lack of diversity.
“When I started joining the music scene, I saw it was like a straight boys club,” Styli shares, noting that this motivated him to take action. “When it came to booking DIs for FUZE, I was going to do things my way. I prioritised female Dis, queer DIs and people of colour.” Styli’s approach to promoting and booking talent actively challenges the industry’s homogeneity.
For him, inclusivity is about more than just diversity on a line-up. It’s about creating a space where people feel safe to express themselves. “As a queer male, it’s the little things you start noticing when you go out… Do I feel safe? Do I feel like I can be myself?” Styli emphasises. He wants to see more than token diversity; he wants true equality. “Yes, you might see two females out of five on a line-up, but what slot are they playing? Often, those females are placed on early slots or smaller stages,” he critiques, highlighting the structural inequalities that still persist. His dedication to giving marginalised voices visibility is a central part of his work. “I want queer people on the front. I want females on the front,” he declares, making it clear that he’s committed to shifting the industry toward a more inclusive future.
Styli’s approach to career and life balance also stands out. As a creative director for FUZE UK, he faced significant burnout. “My creative juices were… running low. I said I needed some time to sort of just get my life back on track,” he admits. This honesty about the demands of the industry and the importance of self-care is a refreshing perspective. It led him to pivot to a less intense role in the events side of the company, where he could continue working in the music industry without sacrificing his well-being. “I look at the promoters, I look at the line-ups. If I don’t think it’s inclusive, I won’t play,” Styli says, emphasizing that his decisions are guided by his values, not just career opportunities.
The Power of Self-Belief and Reinvention
Styli’s career trajectory also demonstrates the importance of self-belief and reinvention.
“It’s never too late to reinvent yourself,” he says, drawing on his own ability to evolve and take risks. His advice to others mirrors this philosophy: “Just don’t let people tell you that you can’t do something because nobody else has done it… just try it.” This mindset has been essential to his success, as he’s not afraid to venture into new creative realms, whether that’s blending dance with DJing or advocating for diversity in the industry.
As Styli continues to build his presence in the electronic music scene, he remains committed to the values that have guided his career thus far: inclusivity, authenticity and connection.
He reflects on his journey with a sense of pride and anticipation for the future: “When you feel like you’re in a darker moment, reflecting on your achievements helps you crack on with what you’re doing.
Styli’s evolving story is a testament to the power of passion, resilience and the willingness to challenge the norms of an industry. As he continues to create memorable performances and curate safe, inclusive spaces, he remains a powerful force in the movement toward a more diverse and equitable music scene.
