Story

Slogan: "Everybody needs love and music"

Name: Charles Stif

Origin: Born in 1993, in Dunkirk, Hauts-de-France (France), Charles Stif is a DJ, producer, and composer who began his musical journey in 2010.

The Beginning

Charles Stif grew up in Zuydcoote, a small coastal town in northern France, in a modest family. With little exposure to the artistic world, he was raised by a secretary mother and a maintenance worker father. Alongside them lived his grandmother, who suffered from Parkinson's disease, with his mother taking on the role of caregiver, creating a challenging daily routine.

He attended Collège du Septentrion in Bray-Dunes before moving on to Lycée Angellier in Dunkirk, where he earned a baccalaureate in Economic and Social studies (ES). Despite academic success, Charles was shy, reserved, and struggled with confidence. Music became his escape during adolescence, where he immersed himself in diverse genres, from Red Hot Chili Peppers and Green Day to Hardstyle DJs like Coone, Headhunterz, and Korsakoff.

In 2008, he experienced a pivotal moment when he curated and played his first playlist at a friend's parent's wedding. Over the next two years, he became involved with the local association Atout Jeunes Zuydcootois led by Alexandre Verlé, where he discovered his passion for music, graphic design, and event organization.

In 2010, despite initial reluctance, his mother gifted him his first DJ deck for Christmas. On July 30, 2010, Charles officially launched his DJ career by performing at Jordan's birthday party in Dunkirk.

Early Career

From 2010 to 2012, Charles Stif performed as a DJ at Zatapasta in Dunkirk and L'Espadrille on the Malo-les-Bains boardwalk, performing under the name DJ Charles Ingalls. His evenings were marked by commercial hits and themed parties.

In 2012, he enrolled in a Technical Sales program at ULCO Dunkirk and joined the Student Office to organize university events. That same year, he founded Dreamix Live Association, bringing together 30 volunteers to organize music events in Dunkirk.

On July 5, 2012, during the Bal du Lycée Auguste Angellier at the Kursaal Dunkirk in front of 1,500 students, Charles had his breakthrough moment. He recalls playing Lykke Li's "I Follow Rivers," with the crowd singing along—a moment that solidified his dream of becoming a professional DJ.

Between 2014 and 2017, Charles became the resident DJ for Teens Party at Smile Club and Le Network Café in Lille. He also collaborated with Eclipse Show, introducing performances with a 2-meter-tall LED robot.

In 2014, he founded Music Eyes Design, an event and creative agency in Dunkirk, specializing in visual design, event organization, and media production.

In 2017, Charles earned two Master's degrees from ISCID-CO Dunkirk—one in International Communication and Public Relations and another in Economics.

International Career

Charles' international journey began in 2016 with performances at Bowl'inn De Panne in Belgium. From 2017 to 2019, he expanded his reach with shows at ENCG Dahkla in Morocco, Illusion Hotel in Barcelona, and exclusive venues in Japan, China, and Switzerland.

During the pandemic in 2020, Charles innovated by live-streaming his DJ sets from Greek islands and performing at Arctic Light Suite in Swedish Lapland. He also collaborated with New York producer AUR3LIAN and released his first single, "I am here," in May 2021.

In 2022, Charles performed at Park Hyatt Dubai, One & Only Le Saint Géran in Mauritius, and weddings across Europe. He also released "Mauritius" with Flo Sax and DJ Jerry Anna.

In 2023, his career brought him to Dior's Pop-Up Event in Bali and a luxury wedding in Malaysia

Key Milestones and Performances – 2024

• Residency at Bal Harbour Dubai – January & February 2024: Charles kicked off the year with a prestigious residency at Bal Harbour Dubai, delivering vibrant and immersive DJ sets tailored for the upscale venue.

• Residency at Smoki Moto – March 2024: In March, Charles brought his signature sound to Smoki Moto, captivating audiences with his energetic performances.

• Waldorf Astoria Residency – April & May 2024: Charles secured a two-month residency at the luxurious Waldorf Astoria, where his performances created unforgettable moments for international guests.

• One & Only The Palm – April 2024: Known for hosting lavish weddings, One & Only The Palm invited Charles to perform, creating a magical musical experience tailored to the romantic ambiance of the venue.

• Festival La Bonne Aventure – June 2024: Returning to his roots, Charles performed at the Festival La Bonne Aventure in Dunkerque. His sunset set on one of the main stages blended Afro House, gospel influences, and commercial remixes, receiving an ecstatic response from thousands of attendees.

• Wedding Season in France – Summer 2024: Charles spent the summer season performing at high-profile weddings across France, delivering personalized and emotional sets for each event.

• FRAC Corporate Event – September 2024: Charles headlined a major corporate event at FRAC Grand Large in Dunkerque, entertaining over 1,400 guests with an electrifying performance.

• Residency at Twiggy by La Cantine – December 2024: Charles began his residency at the prestigious Twiggy in Dubai, cementing his presence in the city's luxury hospitality scene.

• Fouquet's New Year Event – 2023-2024: Charles celebrated the arrival of 2024 with a high-energy performance at the exclusive Fouquet's, delivering an unforgettable start to the year.

• Performances at XU and Ninive Dubai – 2024: Charles performed at the renowned XU and Ninive venues, part of the prestigious Rikas Group. His sets brought a sophisticated fusion of Afro House and Arabic influences to these iconic Dubai locations.

• Tago Mago NYE 2024-2025: Charles headlined the New Year's Eve event at Tago Mago in Dubai, offering guests an unforgettable experience with a stunning view of the Atlantis fireworks display.

Music Releases – 2024

• "Moroccan Tea" featuring Omar Bouchmal and Moundir Rabeh – January 2024: Charles explored ethnic Arabic house and Berber voices in this deeply cultural and evocative single, blending traditional influences with modern house rhythms. The track was celebrated for its authenticity and ability to bridge cultural sounds with contemporary music.

• "The Line of Destiny" featuring Juliette Djender – November 2024: This Afro House and gospel-inspired track showcased Charles' versatility as a producer, receiving widespread acclaim.

Your DJ Academy and Your DJ Agency

• Your DJ Academy – November 2024: Charles launched Your DJ Academy, an online platform offering structured training for aspiring DJs, with curated playlists, video tutorials, and mentorship opportunities.

• Your DJ Agency – January 2025: Building on his academy's success, Charles founded Your DJ Agency, a talent agency dedicated to connecting emerging DJs with global event organizers.

Philosophy and Vision

Charles Stif's journey from a modest upbringing in Dunkerque to an internationally acclaimed DJ and producer reflects his dedication, resilience, and passion for music. His slogan, "Everybody needs love and music," remains a guiding principle in his artistic journey. Through his academy, agency, and electrifying performances, Charles aims to inspire the next generation of DJs while creating unforgettable moments on dance floors worldwide.

Looking ahead, Charles plans to expand Your DJ Academy internationally, release a full album of original music, and secure headline slots at major global festivals.

Stay tuned for more adventures to come…