Stuart ‘stussyb’ Baillie is a DJ and producer based in New York City. Originally from Manchester by way of London, his sound is shaped by a lifelong love for house, rave, and the UK’s electronic underground. Now building his own label, hardcore.disko.records, and releasing genre-fluid tracks, stussyb is focused on emotional connection, dancefloor energy, and live audiovisual evolution. His upcoming release, ‘Back Around’, is an electrifying pulsating breakbeat anthem set to electrify dancefloors worldwide.
Where are you based and what’s the story behind the name?
I’m stussyb, short for Stuart Baillie, currently based in New York. It’s a name that stuck over time.
Were you connected with music from a young age, or was there someone who inspired you?
I remember cutting samples on my dad’s old-school Hi-Fi using my older siblings’ 7” record collections. Hearing New Order, Blue Monday for the first time completely blew my mind. That electronic sound had me hooked.
What first kickstarted your musical journey?
Buying my first pair of SoundLab belt-drive decks as a teenager. They were difficult to use, but they got me started.
Tell us more about your sound and how it’s evolved.
I fell in love with electronic music young, and rave music shaped my teens. From there, I grew into house, then breaks. Now I appreciate all kinds of dance music. A great tune is a great tune.
Any advice for new artists or producers?
Follow your heart and ignore the haters. Just the fact that you tried means you’re already ahead.
How do you approach networking and building industry relationships?
It’s been organic. My first release focused on distribution, and the second focused on promotion. Each step has helped grow my network naturally. Next, I want to play live, a hybrid DJ and production set with strong visuals.
Is there someone you’d like to thank for helping you evolve?
DJ Stu Allan (RIP). He had such a wide knowledge of genres, from soul to hardcore. His radio shows were essential listening growing up.
Name three albums or labels that have had the biggest impact on you.
N-Joi, Live in Manchester for its structure and energy.
Fred Again, USB because every track hits differently.
Defected Records, Simon Dunmore built something incredible.
What’s your favourite piece of studio gear or software?
My Novation K-Station. I can sit for hours with the arpeggiator. I’d say the Roland TB-303 if I owned one — maybe one day!
What’s your favourite club or festival and why?
The Brooklyn Mirage. The rooftop, the sound, the 200ft video wall, it’s next level. I saw Bicep there and it was breathtaking.
Any outlandish rider request?
A British pub pop-up backstage with a full Sunday Roast and all the sides. I’ve lived in the US 10 years, but I still miss the classics!
Favourite clubbing memory?
Nero at XS in Vegas. The way they blended live remixing with DJing was next level. It’s something I still dream of recreating.
What quote best represents you?
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” – Ferris Bueller
“For everything, a reason.” – Ian Brown
I live by both.
If you could play any venue in the world, where would it be and why?
Ministry of Sound. I spent countless nights there during the Defected era in the early 2000s. It always had that magic.
Music is…
…the answer to your problems. Keep on moving, and you will solve them.
One track you couldn’t live without?
Joe Smooth – Promised Land (version)
Name drop some of your all-time favourites.
Tune (Past): The Prodigy – Android
Tune (Present): Propsa – This Rhythm
Artist (Past): Cassius
Artist (Present): Armand Van Helden
DJ (Past): DJ AM
DJ (Present): Carl Cox
What was your first real break in music?
I interned at Strawberry Studios in Manchester after pestering the owner. That short experience lit the fire for me.
What are your plans for the future?
More releases as stussyb, more uptempo work, and growing hardcore.disko.records by signing key artists. I’m also focused on building unique live shows with immersive AV experiences.
Any final words of advice?
Great things have small beginnings.
