Canadian Talent STIRLING Closes Summer With Carl Cox Essential Mix Support & Fresh Releases

tom57138
4 days ago
4 min read

In pursuit of his passion for music, London, Ontario’s STIRLING made the bold decision to leave behind a company he co-founded and fully immerse himself in the industry. Within less than a year, he has released on a host of leading labels, gained support from Solomun, Jamie Jones, Sam Divine, and Mark Knight, and was featured by Carl Cox on both BBC Radio 1’s Essential Mix and his recent Space Miami set. This milestone captured the attention of the global electronic music community and continues to spread through viral channels.

In September, Carl Cox closed his vinyl set at UNVRS in Ibiza with STIRLING’s unreleased remix of “Dark Beat”, sparking a standout reaction from the crowd. Earlier that night, he also played STIRLING’s rework of the 1997 club classic “Fired Up”, with both moments broadcasted internationally on BBC Radio 1. For an emerging artist, having two tracks included in a single Essential Mix is a rare endorsement and a defining career milestone. Cox has since continued to champion both records on global stages, further underlining his support with the words “Cream always rises to the top. Keep it going, your tracks are the reason I keep going. Just sharing the love.” - Carl Cox.

STIRLING’s growing discography already reflects both range and credibility. After debuting on Alleanza, he has gone on to release with Farris Wheel Recordings and Don Diablo’s HEXHIBITION, consistently charting across international clubs and radio. October 2025 marks two further milestones: “Bang To The Rhythm” with house legend Mr. V on There Was Jack (October 10th), and “I’ve Got Bad Habits” featuring Dan Diamond on Toolroom Trax (October 24th). These releases reinforce his reputation as a producer delivering consistent, dancefloor-fueling records.

STIRLING comments:

“I left a company to bet everything on music and share what I truly love. It’s been a rollercoaster of amazing moments and natural doubts, but then Carl Cox played my tracks on the Essential Mix. That gave me the confidence that I’m moving in the right direction.”

STIRLING’s path into music began outside the industry. After co-founding and scaling a beverage startup, Matt Stirling made the bold decision to step away and focus entirely on production and DJing. “It was the scariest and most honest decision I have made,” he reflects. His transition included a study trip to Ibiza, time working alongside established producers and iconic artists, including Huxley, Reelow, Funk D’Void, Defex, Marc Romboy, and a mentorship in Ontario.

Within just twelve months, his studio output evolved rapidly, defined by tight rhythms, driving basslines, and vocal-led elements crafted to resonate on both underground dancefloors and festival stages. He is now managed by Seamus Haji, A&R Manager at Defected, and works closely with Matt McKillop of Soul Central, renowned for a stream of club hits over the years. STIRLING is also supported by The Everyday Agency, an award-winning team whose roster of collaborations includes Kenny Dope, Todd Terry, David Morales, Kevin Saunderson, Paul van Dyk, and Shermanology, underscoring a clear trajectory of growth, credibility, and influence within the electronic music scene.

There is also a personal dimension to STIRLING’s story. His transition from entrepreneur to artist reflects a broader post-pandemic movement among creatives unwilling to delay their sense of purpose. He speaks candidly about the role of mentorship, community, and humility in accelerating his growth, citing both the producers he studied with in Ibiza and the mentors who guided him back home in Ontario. This supportive ecosystem has fueled his rapid development, while his Canadian perspective brings a distinctive voice to the global scene: a tight-knit local community driving an international reach, and a producer navigating the balance between underground credibility and broader accessibility.

Performance highlights from the past year include sets at Back To Mine for Days of Disco at Pikes in Ibiza, the Brighton Music Conference, and established venues in Toronto and Windsor, most recently appearing at Elevate Festival. His style, a blend of Tech House and Techno rooted in classic House foundations, has earned widespread support from respected names including Solomun, Mark Knight, Tini Gessler, KASIA, ESSEL, DJ Disciple, and Crusy, with radio plays from BBC Radio 1, Kiss FM, Toolroom Radio, Mambo Ibiza Radio, Data Transmission, and Select Radio.

What distinguishes STIRLING is a methodical approach. The operational discipline that once drove his entrepreneurial work now informs his release strategy and studio output. “I want the records to feel inevitable in a set,” he explains. “Hooks that DJs trust, drums that dancers feel, and enough personality to cut through on radio.”

With licensing conversations underway for his remixes, a packed release schedule, and growing international recognition, STIRLING is poised for an important next phase. Endorsement from Carl Cox on the Essential Mix has signaled that STIRLING is an exceptional talent with global appeal, rapidly emerging from Canada’s electronic music scene.

Next release:

STIRLING feat. Mr. V - Bang To The Rhythm