ID Spotlight || Stryder Staffa

This month is a complete takeover of the #IDSpotlight Segment by the Circus Mafia!

Meet The Jester, Stryder Staffa!

Name: Stryder Staffa
Rave Name: Stryder The Jester
Age: 31
Hometown: Tucson, Arizona, USA
Current City: San Diego, California, USA
Occupation: Circus Performer, Sound Tech, Event Planner, DJ, Magician, Model
Instagram: @stryderthejester
Facebook: Stryder Staffa

What was your first electronic music event?

Happy Sunshine Festival, MO 1999

What/who influenced you to attend your first event?

My friends were all going. I had just run away from home and was out on my own for the first time. I thought, why not, and hopped in the car with my friends.

What is one moment from an event that was special and why?

The special moments I have experienced at events are countless and amazing. I remember one time I was rolling down the street dancing atop a big red ball. Someone ran out and handed me a megaphone. Soon I had a whole parade of people dancing down the street with me. Someone suddenly came out to the street and yelled that they had to move their tent to the other end of the festival. So we, as a crowd, lead by a jester, on a ball, with a megaphone, carried the full size 10 person tent to the other end of the festival. We looked like a real parade, float and all, but impromptu. I love when people come together for ridiculousness.

What is your favorite festival or event?

Youtopia, the San Diego Regional Burn has been my favorite large, ongoing event, but my favorite events have been small, one time things. Usually 50-500 people. Moontribe is consistently amazing.

What is your favorite electronic song and why?

Tipper is my favorite electronic artist because of his unique style and the diverse nature of the music he creates. There’s no way I could pick a favorite song tho. There is so much out there, to pick your favorite, would be like picking your favorite snowflake.

Who are your favorite artists?

My favorite artists are Tipper, Bluetec, Mr Bill, Macrodot, Beats Antique, Caravan Palace, Mr Scruff, Kid Koala, and the list goes on…

What are your favorite genres?

Glitch, Electro-Swing, IDM, Bell-hop

What do you feel your “Identity” is in the electronic music community?

I am the jester. I am the prankster, trickster, joker, talking circles around squares, and forcing people to laugh at themselves and society by holding up the proverbial mirror. Plus, I dance atop a large free rolling ball while juggling, fire, knives, or anything, anyone throws at me, with a smile. I’m a heckler, heckler with a big heart, an even bigger personality, and a huge bag of tricks.

Is there anything else you would like to add about yourself for the readers?

I formed like the coal Santa left in my stocking, and knew I was bold but showed it by talking.
Hard and dark inside with potential to burn bright, I wondered the days and partied the nights.
Foundations shifted and buried me deep. I provided power, but sold myself cheap.
With all of my strength, I pushed for the light. A diamond in the rough, I fought the good fight.
Now I strive to let my facets shine. On top of the world, making the best of my time.
Totally clean, not tattered as charcoal, I’m set on a three ring so come see me sparkle.
Because I am a diamond studded circus.

A poem I wrote when I started the company Circus Mafia so my friends and I could start performing under one name. Over the years since we started the company, Circus Mafia, has become a camp name at most of the festivals in Southern California and consequently the southwest. I have since given up my leadership role in the company to pursue my own passions, but I still work the Festival Circuit any time I can.

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