Not everyone trades in their life working in television at BBC London, getting paid to meet iconic celebrities such as David Bowie, for a life in Kelmscott where Perth nightlife is almost nonexistent.
Feeling like there was a hole in his life after leaving the UK, Stephen Bulfield set out to find a spark for life.
His next adventure? DJing.
In a yellow leather jacket with a silver chain around his neck, Stephen arrived at the first step of Perth’s DJ competition at nightclub The Court and began his interview.
At 64 years old with no previous DJ experience, the DJ Bully persona was born.
Derived from his school nickname bully – a play on his surname Bulfield – Stephen said the thrill of the DJ competition ignited a spark, enveloped by the reminiscence of his childhood.
“I wasn’t called bully since I was a teenager, so to be able to bring that back and combine it with my love of music, I’ve gone back to my youth,” he said.
Although the competition was seeking people with no DJ experience, Stephen said his age was “already a barrier” for breaking out in the tough industry of DJing and musical entertainment.
“I’m 64 years old so even at the auditions, everyone is looking at me like ‘what’s this guy doing here,” he said.
“Music speaks to me. It’s magical. You get the tingle down your spine and that’s what I love about music, and I want to be able to create that on my dance floor.
“I want everyone on my dance floor to get goosebumps.”
Stephen said his love of music inspired him to test the waters as a DJ.
“I’ve always loved music. I started playing percussion and timpani when I was 12,” he said.
“What I love about dance music is the way you can’t help moving.
“It can take you on a journey. You can start off in a certain kind of mood, and then 20 minutes later, an hour later and then suddenly you’re in a whole other space.
“There are tunes going around in my head all the time. I’m constantly tapping my foot.”
Initially, Stephen thought he failed the interview but was ultimately selected as one of the 100 competitors out of 400 applicants.
After six weeks of intense weekly training, his DJ skills will be put to test in a real-life situation at The Court over two days in August, where five DJs will play simultaneously for 25 minutes each before rotating.
Stephen said he was hoping to introduce the music he enjoys listening to in his set.
“I like music that is a little bit cheeky,” he said.
“One song I like it’s called Bonkers. It’s got a regular theme and lyrics, and then it all stops, and you hear this English voice saying bonkers. I like music that surprises me.
“Because I love what I play so much, I want other people to hear it and love it and come back for more.”
Although Stephen “can’t wait” for the August 23 and 24 competition, he said he was also “terrified”.
“I’ve got to practice, practice, practice,” he said.
“Learning to be a DJ in record time and then doing it in front of a crowd. Am I going to be able to pull it off?
“You have to keep their attention. You had to grab their attention. You have to create a social media presence so people can find you.
“Never mind learning to DJ, I’ve got to learn how to use Instagram.”
Winners of the WA DJ competition, which is hosted by Your Shot, will be selected to compete on a national stage next year, with the possibility of travelling to the US, Canada, Croatia and Indonesia for further DJ competitions and experiences.
Although Stephen said he would be interested in continuing to have DJ gigs in Perth and the chance to travel the world doing something he loves, he credits everything he does to his partner, Dylan Duff.
The couple moved to Perth, Dylan’s hometown, to be closer to family after he suffered a horrific stroke which required brain surgery to remove a portion of the skull for better
blood flow.
“I said music was my first love, but the love of my life, of course, for 25 years now is Dylan,” Stephen said.
“Everything I do is for him, even DJ-ing!
“Caring for him, managing all his affairs, his therapies and appointments and all his NDIS business is my full-time job.”
Adapting to life in WA from London was difficult, but it has meant the most for his partner and his family, and has also provided Stephen with music opportunities.
“If I was still in London and I saw this DJ competition advertising, I’d probably just think ‘oh, that’d be cool,’ and then let it go,” he said.
“I didn’t expect this, but I think I could actually pull it off.
“I’m proud that I’m representing Kelmscott, I’m proud that I’m representing all the 60- to 70-year-olds, I’m proud that I’m representing more gay people, and I’m proud that I’m representing everyone who loves music.
“I’m proud that I can get up there and be myself and show the crowd what I love.”
