DJ and label founder Chris Stoker has died following cancer battle

London-based DJ and Not An Animal co-founder Chris Stoker has died, his label mate Andy Bainbridge has confirmed to Resident Advisor.

While his cause of death was not confirmed, Stoker was said to have been "quietly navigating" cancer treatment for the past three years, his wife revealed in November.

Stoker passed away on Thursday, May 7, Bainbridge confirmed.

Late last year, a fundraiser was launched to help financially support Stoker as he underwent treatment for stage three kidney cancer, and was later diagnosed with type one diabetes as a result of that treatment.

Stoker enjoyed a lengthy career in music as part of East London’s dance music community. Until its recent closure, he was a resident DJ at Hackney pub and venue The Gun, and headed up a party series named Bad Passion with events across London.

He also worked alongside fellow DJ Jamie Blanco as part of the production duo Ess O Ess, and founded his record label, Not An Animal, alongside Andy Bainbridge in 2015.

As part of Ess O Ess and with his label, Stoker worked with the likes of Suzanne Kraft, Man Power, Roman Flügel, Craig Richards and many more over the years.

In the fundraiser launched to support Stoker’s cancer treatment, his wife, Sarah, thanked those who donated, writing: "With love, thank you for helping our dear friend Chris. It means a lot."

Over £50,000 was raised toward Stoker’s advanced diagnostic testing, therapies, treatments and consultations to “improve his quality of life”, Sarah wrote.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor, follow her on X