Welcome back to ‘Matchday DJ Of The Week’, where in each issue we put 10 serious and not so serious quick-fire questions to a matchday DJ from the world of sport! This week we sat down for a chat with Harlequins’ Char Stape.
- Name: Char Stape
- Occupation: Matchday DJ @ Harlequins F.C.
- Club Website
- Stadium: Twickenham Stoop
- Capacity: 14,816
The Interview
SM: When did you take over as matchday DJ for Harlequins?
CS: My first match at Harlequins was on a Wednesday night back in September 2022 and I’ve been there ever since!
SM: How did you initially get into the role?
CS: I was reached out to by a member of Sports Pres company.
SM: Can you remember your first rugby match/stadium experience?
CS: I went to a big Harlequins game at Twickenham back when I was at Uni, I think they were playing Wasps.
SM: Would you say your first experience of live rugby and the memories of that day were motivation for taking on your role?
CS: I remember it being a great day out and an especially fun atmosphere so I guess it did contribute to my decision!
SM: In your time at Twickenham Stoop, who’s the best player you’ve seen wear the famous Harlequins strip?
CS: Probably Ellie Kildunne for me, she’s wicked.
SM: Who is your favourite artist/band of all time?
CS: This is such a tough question, as a DJ there are so many artists who influence me all the time so my decision is constantly changing. If I had to say a mainstream artist right now, it would probably be Beyoncé, especially after seeing her on her live tour. She is literally the GOAT.
SM: Which piece of music do you think is the ultimate track for motivating a rugby side?
CS: Oof another toughie, you can never go wrong with a bit of ‘Freed From Desire’! Although, I remember when I first played at the Stoop, I put together a heavier DnB set which included ‘Down Under’ by Luude, this was so fun to play and well received by the crowd.
SM: Do you have an all-time favourite track that you play at quins games?
CS: I love whipping out a bit of S Club 7 – there’s one remix in particular by Jax Jones called ‘Don’t Stop Movin’ which goes down really well.
SM: What are the main songs on your matchday playlist?
CS: I always change my sets up and pride myself on no repeats.
SM: On a final note, are there any funny mishaps/cock-ups that have taken place that come to mind when you think about your career so far?
CS: I reckon there are too many to count. This one is minor but I tend to leave the booth monitor on when I’m mixing so I can’t tell when the PA has taken me out and my music is no longer playing out in bowl, so I’m often still there dancing and singing away to myself until I realise.
We’d like to say a huge thank you to Char for taking the time to talk to us. We wish her and all of the Quins’ staff, players and supporters the very best for the upcoming campaign!
Are you a DJ who performs at sports clubs, stadia or events? We can deliver you the latest music for your sets. Get in touch via info@shootmusic.co.uk and we can add you to our free music promo list.
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