In our Sport DJ Spotlight series, we celebrate the people behind the music played at sporting events across the world.
From stadium announcers and DJs, to music curators and media teams, each team or event across the world of sport will have someone picking the songs that set the tone in the build up to the start of the sporting action and inbetween it – whether in the stadium/arena itself, or in a fanzone or the finish line. Our Sport DJ Spotlight Q&A brings you insight into how these people got their start, what influences the choice of music they play at their team’s matches and more.
Our latest Sport DJ Spotlight feature is with Niels van Alphen, Stadium DJ at Dutch Eredivisie side Willem II.
Sport Playlists: When did you begin DJing?
Niels van Alphen: I started DJing at a young age, my dad and uncle did it also back in the day. Me and my twin brother got some equipment and started DJing in back yards at kid parties together. My brother stopped and I did go on with it on my own. Went from graduation and birthday parties to business events and local bars when I got older.
SP: How did you get into the role at Willem II?
NvA: My Uncle had an audiovisual company and was a sponsor at Willem II. He was asked to renew the equipment and they were searching for some extra DJs back then. So I rolled in to it. I think that was more than 10 years ago.
SP: Did you go to watch live football or other sports when you were younger? If so, can you remember your earliest experiences of that?
NvA: My uncle always had some seats at Willem II when I was born back in 1996 until last year. They also saw some Champions League football in Tilburg back in those days. I went loads of times to Willem II since I can remember I think beginning of the 00’s. I come from a village near Eindhoven so when I was younger I also went to see PSV multiple times because it was close to home.
SP: In your time at Willem II, who’s the best player you’ve got to see in action?
NvA: I think the player the best I’ve really seen is Alexander Isak, but it was just half a season. My favourite player of the last decade is Fran Sol. He became a real club icon.
SP: What’s the best moment or game been in your time working at the Koning Willem II Stadion?
NvA: I will name two. We reached the finals of the national cup [KNVB Beker] a few years ago. But I think the best match was a 5-0 win over PSV. Of course Fran sol scored a hat trick in that game!
SP: What influences the choices that go into your playlist ahead of a matchday – is it completely your call on what gets played, or do you have players, club staff, fans etc. requesting you to play certain tracks?
NvA: Since I’ve been here for a long time, I know most of the tracks we can’t play in the stadium, which is also important. I also have a meeting with the club on what tracks are preferred each season. We also got a script so some of the tunes are always there on the same time each matchday. In between those moments it’s up to me to decide, of course within the guidelines I get from the club.
SP: What sort of atmosphere do you like to create in the build-up to kick off at the Koning Willem II Stadion with the music you play? Has that changed over time the longer you’ve been in the role?
NvA: Most matchdays we start off quiet. When the players come on for warming up we build it up a bit and a few minutes before kick-off we go to the the harder styles to get the Kingside warmed up. Sometimes I play a bit with the music like on rainy days for example – play some tunes connected to circumstances and see if anyone notices. Also with halftime and after a match, the music is different depending if we win or not.
SP: What are your favourite genres of music or artists you like to select for your setlist/playlists?
NvA: I do love to play a bit all-round, I don’t like to do just one style of music but listen and see what happens when you play the different genres.
SP: Do you have a favourite track to play to motivate the fans in the build-up to a match?
NvA: I love to play ‘Fistpumpin’’ by Ransom. I always try to time this to the player walk out. Supporters had their own version of this song a few years ago. You get reaction from them when you play this tune so that’s always nice!
SP: Who is your favourite artist/band of all time?
NvA: There’s not really one specific artist. I have been to a few Chef’special concerts though, so let’s go with them.
SP: Are there any other sports events or teams that you’ve DJ’d at along with Willem II? If so, what were those experiences like?
NvA: Just the local football club in Veghel back in the day I think. We did do some matches of the Women Euro’s in 2017. Totally different atmosphere. Was fun to do, but I’m always happy when we get back to club football at the end of summer.
SP: What are the biggest lessons you’ve learnt from working in your role at Willem II?
NvA: That sometimes knowing what not to play is just as important as what you can play. You don’t want to play any song related to rivals for example.
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