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 feature is with Stu Wakeford – Matchday Presenter/Producer for Premier League side Brentford FC at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Sport Playlists: When did you begin selecting the matchday music for Brentford?
Stu Wakeford: Pretty much as soon as I joined in 2020!
SP: How did you initially get into the role?
SW: I was working at Soccer AM, then when Brentford were moving into the Gtech we had a chat about a potential opportunity creating the production for the club’s big screen experience on a matchday as we’d never had that before. It was the club I’ve supported my whole life so I jumped at it and have loved every minute! I also get to host matchday with our legendary PA announcer Peter Gilham which is an unbelievable privilege.
SP: Did you go to watch much live football or other sports when you were younger? If so, can you remember your earliest experiences of that?
SW: Yeah, so my dad took me to my first Brentford match in about 1991 I think?! My earliest memories are probably from about 1993 though watching from the New Road and Ealing Road terraces at Griffin Park. I was hooked straight away and loved going with my dad or my mum when she came along too.
SP: In your time at Brentford, who’s the best player you’ve got to see in action – whether that be for Brentford or an opponent?
SW: Whilst working here, we’ve obviously gone up against some of the best players in the world like Cristiano Ronaldo, Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Harry Kane etc. I actually think Declan Rice has been class every time he’s played against us, so obviously I’m going left field and saying him. I love a central midfielder!
But because I’m biased: Bryan Mbeumo, Ivan Toney, Christian Eriksen, where do you start! I also think Christian Norgaard, Mikkel Damsgaard and Mati Jensen are criminally underrated. Said Benrahma was ridiculous in the Championship, Josh Dasilva as well was basically a cheat code!
Sorry you wanted one didn’t you, but I can’t pick just one!
SP: What’s the best moment or game been in your time working at Brentford?
SW: The first game in the Premier League against Arsenal was magical, seeing the stadium finally full with fans, beating a club of their size in our debut game at that level was all a bit emotional.
However, I have to say the Play-Off Final at Wembley. It’s possibly the best day of my life and I cried my eyes out into Marcus Gayle’s arms at full time, which was a crazy moment as I’d watched him play as a kid. The celebrations after weren’t bad either!
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?
SW: It’s probably quite common knowledge how aligned and together the club is as a whole, so it’s by no means just me.
We speak to the football side a lot to discuss what players like for their warm ups. We’ve had guest playlists before at half time and social media is a great gauge of whether fans like the choices! I also have communication with a few people who sit in our west stand. Other club staff have also requested songs. For a while our owner picked the first song in the half time playlist. Now I have actually set up a little game where each half time playlist is themed and people have to guess the theme. But not many people know that!
I’m a big fan of Mikey Jonns and what he’s doing with This Feeling in giving upcoming bands a push, so I try and do that as much as possible too.
SP: What sort of atmosphere do you like to create in the build-up to kick off at the Gtech Community Stadium with the music you select? Has that changed over time the longer you’ve been in the role?
SW: It definitely has as our matchday presentation has developed. I’ve always been music obsessed so I know what impact it can have.
We actually have four different pre match playlists; as soon as doors open it’s maybe ‘softer’ with more current chart music and the odd classic. Then when the players come out for warm ups they like upbeat, high BPM, more ‘dancey’ tracks. After they leave for their final prep, we get the more atmospheric tracks to build the tension – ‘Insomnia’ for example.
At gigs I’m always looking out for what bands or artists walk on to as well. That’s where I got the idea for using ‘Turn the Page’ before teams come out as I love The Streets. It’s amazing how many others use it now, but I’m claiming that as the first!
SP: What’s your go-to in terms of the music and genres you like to select for playlists? Any favourite artists you gravitate towards playing on a regular basis?
SW: For the warm ups it’s generally dance and those amazing dance classics. I love DMAs, Blossoms and Courteeners so it’s probably no surprise that they pop up every now and then when appropriate.
That being said I wouldn’t say there are go-to artists – as long as it’s not too slow then I’m open to it. I’ve actually loved how this has helped me discover so many good new artists!
For our Women’s team fixtures the playlist is a lot different and I’ve loved the atmosphere at those games. A lot of singalong classics that get people moving!
SP: Do you have a favourite track to play to motivate a team and their fans in the build-up to a match, and why?
SW: ‘Hey Jude’ seems to have had a new lease of life since we’ve moved to the Gtech so it probably has to be that! Sorry, that’s such an obvious answer!
SP: Who is your favourite artist/band of all time?
SW: I’d probably have to say The Who! Me and my mates were obsessed with them growing up. Growing up in this part of West London I was so lucky with the local music history and my mum would always talk about nights out seeing The Rolling Stones and The Who. There’s so much history in this area that we’re very proud of – it’s basically the birthplace of British Rock’n’roll! (Well, I argue that!) Plus, Rod Stewart played for Brentford briefly!
SP: What are the biggest lessons you’ve learnt from your time working in your role at Brentford?
SW: I learnt very early that I can’t treat it as my personal playlist! There was one game in lockdown when I was stood in the stands in a parka and an opposition head coach shouted over to ask if it was my playlist as it was so obvious. He liked it at least!
I’d also say listen to people, involve them and appreciate the timing of the tracks as well. Music is such a big part of our matchday so it’s important. We’ve created some great moments post-match by listening to fan’s songs and integrating them to our lap of appreciation. I’ve always thankfully been pretty good at judging any ties or links to artists with opposition teams!
I’ve also tried to introduce some songs that I thought would catch on and create singalong moments but that hasn’t always worked!
Stu Wakeford
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