Hannah Laing: Sobriety, resilience and her new community studio in Dundee

DJ and producer Hannah Laing enters a new chapter focused on sobriety, community projects and creative work in her hometown of Dundee.

Laing says the past year has been one of the most challenging of her career after losing her childhood friend shortly before debuting her hometown festival in Dundee.

She continued with the event and later cancelled shows for the first time, saying she found performing difficult in the weeks that followed.

She said other DJs who had gone sober told her the transition could feel difficult at first but becomes easier over time. Laing added that she believes her friend would have supported the change. 

Laing released a tribute track titled Have You Ever Loved (Ellie) with vocalist Hannah Boleyn, which was named BBC Radio 1’s Hottest Record last month. She described the song as particularly meaningful.

The past year has also strengthened her connection to Dundee, where she began her career as a resident DJ. She has opened a new community space called doof Studios, developed with social enterprise Turn The Tables, providing access to equipment, workshops and low-cost studio hire for young people interested in electronic music.

Laing’s touring schedule continues into 2026, with upcoming UK dates in Liverpool and London, alongside international shows in Montreal, Dallas and Austin before returning to Dundee for doof In The Park in July.

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Word Credit: Chris Loizou / Image Credit: Hannah Laing