EXCLUSIVE: Hannah Laing on Doof in the Park, Dundee pride, and building a global career

Hannah Laing is hosting Doof in the Park this Saturday (Picture: Bex Day)

This weekend, Dundee’s music scene hits a new high as Hannah Laing brings her biggest project to date home – Doof in the Park, a brand-new festival taking over Camperdown Park on Saturday.

I met Hannah as I walked onto the festival site for the first time. She greeted me with a warm smile and a kind compliment about Dundee Culture and the recent coverage promoting the event – a reminder of how connected she still is to the local community.

We met at Camperdown Park for a quick chat about her journey so far, her love for Dundee, and what lies ahead.

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What first drew you to music, and how did your first gig come about?

Well, I’m really into music because my mum and dad were massive 90s ravers. When I was growing up, they always had music going in the house. I started going to events in Dundee when I was about 15 – and I was hooked!

I ended up meeting a bunch of guys who ran their own events in Arbroath. I helped them out doing a bit of PR – handing out flyers so I could get free tickets. We went to after-parties together, and they had decks. Eventually, they gave me my first gig in Arbroath.

What does it mean to you to host and headline your very own festival here in Dundee?

It’s so surreal! To have an event like this in my hometown – this is something I wouldn’t have dreamed of many moons ago.

It’s amazing that all these people have bought tickets just to see me – and that will never feel real!

You’ve played huge events like Big Weekend and Carnival 56 – how does the atmosphere in the build-up to Doof compare?

Playing Big Weekend a few years ago was mental! The stage was packed out and I had so much support. If it’s anything like the Big Weekend atmosphere, then it’s gonna be incredible!

You’ve DJ’ed all over the world – from Ibiza to New York – but now you’re back home. What makes you proud to be Dundonian, and what does Dundee mean to you?

Dundee means everything! I still live here, I’ve always lived here, and all my family and friends are here.

I think nothing compares to doing something in your hometown.

The support here is incredible – and it’s going to hit differently!

You’ve got three EPs in the works – what can fans expect? Are there any sounds or themes you’re excited to explore?

I love multiple sub-genres like techno, trance, and hard dance – and I don’t like to limit myself.

That’s reflected in both my DJ sets and my production.

So each EP will focus on one of those genres to showcase the sounds I love to play!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career in DJ’ing?

You can expect a lot of knockbacks and a lot of no’s. There were so many times throughout my journey where I was desperate to get gigs and it felt like I was being set back.

But I’d tell my younger self to keep pushing on – it helps you grow. It’s got me to where I am now and makes you work even harder.

We actually have a few things in common – we’re both Dundonians, both started in our teens, and we both went to Harris Academy. Ever since I found out you went to Harris, I’ve been eager to ask – what house were you in?

The burgundy one? [laughs]

Birnam, I think?

I’ve actually not thought about that in many years! I just remember the colour of the badge!

Finally, what’s next for you after Doof? What does the rest of 2025 – and even 2026 – look like?

Yeah! I want to continue touring full-time – that’s literally my dream job.

You can also expect Doof to grow, bringing in upcoming artists and giving them the chance to grow too.

It’s all about building the Doof brand and taking it to the next level!

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As Doof in the Park takes over Camperdown, it’s clear that this isn’t just another gig for Hannah Laing – it’s a full-circle moment. From handing out flyers in Arbroath to headlining her own festival in Dundee, Hannah’s story is one of graft, community, and unwavering belief in her craft.

What makes it even more special is that she’s never forgotten her roots – still living in Dundee, still repping the city, and now using her platform to lift up the next generation of artists. With three EPs on the way, a full touring schedule ahead, and plans to grow Doof even further, it’s safe to say this is just the beginning.

In Hannah’s words, it’s all about showing what’s possible – especially when you stay true to where you come from.