Hannah Laing on Doof 2026, playing at HÏ and her Dundee roots
- Andrew Batchelor
- 2 hours ago
- 8 min read
With Doof in the Park 2026 still a good few months down the line, anticipation is already beginning to build. The first details have started to drop, with general tickets going on sale today (31 October).
The opening phase of the line-up has already made waves, featuring trance icon Paul van Dyk and hard dance heavyweight Eddie Halliwell, joined by Belgium’s Novah, Dutch producer Maddix, genre-blending selector Odymel, and fast-rising talent The Rocket Man, who recently collaborated with Hannah Laing on her Doof label.
It’s another major milestone for the Dundee-born DJ and producer, who continues to push boundaries both at home and on the global stage.
Hannah’s name has become synonymous with energy, creativity, and a proud connection to her roots – something that shines through whether she’s playing at Hï Ibiza, Tomorrowland, or bringing thousands together in Camperdown Park.
When Hannah dropped by my studio on a beautiful “Sunny Dundee” autumnal afternoon, just off the back of concluding her incredible residency at HÏ Ibiza, it wasn’t the usual quick interview or formal press stop. It was a proper one-to-one: relaxed, open, and full of good chat.
We talked about Doof in the Park’s journey, the highs and challenges of her incredible year, and how she balances the chaos of touring with the calm of coming home to Dundee.
There was no rush, no hurry – just an honest conversation about her music, mindset, and the city that shaped her.
After the interview, Hannah signed my Doof hat – a small moment that somehow summed her up perfectly: down-to-earth, driven, and proud of where it all began.
We actually both have a lot in common. We are both from Dundee, both went to Harris Academy, both left school at sixteen to follow uncertain paths that eventually became our careers – mine with Dundee Culture, hers with DJing, and there is also the cool fact that Dundee Culture itself also shares a birthday with Hannah too!
And that shared sense of taking a risk and making something from scratch ran right through our conversation.
Andrew Batchelor (AB): Doof in the Park was absolutely epic. How did it feel to bring it to Dundee and bring it to life, and what was the process like from idea to execution to bringing it to 15,000 people?
Hannah Laing (HL): I’ve always wanted to do something big in Dundee. After two headline shows at the Caird Hall sold out, I thought, where next? Camperdown Park was the obvious choice – I’d played there before for Carnival 56 and Radio 1’s Big Weekend. I wanted to do my own thing there because the demand was there, and Dundee doesn’t have a consistent festival.
I’d never run a festival before, so I worked with EE Live – the team behind Terminal V. I trust them, and I’ve played for them before.
They handled the logistics while I focused on the creative side. It took a year to plan. I like to be across everything – which can make me my own worst enemy – but I care about the brand and the experience.
We added small touches, like audio paths, bagpipers when people got their tickets scanned, signs, everything to make it feel like a full festival from the second you arrived. Without EE Live, my management and my agent, it wouldn’t have been possible. It was a huge team effort.
AB: It really was a massive success. I saw all the reactions online – and I even saw signs teasing Doof 2026 and there is so much talk about it! People keep questioning how you're going to top Armin for instance?
HL: It’s not about topping Armin. He is one of the biggest DJs in the world and one of my biggest inspirations. Getting an artist of that level to Dundee was unreal.
Artists have busy schedules, and they only pick shows that are right for them. Now that we’ve done one successful Doof in the Park, it’s easier to get more artists interested.
But for me, it’s about picking people who inspire me – old-school acts and new talent alike. There’ll be something for everyone.
AB: You also managed to cater to different audiences with the different stages – including the Highlander stage, which celebrated your Ibiza roots. Will we see more of that setup next year?
HL: The layout will stay similar, but we’re scaling it up. The main stage will still be a big-top tent, and stage two will keep its greenhouse vibe, but everything will be bigger. The Highlander stage will definitely stay – it’s important to give up-and-coming Dundee artists that opportunity to play a festival alongside big names.
AB: You’ve come a long way since your residency days in Ibiza, and now you’ve just done one at the biggest club in the world. How did it feel going from smaller sets to landing your own residency at Hï Ibiza?
HL: Honestly, it was incredible. I’d been offered a residency at Amnesia the year before, but it didn’t feel like the right time. I didn’t want that pressure yet. I’m glad I waited, because Hï has such an amazing vibe.
When I first went to Ibiza, I was just working there and playing bars like the Highlander. Years later, to be offered a residency at Hï – the number one club in the world – was surreal.
It came with pressure, because it’s your night to fill every week, but it went well. Playing to an international crowd also taught me loads. Different audiences want different things, so I’ve learned to adapt my sets while keeping my sound.
AB: You’ve also done Doof Weekenders across the UK, in smaller and more unique venues. Has that been a way to stay connected to your roots while still experimenting with new spaces?
HL: Definitely. Doof Weekenders are about going back to my roots. I love the big stages, but there’s something special about small venues – that close energy you get with the crowd. I feed off their energy, and they feed off mine.
I’ve done spaces like the Fruitmarket in Glasgow and an old library in Newcastle. It keeps things fresh and exciting for both me and the audience.
AB: You did that surprise set at LIVEHOUSE in the underground car park for Dundee Dance Event. Everyone loved it. Are you looking to do more of those unexpected moments in Dundee?
HL: I love doing surprise sets. Even when people guess, it’s still fun to keep them wondering. I’ve always wanted to do more in unique Dundee spaces – places that deserve a bit of attention and could be transformed into something special. It’s definitely something I’d like to do again in future.
AB: What was the moment you realised DJing wasn’t just a passion anymore – that it could be your career?
HL: That moment came at Creamfields in 2022. I’d just signed a track to Patrick Topping’s label, and I was opening his stage.
I was worried no one would turn up early, but ten minutes before I started, it was packed – Scottish flags everywhere. That’s when I realised I actually had fans.
At the time, I was still working as a dental nurse. I was doing interviews on my lunch break, in my scrubs! But after that set, everything changed. The bookings came flooding in, and I realised I couldn’t do both. It was scary to leave a steady job, but it was the right move.
AB: I totally get that Hannah. It’s a big leap, but it can change everything. Leaving school was like that for me – I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, but then Dundee Culture started growing.
HL: Exactly. You know that feeling when things start to progress and you think, “I’ve made the right decision.” I love that we’ve both had that. And honestly, I love seeing things go well for you too, Andrew. Your articles are so well written, and everyone in Dundee supports what you do.
AB: When we last met before Doof in the Park, I asked what advice would you give to someone who wants to be a DJ, and you said always said to expect knockbacks. Have you had any recently that have helped you grow stronger?
HL: Definitely. Last year, I really wanted to play Tomorrowland. There were talks, but it fell through. It stung at first – it’s such a bucket-list festival. But this year, I actually got to play there. That just shows things take time, and persistence pays off.
AB: You’ve always been open about starting out as a DJ before you learned to produce. What was it like learning to make your own music from scratch?
HL: It was a huge learning curve. I met another DJ in Ibiza who produced music, and watching him build a track from nothing blew my mind.
When I got home, I started taking one-to-one lessons. Remixing was easier because you already had ideas to work with, but creating original music takes time.
Getting original vocals was tough – lots of people use the same royalty-free samples – but once I started working with singers and writers, it changed everything. Good Love was my first original vocal track, and it took things to a new level for me.
AB: Dundee’s clearly a big part of who you are. How has the city influenced you and your sound over the years?
HL: Everything started here. The Reading Rooms was massive for me – seeing international DJs in such a small venue really inspired me. I used to DJ at the Student Union, Fat Sam’s, bars, even birthday parties. Everything began in Dundee, so bringing Doof in the Park here was special.
It’s not just about the music either – the festival brings so much to the city. Salons, hotels, restaurants, they were all buzzing that weekend. Dundee’s supported me from the start, so it’s only right I bring something back.
AB: What’s been your biggest “pinch me” moment so far?
HL: Bringing Armin to Dundee, without question. Booking him wasn’t easy – Dundee’s not a major city for festivals, and this was our first one. But he was already on my radar because we’d made a track together, and his team were really supportive. Seeing him headline my own festival was surreal.
AB: Touring can be intense. How do you balance the chaos of travel with time for yourself?
HL: It’s something I’ve had to work on. I’m a total workaholic, and it caught up with me last year. I went on a five-day wellness retreat in November – no phone, no social media. It was all about switching off and focusing on being present again.
I learned breathwork and meditation there, which I still do before every show. It’s helped massively with performance nerves and anxiety.
I used to have a drink to calm myself, but now I just take a few minutes to breathe and centre myself. It makes a big difference.
AB: What’s next for the Doof label? You’ve signed new acts, and it seems to be growing fast.
HL: We’ve got more music coming, including a trance EP next year. The label’s expanding with more international artists, and we’re looking to do smaller Doof events around the UK and Europe.
We’ve also rebranded – updated visuals, new logo, new clothing. I want Doof to stand as a real brand, not just festival merch.
AB: Quick Dundee ones to finish – favourite Dundonian word?
HL: Ken. My friends, especially my Glasgow mates, always find it hilarious.
AB: Favourite spot in Dundee to chill?
HL: Honestly, I don’t go out much here anymore – it can be a bit hectic. But I still love the energy of the city.
AB: And finally, if you could play anywhere next in Dundee, what kind of space would it be?
HL: Somewhere intimate and totally unique – a space that’s never been or isn't usually used for gigs.
As we wrapped up our chat, one thing was clear – Doof in the Park isn’t just another festival. It’s a reflection of Hannah’s journey, her roots, and her relentless drive to put Dundee on the map for all the right reasons.
For Hannah, that’s Doof – a celebration of creativity, connection, and community. And while Doof 2026 might still be months away, you can already feel the excitement building.
If the last event proved anything, it’s that Dundee’s music scene is alive, proud, and louder than ever.
Doof in the Park 2026 takes place at Camperdown Country Park on Saturday 4 July 2026.
