We’re celebrating the amazing female talent on our 2024 lineup this International Women’s Day. One of those acts is Hannah Laing, who has had an unstoppable trajectory to the top of the electronic music scene.
Having been raised on a diet of Paul Oakenfold, Roger Sanchez and a treasure trove of Hedkandi cassette tapes, all from archives of her rave-loving parents, Laing doesn’t remember a time when she wasn’t surrounded by dance music. We caught up with Hannah to find out more behind her incredible journey and which women in the music industry inspired her the most.
When did you decide you wanted to be a DJ - was there a catalyst or did you know from a young age you'd work in music?
My parents are heavily into dance music as they were 90s ravers. Growing up, they always had the tunes on in the house, car etc. I started going to raves when I was 15 and really got the bug for it. I started selling tickets and handing out flyers for a local event so I could get free tickets to the raves and it was then I decided I wanted to learn to DJ as I was so passionate about the music and scene.
Which women in the music industry have inspired you the most?
Lisa Lashes, Lisa Pinup and Sam Divine have all inspired me growing up! Their journeys through the years have gripped me. I have always watched what they have been doing and I’m very influenced by their early hard house sound.
Did you face any challenges when you first emerged onto the scene? If so, what were they and how did you overcome them?
When I started 11 years ago, female DJs weren’t as popular as they are now. It’s amazing to see the scene now being a lot more inclusive! It should be an open space for everybody! I got some hate online back then and still sometimes do. This is part of putting yourself out there, most people I know have experienced it, not everyone will like what you do.
What advice would you give to any females looking to break into the industry?
Don’t let knock backs make you give up. This is all part of the process. Trick label rejected a lot of my tracks before I actually got anything signed. Let this drive you forward to progress and if you work hard and are persistent it will happen.
What song do you have on repeat right now?
Anyma – Pictures of You.
What's the best set you've ever seen?
Carl Cox at Global Gathering blew my mind.
What is your favourite thing about festival season?
Everyone seems to be in a great mood at festivals, especially when the sun is shining. There’s no better feeling playing to a festival crowd in the sun.
What can we expect from your set at Forbidden Forest this year?
Doof.
What else is in store for you this year?
I have just launched my record label Doof and I’m very excited to be putting on parties, releasing music on the label and discovering new artists.
What is one thing you can't live without?
Pickled Onions.
