The Skinny on... Hannah Laing

What’s your favourite place to visit?
Ibiza because I have been going there for 14 years and the place is absolute magic. It has this unique energy that makes every visit feel like a new adventure. Whether it's the beaches, the incredible nightlife, or just the overall atmosphere, it never fails to amaze me. Each time I go, I discover something different. Some of the best memories of my life have been made there, and I can't imagine ever getting tired of it.

Favourite food?
Turkish food! It’s like a posh kebab but so much more than that, it always hits the spot.

Favourite colour?
Blue. It’s such a calming and beautiful colour. It reminds me of the sea, the sky and that feeling of being relaxed.

Who was your hero growing up?
Avril Lavigne. She was such a huge inspiration to me when I was younger. Her music spoke to me in a way that no other artist did at the time. I loved how she stayed true to herself and didn’t try to fit into a mould. Her songs were full of emotion and authenticity, and I still listen to them now with so much nostalgia.

Whose work inspires you now?
Amelie Lens, not just because I love her music, but because she’s such a good mum while still holding down a crazy touring schedule, which blows my mind! She proves that you can be successful in music while also maintaining a personal life, which is something I really admire. Her sets are always top-tier, and she has an incredible energy that makes her stand out. I also love how dedicated she is to her craft, constantly evolving and pushing boundaries.

What three people would you invite to your dinner party and what are you cooking?
Amelie Lens, Carl Cox, and Lucinda from Married at First Sight! I’d cook Turkish food, of course! Maybe a few mezze bits to start and baklava for dessert. And wine to keep the conversations flowing!

What’s your all-time favourite album?
Definitely Maybe by Oasis. It never gets old, no matter how many times I listen to it. There’s something timeless about it – the attitude, the raw sound and the lyrics all just hit perfectly.

What’s the worst film you’ve ever seen?
Insidious. I know a lot of people love it, but I just couldn’t get into it. I found it more frustrating than scary, and the storyline didn’t do much for me. Plus, I’m not a huge horror fan in general, so maybe that didn’t help!

What book would you take to a desert island?
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck. It’s such a great book for putting things into perspective, and I feel like if I were stuck on a desert island, I’d need that mindset! It’s funny, honest, and gives some really valuable life lessons without being preachy.

When did you last cry?
The other day when I found out Tiësto is closing EDC Las Vegas with a trance set. I cried happy tears because I never thought I’d get to witness it, and I’m obsessed with everything in his older trance catalogue. It’s going to be such a special moment!

What are you most scared of?
I’m pretty scared of animals in general. I never grew up around them, so I think that’s why. It’s not that I don’t like them, I just don’t feel comfortable around them. Even small animals like dogs or cats make me a bit nervous!

When did you last vomit?
Before my show in Newcastle a few weeks ago because I was nervous. It was such a big gig for me and the adrenaline was insane. Thankfully, I pulled it together and had an amazing night, but yeah, the nerves definitely got the best of me for a moment!

Tell us a secret?
I have a special intro planned for my Doof in the Park festival this year. I can’t say too much, but it’s going to be something really exciting that I know the crowd will love!

Which celebrity could you take in a fight?
Gemma Collins. No idea why, but I feel like that would be an interesting showdown haha!

If you could be reincarnated as an animal, which animal would it be?
Something cute since I’m scared of them ha! Maybe a meerkat?

What’s your favourite plant?
Cactus.

What’s one item you wish you could take to a music festival?
An Oodie for when it’s freezing at night. Festivals are amazing, but once the sun goes down, it can get so cold, and there’s nothing worse than shivering when you’re trying to enjoy the music. An Oodie would be a game-changer!

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Doof in the Park, Dundee, 5 Jul
Hannah Laing and rhys from the sticks' double single 4am in the Rave / Speed Is a Deed is out now via Doof
Follow Hannah Laing on Instagram @hannahlaingdj