A powerful story of resilience and transformation: DJ Hannah Laing's journey through grief.
The Power of Friendship
Imagine losing your best friend, the person who's been by your side since childhood, just days before a major career milestone. That's exactly what happened to Hannah Laing, a renowned DJ and producer. Her world was turned upside down when her friend Ellie Scanlan passed away, leaving her with a difficult decision: cancel her hometown festival or carry on in her friend's honor.
A Tough Choice, A Brave Decision
Hannah chose to push through, performing her DJ set despite the pain. But it wasn't easy. She saw a flag with Ellie's face in the crowd, and it all hit her at once. Yet, she persevered, grateful for the support of the Dundee crowd, who understood her loss.
The Impact of Grief
After the festival, Hannah canceled shows for the first time in her career, admitting she was struggling. She felt guilty about letting her fans down, but the understanding and support she received were overwhelming. No bad comments, just a sea of supportive messages.
Coping Mechanisms and Self-Realization
Here's where it gets controversial: Hannah reveals she turned to alcohol to cope with her grief. She partied to escape the pain, but soon realized it wasn't a healthy coping mechanism. She'd forget her grief while drinking, but the reality would hit her hard when the effects wore off. A sobering realization indeed.
Sober and Strong
Hannah has now been sober for 54 days, a decision she's proud of. Other sober DJs have reassured her that the adjustment takes time, and she's finding her way. She believes Ellie would be proud of her for making this change, as they were both known for their love of a good time.
A Strengthened Commitment
The events of the past year have strengthened Hannah's bond with Dundee. She started her career as a resident DJ at the students' union, building a loyal fanbase. Now, she's opened a community music studio, doof Studios, to remove barriers for young people interested in electronic music. It's a space to support those who might not otherwise have access to the industry, offering equipment, workshops, and a creative outlet.
Giving Back and Creating Opportunities
Hannah feels fortunate to be able to give back to her hometown. She plans to offer opportunities to emerging artists who show dedication. Some of the young people using the studio may even play at her festival, doof In The Park. It's a beautiful circle of support and growth.
A Tribute to Ellie
And this is the part most people miss: Hannah has released a track in Ellie's memory, 'Have You Ever Loved (Ellie)', named BBC Radio 1's Hottest Record last month. The vocal immediately reminded her of Ellie, and working on the track became a way to channel her grief. A powerful tribute to a beloved friend.
