DJ Hannah Laing launches state-of-the-art music studios in Dundee

A Scottish DJ has teamed up with two charities to launch new “state-of-the-art” music studios in an effort to help young people break into the industry.

Hannah Laing, who is hosting her own open-air festival in her hometown of Dundee next year, has joined forces with Turn the Tables and Street Soccer to launch doof Studios.

Located in Charleston, within the Change Centre – formerly known the Lynch Sports Centre – the studios will feature a professional suite for all forms of modern music production.

The studios will offer a range of community programmes, designed and delivered by Turn the Tables, which runs projects for socially disadvantaged people across Scotland.

Hannah Laing and Street Soccer Scotland members at doof Studios. Cian Mckenzie – Takt Agency via Supplied

The range of specialist programmes at the studio will include initiatives for young people facing poverty, and workshops for adults affected by homelessness, crime, addiction and mental health.

Offering group DJ workshops, mentorship, and free access to the studio for private practice, the studio will provide unique gateways for participants to play their first gigs – including DJing at the side of the pitch during Street Soccer’s training.

The studio has been designed to help build the confidence of ambitious artists who might not otherwise get the opportunity to learn alongside some of Scotland’s best DJs and producers.

Hannah, who has played festivals like Creamfields, Terminal V, Warehouse Project and Parklife, will give feedback to DJs and even offer opening support slots at future doof events.

“I get asked to help charities all the time, and I do as much as I can”, she said.

“When Robbie from Turn the Tables approached me about collaborating with his charitable DJ project in my hometown, I knew we could do something really special.

“The fact I grew up living around the corner and played football in what is now the Change Centre really brought it home for me.

“I truly believe that doof Studios has the power to change lives in Dundee. I can’t wait to support the community programmes and new talent that will come out of it.”

Doof studios will help train budding DJs. Cian Mckenzie – Takt Agency via Supplied

The project has been launched thanks to the help of a Crowdfunding campaign, which has raised over £12,000.

Turn the Tables director Robbie Tolson said: “I’ve been travelling to Dundee to run DJ workshops at the Change Centre for several years now.

“Since my first visit I had the vision for a community DJ studio there.

“I’ve been well aware of Hannah’s meteoric rise to stardom and it’s clear just how charitable she is. It was a no-brainer to try and get her involved in a project in Dundee.

“By working together on this exciting new project, we can reach even more people in the community and support them with access to more activities and opportunities.”