Hannah Rad

Tell us about yourself and your content.

Simply: the most energy one human should ever be allowed to have.
*Available on Twitch and IG

How did you get started in the music industry, and what inspired you to pursue a career in music?

I always had a love of music and tried to play instruments, but failed famously at that (lol) … So I started a career in radio talking about music and also DJing at the same time.

What inspired you to be part OUTLOUD?

Outloud is an inspiration because it unequivocally allows you to be you and show up as your own superhero badass self. The fact that there’s always amazing creatives and music and art as part of the lineup is an added bonus to the community that Outloud brings together.

Have you faced any challenges or stereotypes as an LGBTQ+ artist in the music industry, and how have you overcome them?

I think the challenge is always that there has to be an identifier before what it is that I do like "oh haha that’s the queer female, DJ, Hannah Rad” or “there’s the girl who likes girls who also hosts on TV". But it’s funny because you oftentimes don’t hear that in the reverse like “oh hey, we’re gonna go see this amazing male DJ tonight”, so I think breaking those stereotypes is always important to me to focus on the art and music, rather than who cares who I love and how I love.

Can you share a particular moment in your career that you consider a triumph or milestone?

Every time I get to touch the stage at Outloud is always a milestone, but going back to Pittsburgh for pride on the shore this year, which will be my first ever hometown show is something I can’t wait for!

How do you think the music industry can better support and represent LGBTQ+ artists?

With visibility and promotion through mainstream media channels and events, that way we are challenging stereotypes with an intersectional approach.

Can you describe your creative process when developing new music or albums?

I always like to play some new heat, but sometimes dropping a Celine Dion track will invoke a bigger response. So I plan to be flexible and read the crowd, I have a good intuition as to where to go next by feeling their energy.

What has been your favorite project or performance so far, and why?

Halloweenie 2023... all the sweat and joy!

What advice would you give to other aspiring LGBTQ+ musicians looking to make their mark in the industry?

My advice to be would be to just keep showing up, waking up every day is an act of resilience and an act of respect for yourself, and showing up in spaces where typically queer individuals have not been invited to the party, speaks volumes and is an act of revolution in and of itself.

What are your goals for the future, both in terms of your music career and advocacy within the LGBTQ+ community?

Working on advancing my presence as a DJ but the primary goal has always been my own show, which for the first time this year, I restarted on my own without the help of corporate clients and budgets behind it. it offers me the flexibility to do what I want when I want.

What do you want to say to the OUTLOUD and Queer communities?

Show up! show out! and do you! you're a superhero just by being yourself.

What other LGBTQ+ artists do you want to give a shout out to?

I love looking at the 'smaller font' performers on festival lineups, not particularly OUTLOUD. I do Lolla, Bonnaroo, ACL etc.... and names who are not small energy at all are Worthy, Rezz, Moore Kismet, Ducky, Wreckno, etc....