Check out our interview with TV personality, radio host, content producer and DJ Hannah Rad.
Hannah can be seen on “Sorry to Keep You Waiting”, a short series she’s developing on a solo road trip through California. 7 locations; 7 stories and experiences vital to mental health.
Rad has been recently seen as the music & lifestyle host for ESPN X Games, Twitch and the Grammy’s “Sessions” series, E!’s Daily Pop, hosting LiveXLive’s festival and event livestreams and was seen for 5 years on REVOLT as one of the founding hosts, while also serving as producer and host of the channel’s electronic show, ‘LVTR’. Hannah also hosted Red Bull’s BC One World Final – Switzerland, Red Bull Bracket Reel, Fashion Nova Cardi B launch, the MTV game show, ‘Crash Karaoke’, Red Bull TV’s ‘Summer of Festivals’ and the inaugural Electronic Music Awards.
As a DJ, Hannah has been heard on ‘Total Radness’ at Red Bull Studios NY and as a guest DJ / host on SiriusXM’s HipHopNation. She has appeared on BBC Radio 1 and spun events for Apple Music, Beats By Dre, True Religion, Topshop and at Ultra Music Festival, Art Basel Miami and the Global Spin Awards.
A member of the LGBTQ+ community, Hannah has devoted her time and energy to supporting their space and fighting for positive mental health for those who may currently be struggling.
Follow Hannah @hannahrad
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Describe yourself in 3 words?
Motivated, creative, honest.
How did you get started as a DJ/ TV Host?
My background was in graphic design, but after trying that in NYC for a couple years, I shifted focus to my love of radio. I spent 5 years on air in New York before transitioning into TV, which was a natural move. DJing has always been a side hustle and love for me… I started while on radio (live mixing during my shows) and you can still catch me occasionally jumping on IG Live or Twitch for a live set.
Now what about your new YouTube series “Sorry To Keep You Waiting?” How often do you upload new content?
I’m pretty incessant with it. New episodes come out every Tuesday at 12pm PT on YouTube, but I have dedicated Instagram and Twitter pages for the series and make efforts to connect with that specific audience on a consistent and daily basis. Lots of BTS and content not necessarily or always shown in the episodes.
What is the series about?
In short, I took a solo road trip and hit 7 beautiful California locations in 7 days. At each stop, I share a vulnerable story, sometimes of triumph over tragedy, overcoming adversity and how these experiences have shaped my mental health and wellness journey.
Why did you decide to create this and share your story?
Mental health awareness is something I’m truly passionate about. As I’ve been on a path to healing and acceptance, it felt right to share my stories so that if it helps one person I would be happy. The decision to begin the series came out of really down day I had, where I decided to not “live in the depression” and instead create something beautiful out of it.
What do you think is the secret to have a successful YouTube channel?
Y’know, I’m a bit newer to the YouTube community in the sense of growing from something small, but as with any platform, I think consistency and authenticity is key. Delivering content that is true and unique to me on a regular basis.
Now tell us about your TV work in popular events like the ESPN X Games, Twitch and the Grammy’s “Sessions” series, E!’s Daily Pop and also on REVOLT?
In short, I’m blessed. I’ve had every amazing opportunity to sit in rooms with and interview nearly any musician, athlete, celeb you can think of and I feel constantly amazed that that’s been my work. I do know that it’s not just luck, and a lot of dedication and passion goes into it.
When all the partying is over how do you like to chill out?
BEACH. All day!
Best stage you have ever play?
One of the last gigs I had, I played Empire Girls Party in Sydney, Australia during Pride / Mardi Gras. Some extra force came over me and it was a VIBE and a half.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Fun, energetic, open.
Which artists and styles inspired and influenced you?
A-Trak as a DJ is wildly talented. I’ve always loved Outkast and the way Big and Stacks play off each other’s unique styles, but you can easily catch me big time stanning pop queens like Gaga, Ariana, Bey and Ri. I’m versatile.
Funniest/Crazy thing that ever happened at an event?
Wait till the final episode of the series 😉
Top 3 festivals?
Primavera Sound in Barcelona
Roskilde in Denmark
Bonnaroo in Tennessee
How do you manage all the social success you have and the part that everyone is looking to you all the time?
It’s a balance. Opening up, especially on social media where there is seemingly unfiltered access to yourself, welcomes in a lot of good positive conversations, but you have to be able to take in and deal with the adverse comments. Those are inevitable. The way I see it, if y’all really wanna come on my page and drop a not so nice take, well, you still took time out of your day, paid attention to what I’m doing and essentially, gave me an extra view or two, so thanks! …Gotta always keep it positive!
How would your best friend describe you?
I made her answer this question in 3 words. She gave me 10. Thanks, Lindsay! “Thoughtful, quick, light, hilarious, beautiful, enthusiastic, caring, strong, ethical, hard worker”
What’s next for Hannah Rad in the last months of 2020?
Season 2 of “Sorry to Keep You Waiting” is already being developed.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I eat salad for breakfast, I swear. My friends think I’m strange.
Best advice ever given?
Freedom is owning no one person, any one thing.
Do you support any charity?
I am on the Speakers Bureau for RAINN, have worked with No Bully and am donating part of the funding for this project to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Where we can follow you?
Twitter and Instagram is @HANNAHRAD and for the series the Twitter is @sorrytokeepyou and IG is @sorry2keepyouwaiting
Movie: Sunset Boulevard
Travel Destination: Anywhere with a beach (Australia, Thailand, Aruba)
Sports Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Tv Show: I May Destroy You
