Australian British grunge artist Lab Rat released his first UK single ‘Exit Path’ with Mushroom Records on September 6. As a teenager he experienced problems with addiction and mental health. He tells Entertainment Now why music has been such a big part of his recovery.
Tell us about your single ‘Exit Path’
Exit Path is lyrically dealing with themes of childhood trauma, depression and the ongoing problems that will haunt you through adulthood, it’s a personal story about using drugs as a coping mechanism to keep suicidal tendencies, bad memories and dark thoughts from knocking at your door.
You’ve been playing for a long time. How did your music career start?
I’ve played in many different bands and outfits since 12 years old but LAB RAT started when I was living in Singing Bird studios in Frankston and wanted to try something new. A label called ‘Tuco’ was working closely with SBS in the studio. I gave them a shitty home demo, managed to blag some free studio time and LAB RAT was born
My first ever show I went to was a covers band at a Bandido’s club house in Ballarat when I was 8. First show I ever played was at school when I was 12 as a drummer in a terrible band called ‘Ledheads’
Can you say a little about the sort of struggle you faced with addiction. How did it start and how is it going?
I believe by the age of 14 I had already begun to mess around with things I shouldn’t have been doing but basically when I moved to England in 2012 everything got really bad. I suddenly weighed 43k, had pawned all my guitars and just generally given up. I got back to Australia and unfortunately continued the cycle as addiction doesn’t stay contained within a country.
Honestly, I’m doing much better now than ever thought possible but it’s still a battle and it probably will be until I die.
How important has music been in your recovery?
I think that if I didn’t have music to try and keep me on the right path I genuinely wouldn’t be here today.
Your lyrics are very personal. Do you see this as a strength?
Definitely. While it might not be for everyone, I noticed a massive change in the types of interactions I began receiving from fans when I decided to stop writing about Satan or whatever the fuck and start writing about real world problems that people could relate to.
You’re British born but you grew up partly in Australia and have a European record label. What do you get from each place.
A mother. A father & a record label.
Can you say why coming together with Mushroom Records was so important.
I needed someone to believe in what I was doing as much as I did. I couldn’t be happier.
Your lyrics are very personal. Do you see this as a strength?
Definitely. While it might not be for everyone, I noticed a massive change in the types of interactions I began receiving from fans when I decided to stop writing about Satan or whatever the fuck and start writing about real world problems that people could relate to.
What are you like as a live performer?
Live has always been a strong point for me. I came up playing in punk and metal bands so energy on stage has always been important. When Lpaka, Kaisa & Darcy got involved in the live aspect, it felt like everything I had worked for had finally fell in place.
Who are your musical influences?
It’s constantly changing. I get bored way too easy. Alternative 90’s = Nirvana, Soundgarden, Dinosaur Jr, Beck, Sonic Youth, Oasis, pixies, Alice in Chains, Nick Cave, Radiohead, Pearl jam, my bloody valentine, R.A.T.M, nine inch nails, Marilyn Manson & The Breeders.2000s garage rock revival = The Hives, the strokes, bloc party, the horrors, the subways, the libertines, arctic monkeys, kasabian, black rebel motorcycle club, the vines & the white stripesUK rap = shotty horroh, lee Scott, jam Baxter, Kano, Dave, dead players, fliptrix, dizzee rascal, cult of the damned, datkid, slowthai, bill next, cmpnd & lil simz & knucks
Do you have a message for other people who are finding life difficult? Is this something you hope comes across in your music and lyrics?
Yer I guess the general message of all of it is that you are not alone. If I can help someone the way music helped me when I needed it. Sorted.
What’s next for Lab Rat?
We’re actually planning an Australian tour and a European tour early next year. Ready to start recording the follow up album but we need to drop this one first then we should be good to go.
What are your hopes for the future?
To not go backwards
Listen to Exit Path here:
Watch Exit Path video here:
