Lab Rat is British born Dylan James, whose own path to success has not been smooth having to deal with profound personal struggles including family discord, trauma, depression, and suicidal tendencies.
By the age of 14, Dylan had already immersed himself in the local punk and metal scene in Victoria, Australia, finding solace in the thunderous rhythms of the drums. Yet, behind the facade of rebellion, the darkness that threatened to consume him, was only offered hope by his passion for music that burned brightly.
At 18, Dylan embarked on a journey back to England and his mother’s home of Hillingdon where he was born, to pursue his music career, only to find himself ensnared in the suffocating grip of addiction. Weighing a mere 43 kilograms, his body ravaged by unresolved mental health issues, he returned to Australia, trapped in a vicious cycle of substance abuse and trafficking. A witness to a harrowing stabbing served as a catalyst for change, propelling Dylan towards a path of sobriety and self-discovery.
In 2014, having reclaimed his life from the clutches of addiction, Dylan found himself at a crossroads. Fueled by the memory of his late brother (who tragically died in a car accident) and driven by an unyielding determination, he sought refuge in Singing Bird Recording Studios in Melbourne, determined to carve out a path in the music industry. Despite facing numerous hardships, including physical altercations on stage and bouts of hunger, Dylan persevered, finding solace in a community of kindred spirits who shared his vision.
It was during this tumultuous journey that Dylan’s path intersected with Mushroom Pillow, a European label renowned for its innovative approach to music. Dylan knew he had found his musical home. With the support of his friend and mentor, ‘Coach’, he embarked on a new chapter, transcending the confines of the Australian music industry to forge a global presence with Mushroom Pillow by his side.
Dylan’s story is one of redemption and resilience, a testament to the transformative power of music and the indomitable human spirit. Through triumph and adversity, he continues to defy the odds, inspiring others to persevere in the face of darkness and uncertainty. As he navigates the uncharted waters of the international music scene, Dylan remains steadfast in his commitment to authenticity, channeling his experiences into art that resonates deeply with audiences worldwide.
“Exit Path is deals 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. The first verse is written about myself, the second verse about an ex-girlfriend going through similar problems and the chorus is about always managing to get sober for a while until your memories begin to haunt you again and you fall back into old habits just to make yourself feel comfortable/ content in your own skin. I wrote it in the hopes that anyone else going through the same thing might not feel as alone” LAB RAT
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