Lab Rat, the alt-rock grunge rap project of British-born Dylan James, has unleashed his powerful UK debut single, 'Exit Path', via Mushroom Pillow Music. As raw and visceral as its creator’s journey, the track tackles themes of childhood trauma, depression, and addiction, pulling listeners into a sonic experience where pain and healing collide.
Raised in Victoria, Australia, Dylan's rebellious teenage years were steeped in the punk and metal scene, where music became both an outlet and a lifeline. But behind the chaotic rhythms of his drumming lay deeper struggles—family discord, mental health battles, and suicidal tendencies. By 14, Dylan was already confronting the harsh realities of life. Music offered solace, but it wasn’t enough to hold back the darkness for long.
At 18, Dylan returned to Hillingdon, England, to chase his dream of a music career. Instead, he found himself ensnared in addiction, his life spiraling into substance abuse and near destruction. However, a terrifying encounter—a brutal stabbing—was the turning point that forced Dylan to confront his demons and begin his path to recovery. After reclaiming his life, he found his way back to Australia, but his struggles were far from over.
It was in Melbourne’s Singing Bird Recording Studios in 2014 that Dylan found the sanctuary to begin again. Guided by the memory of his late brother, whose tragic death in a car accident haunted him, Dylan fought through physical and emotional battles, pouring his anguish and survival into music. His journey of recovery, fueled by an unshakable determination, caught the attention of Mushroom Pillow, a European label that has been instrumental in pushing his music to a global stage.
'Exit Path' encapsulates Dylan’s tumultuous journey. With gritty vocals and dark, brooding production, the song is an emotional exorcism, a cathartic blend of alt-rock and grunge rap that explores addiction, despair, and the relentless grip of trauma. As Dylan puts it, the first verse is autobiographical, recounting his own use of drugs as a coping mechanism to silence suicidal thoughts and the ghosts of his past. The second verse shifts the focus to an ex-girlfriend who shared similar struggles, highlighting the cyclical nature of addiction and the battle to stay sober.
“'Exit Path' is about using drugs to keep suicidal tendencies and dark thoughts at bay. It’s deeply personal, but I wrote it in hopes that anyone going through the same thing might not feel as alone,” Dylan explains.
Musically, the track channels the raw energy of his punk and metal roots, blending them with gritty rap delivery, creating a hybrid sound that’s both brutal and deeply emotive. It’s a fitting introduction to Lab Rat’s unique voice—a sound that is distinctly his own, born out of years of pain, survival, and unflinching authenticity.
Lab Rat’s 'Exit Path' is not just a song; it’s an anthem of redemption. It’s a testament to the power of music to heal, inspire, and connect, as Dylan James continues his journey from the depths of addiction to a rising presence on the global stage. With Mushroom Pillow backing his bold, genre-defying sound, Lab Rat’s future looks as intense and unfiltered as the story that brought him here.
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