Interview with alternative rocker Lab Rat about their latest album and more

ust about being in the moment. I can be quite braggadocios in some songs and not have an ounce of self-love in the next, and honestly my day to day is quite similar.

You’ve described the album as turning trauma into triumph. Was there a special song that felt like a breakthrough moment for you during the writing process?

‘You Are Not Alone’ I’ve written many songs where the idea is using my depression to let other people know it’s going to be okay but this one was kind of the hammer on the nail.

The track Car Crash from the album is set to feature in Netflix’s Olympo. How does it feel to have your music reach audiences through TV as well?

It’s a blessing, or at least my landlord and all the people I owe money to are absolutely stoked about it haha! To have our song associated with a director like Ferzan, we’re stoked.

You recently made your UK live debut at The Great Escape Festival. What was it like performing for UK audiences?

Seeing the reactions was priceless. We’ve been basically only playing Australian shows for a long time now, and the last time I was there was in 2012!

Your music combines alt-rock, grunge, and rap influences. How do you see your sound evolving in future releases?

It could either get soft and gentle in a Kid A type way or it could just get way heavier than ever before. It’s hard to tell and I don’t like pigeonholing my music before we’ve written it.

You’ve spoken about overcoming personal struggles to pursue music. How has that journey shaped the way you approach your career today?

It’s all I have. There is this cathartic thing that happens when writing. It’s why I’m here. I genuinely believe I’m here because I’m supposed to be doing this.

What’s in store for Lab Rat for the rest of the year?

Well, if this next tour goes well, more of the same. If it doesn’t, I’ll get a job at Tesco or something haha!