How did Labrinth's parents influence his life and career?

His mother, despite facing ostracism from the church, was incredibly supportive, teaching her children about willpower and nurturing their creativity. His father, though absent for much of his childhood due to his own past trauma, passed on a strong musical gene. Labrinth later understood the instrumental role of a present father after becoming one himself.

How did Labrinth develop his unique musical identity amid various influences?

Growing up, Labrinth consistently gravitated towards music that felt foreign to him, bringing home indie records despite his upbringing in gospel, grime, and hip-hop. He felt like an outsider in various musical scenes, which fostered his unique style and refusal to conform, even in his fashion.

What role did people-pleasing play in Labrinth's early career and relationships?

Labrinth admits to constantly accommodating others' desires, initially driven by a need for approval and validation, possibly stemming from his father's absence. This led him to take career paths, like signing with Simon Cowell and owning a restaurant, that he didn't genuinely desire, causing internal conflict and emotional distress.

How did ADHD impact Labrinth's career and personal life?

Labrinth's ADHD manifests as difficulty finishing tasks, forgetfulness, blackouts in conversation, and trouble maintaining relationships and business contacts. This often led to him 'clocking out' and forgetting commitments, hindering his professional collaborations despite his talent.

What was the turning point that made Labrinth re-evaluate his career and life choices?

A pivotal moment occurred during a performance when, fueled by intense frustration, a strained relationship with his manager, and a feeling of inauthenticity, he smashed his guitar and almost injured a camera operator. This incident, combined with his wife's support, prompted him to seek therapy and address his mental health.

How did moving to Los Angeles affect Labrinth's artistic and personal journey?

Moving to LA after his first album allowed Labrinth to escape the expectations and racial/genre pressures of the UK music scene. The anonymity and lack of immediate recognition in the US freed him to focus on making authentic music, shedding external pressures and realizing his true artistic self.

What is Labrinth's current philosophy on creativity and life fulfillment?

Labrinth believes true creativity is articulating one's soul without fear. His new goal is to be a 'tap for the universe,' meaning to be as pure a channel as possible for inspiration, free from desire and external validation. He seeks balance in his personal life, prioritizing family and relationships over workaholism.

What is Labrinth's inspiration for his new album dedicated to his wife?

His new album is a collection of love songs dedicated to his wife, who supported him through his mental health struggles. The inspiration is described as 'Bonnie and Clyde riding through the cosmos,' amplifying little moments and experiences from their relationship without explicitly narrating them.

How does Labrinth advise his younger self or aspiring artists entering the music industry?

Labrinth would advise his younger self to experience everything necessary because challenges build character. He emphasizes the importance of self-observation and vulnerability to find one's 'North.' He wouldn't expect his past self to listen, as some lessons must be learned firsthand.

Key Moments

Labrinth: The Musical Genius Behind Euphoria!

The Diary Of A CEO

People & Blogs3 min read92 min video

Nov 21, 2022|294,964 views|8,564|453

The Diary Of A CEO steven bartlett steve bartlett podcast the diary of a CEO podcast life lessons CEO

Save to Pod

Key Moments

TL;DR

Labrinth discusses his creative journey, ADHD, and the importance of authenticity.

Key Insights

Labrinth's upbringing in a religious household with a musical family deeply influenced his artistic development.

He struggled with social anxiety and ADHD, which impacted his ability to connect and maintain relationships.

Authenticity and articulating one's inner truth are paramount to true art, distinct from simply creating popular content.

The music industry often pressures artists into creating a facade, leading to a disconnect from their true selves.

Overcoming people-pleasing tendencies and embracing authentic expression are crucial for personal and creative freedom.

His relationship with his wife and her support were instrumental in his journey towards self-discovery and healing.

EARLY LIFE AND MUSICAL FOUNDATION

Labrinth's early life was heavily shaped by a deeply religious family and a household filled with diverse musical talents. Growing up in a church environment, he witnessed the power of music and worship, which left a lasting impression. This was complemented by a large, musical family where siblings played various instruments and genres, from R&B and jazz to hip-hop. This rich, musical tapestry provided an incredibly inspiring backdrop, instilling in him a desire to explore all forms of musical expression and influencing his artistic choices to this day.

NAVIGATING CHALLENGES: ADHD AND SOCIAL ANXIETY

The conversation delves into Labrinth's experiences with ADHD and social anxiety, conditions that have significantly impacted his life and career. He describes how these challenges made communication difficult, relationships strained, and confidence low, often leading to feelings of suppression. While acknowledging these struggles continue, he emphasizes learning to be aware of them, a crucial step in managing their influence. The prevalence of ADHD, particularly in Western countries, is discussed as a potential response to stress, highlighting how early life environments can shape neurological development and coping mechanisms.

THE STRUGGLE FOR AUTHENTICITY IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY

Labrinth details his early career experiences, including signing with Simon Cowell, where the focus often shifted from genuine artistic expression to creating a marketable persona. He felt pressured to conform to industry expectations, such as a certain lifestyle and public image, which felt foreign and unfulfilling. This led to feelings of being out of place and a disconnection from his true self, prompting a realization that something had to change to pursue his own artistic direction and articulate his authentic voice.

EMBRACING INDIVIDUALITY AND SELF-DISCOVERY

A significant theme is Labrinth's journey of embracing his unique individuality, often defined in contrast to his peers and family. He recounts exploring sounds and styles outside his immediate upbringing, driven by a natural curiosity. This individuality was nurtured by his mother, who created a supportive environment rather than stifling his creative impulses. The concept of creativity as an articulation of the soul, rather than just creating popular music, emerges as a core belief, driving his quest to express his inner truth.

SPINAL TAP MOMENTS AND THE QUEST FOR FREEDOM

Labrinth describes moments of intense pressure and inauthenticity, likening some experiences to 'keeping up appearances' or wearing a mask. He shares instances like smashing guitars on stage and feeling a profound disconnect from his performance, highlighting the internal conflict. This is further illustrated by his wife's emergence as a protective figure, a 'Spinal Tap' moment where she stepped in to safeguard his well-being against industry pressures, leading him to seek professional support and redefine his relationship with success and validation.

CLEANING THE WINDOW: THE PURSUIT OF PRESENCE AND FULFILLMENT

Labrinth views his ongoing artistic and personal journey as an effort to 'clean the window' – to achieve purity and clarity in expressing his authentic self, or the 'rarest form' of Labrinth. This involves shedding external expectations, industry demands, and self-doubt to connect with a deeper, inherent truth. He defines fulfillment not merely by external validation or financial success, but by contributing authentically and remaining present to experience life's joys, especially through deep connections with loved ones and a genuine appreciation for the world.

Mentioned in This Episode

●Software & Apps

●Companies

●Organizations

●Concepts

●People Referenced

Common Questions

Labrinth grew up in a heavily religious family where music and worship were central. His family, particularly his mother, fostered a creative environment, with all siblings possessing musical talent. He was exposed to a mix of R&B, jazz, hip-hop, and grime, which deeply inspired his diverse musical approach.