In a bold and unflinching move, acclaimed musician Labrinth has launched a scathing critique of the music industry's deeply entrenched toxic culture. This powerful statement comes mere days after his dramatic exit from the popular HBO series 'Euphoria', where he served as the lead score producer.
Labrinth's Fiery Social Media Outburst
Taking to his social media handle, Labrinth shared a lengthy and emotionally charged note that laid bare his mounting frustrations with the industry's predatory dynamics. He painted a vivid picture of an environment where creativity is stifled by commercial greed.
A Scathing Indictment of Industry Norms
"WE HOVER AROUND BIG STARS HOPING TO BE IN THEIR PLACE ONE DAY LIKE SNAKES. WAITING TO EAT THEIR OWNERS," Labrinth wrote, using stark imagery to condemn the cutthroat competition. He elaborated on how artists enter the field with pure artistic intentions, only to be corrupted by financial pressures.
"We walk into this industry as pure creatives that wish to share colour and get turned into Wolves of Wall Street, dribbling over stocks and shares," he lamented, highlighting the transformation from artist to businessperson. Labrinth further criticized the industry for fostering disloyalty, noting, "We have meaningful relationships with like-minded people and discard them as soon as a bigger opportunity arrives."
A Rejection of Commercialization
In a particularly impassioned segment, Labrinth questioned the normalization of treating music as mere transactions: "WHO THE F— SAID THIS IS NORMAL OR OK TO TURN WHAT I CALL GODS NOISE (our music) INTO BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS?" He concluded his post with a firm declaration: "I DONT SUBSCRIBE."
In the accompanying caption, Labrinth emphasized his desire for authenticity, stating, "I want to have meaningful interactions… I don’t want to use anyone I don’t want to be used. I hope people stop acting like this is just how it’s done. It doesn’t have to be done that way. Fake ain’t a good business plan."
Fellow Artists Rally in Support
Labrinth's post resonated deeply within the artistic community, sparking a wave of supportive responses from fellow musicians and actors. India.Arie expressed solidarity, writing, "We have all felt this! I really feel you," while Lauren Jauregui reacted with affirming emojis.
Dove Cameron also chimed in, commenting, "I genuinely think about this every day." Notably, 'Euphoria' star Nika King praised Labrinth's courage, stating, "One day I’ll be as brave as him."
Context: The 'Euphoria' Exit
This outburst follows another now-deleted post where Labrinth directly targeted his record label and the 'Euphoria' production. In that message, he wrote, "I’M DONE WITH THIS INDUSTRY / F–K COLUMBIA / DOUBLE F–K EUPHORIA / I’M OUT."
Labrinth has been instrumental in shaping the sonic landscape of 'Euphoria' since its 2019 debut, earning critical acclaim for his score. The show is anticipated to return for its third season on April 12, though his involvement remains uncertain following these developments.
This incident underscores a growing discourse within the entertainment sector about the pressures artists face, balancing creative integrity against commercial demands. Labrinth's candid remarks have ignited conversations about reforming industry practices to foster healthier, more authentic artistic environments.
