Full Breakdown
Labrinth Critiques Music Industry and Announces Departure from Columbia Records
3/19/2026, 1:34:34 AM
Core Event: Labrinth's Departure from Columbia Records and Industry Critique
Labrinth, the British musician known as Timothy Lee McKenzie, has publicly criticized the music industry and announced his departure from Columbia Records. His discontent was expressed in a now-deleted Instagram post where he declared, “I’M DONE WITH THIS INDUSTRY,” and voiced strong disapproval of both his record label and the hit HBO series *Euphoria*, stating, “FUCK COLUMBIA. DOUBLE FUCK EUPHORIA. I’M OUT.”
Background & Context: The Music Industry's Impact on Artists
Labrinth's comments reflect a broader disillusionment among artists regarding the music industry's practices. He articulated a desire for "meaningful interactions" rather than transactional relationships, criticizing the industry's tendency to prioritize profit over genuine connections. His statement, “Fake ain’t a good business plan,” underscores his belief that the current model is detrimental to creativity and authenticity.
Key Figures & Groups: Labrinth and Euphoria
Labrinth gained prominence not only as a musician but also as the lead composer for *Euphoria*, a role that has significantly shaped the show's musical identity. His work on the series has earned him critical acclaim, including an Emmy for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for the song “All For Us,” featuring Zendaya. As he prepares for the upcoming third season, which premieres on April 12, 2023, Labrinth's collaboration with renowned composer Hans Zimmer has been highlighted as a significant development in his career.
Official Statements & Responses
In his recent Instagram post, Labrinth expressed frustration with the industry's culture, questioning the normalization of treating music as mere business transactions. He stated, “WHO THE FUCK SAID THIS IS NORMAL OR OK TO TURN WHAT I CALL GODS NOISE (our music) INTO BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS?” His sentiments resonated with fellow artists, as evidenced by supportive comments from Lauren Jauregui, Dove Cameron, and Diplo, who acknowledged the authenticity of his perspective.
Criticism & Opposition: Industry Practices Under Scrutiny
Labrinth's critique aligns with a growing movement among artists advocating for change within the music industry. His remarks suggest a call for a reevaluation of how artists are treated and the importance of fostering genuine relationships rather than exploiting them for commercial gain. This perspective challenges the status quo and highlights the need for a shift in industry practices.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’M DONE WITH THIS INDUSTRY,” — Labrinth
- “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.” — Labrinth
- “WHO THE FUCK SAID THIS IS NORMAL OR OK TO TURN WHAT I CALL GODS NOISE (our music) INTO BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS?,” — Labrinth
- “The main approach with most of the music on the show is Sam is like, ‘Lab, just make what the fuck you’re making’,” — Labrinth
What's Next: Anticipation for Euphoria Season Three
As Labrinth transitions away from Columbia Records, he remains engaged with *Euphoria*, where he will continue to contribute to the show's musical landscape alongside Hans Zimmer. The upcoming season promises to explore new narratives, with the main cast now portrayed as young adults, five years after the events of the previous season. This evolution in the series may further influence Labrinth's artistic direction and public discourse surrounding the music industry.
