Labrinth says he doesn’t “want to be used anymore” and has taken further aims at his record label after he declared he’s “done” with the music industry.
In an explosive statement from his notes app on his smartphone directed at Columbia Records, and HBO series Euphoria, Labrinth shared on his Instagram last week: “I’M DONE WITH THIS INDUSTRY.
“F*** COLUMBIA. DOUBLE F*** EUPHORIA. I’M OUT. THANK YOU AND GOOD NIGHT X.”
The 37-year-old star offered no context for the outburst, leaving fans guessing.
He’s since expanded on his decision to call it quits, with Labrinth saying he’s grown frustrated with what he views as a wider industry culture where artists can feel sidelined when commercial priorities shift.
His latest post on Instagram read: “WE HOVER AROUND BIG STARS HOPING TO BE IN THEIR PLACE ONE DAY LIKE SNAKES. WAITING TO EAT THEIR OWNERS.
“WE WALK INTO THIS INDUSTRY AS PURE CREATIVES THAT WISH TO SHARE COLOR AND GET TURNED INTO WOLVES OF WALL STREET DRIBBLING OVER STOCKS AND SHARES.
“WE HAVE MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS WITH LIKE MINDED PEOPLE AND DISCARD THEM AS SOON AS A BIGGER OPPORTUNITY ARRIVES.
“WHO THE F*** SAID THIS IS NORMAL OR OK TO TURN WHAT I CALL GODS NOISE (our music) INTO BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS?
I DON’T SUBSCRIBE (sic)”
Labrinth captioned the post: “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.”
Labrinth released his most recent studio album, Cosmic Opera: Act I, via Columbia in January.
As lead composer on Euphoria, he collaborated with actress Zendaya on All For Us, which closed out the season-one finale, and I’m Tired, used during a major Rue [Zendaya] storyline in season two.
All For Us was awarded an Emmy for Outstanding Original Music And Lyrics.
Labrinth also created Never Felt So Alone, later released in an alternate version featuring Billie Eilish, which helped broaden the show’s musical reach beyond its core audience. Labrinth even appeared briefly on screen in season two as a church singer, underscoring how central his music has become to the series’ overall identity.
Other notable songs include the viral track Mount Everest.
Labrinth calling out the HBO teen drama created by Sam Levinson comes around a month before season three airs on April 12.
Legendary composer Hans Zimmer, 68, was hired alongside Labrinth to work on the score for the third series.
At the time, Labrinth said: “Another chapter in the Euphoria universe! So great to join Hans, one of my heroes in film score, and bring some new magic to this new season.”
Hans said: “Labrinth’s music has shaped the show’s identity and I’m looking forward to contributing to the ongoing story and helping shape this new season through music.”
