The haunting soundscape of HBO’sEuphoria, a sonic world largely crafted by Labrinth, has suddenly fallen silent – at least, from the artist himself. In a stunning digital outburst, the acclaimed musician unleashed a furious condemnation of both the show and his longtime record label, Columbia Records.
Labrinth, the British artist behind viral tracks like “Formula” and “All For Us,” didn’t mince words. A stark black square on his Instagram feed delivered the message in stark capitals: “I’m done with this industry. Fk Columbia. Double fk Euphoria. I’m out.” The abruptness of the statement sent shockwaves through fans and the industry alike.
For years, Labrinth’s music has been inextricably linked toEuphoria, becoming its emotional core. He wasn’t just a composer; he was, as many dubbed him, the “backbone” of the series, even appearing onscreen in a mesmerizing, dreamlike sequence during season two. His contribution felt deeply personal, a vital ingredient to the show’s raw intensity.
The timing is particularly jarring asEuphoriaprepares for its long-awaited third season. Just months ago, the announcement of Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer joining the soundtrack team was met with excitement, framed as a collaborative evolution. Zimmer himself lauded Labrinth’s influence, calling it an “honour” to contribute alongside him.
Labrinth initially echoed that sentiment, expressing enthusiasm about working with a “hero” in film scoring. Showrunner Sam Levinson even predicted Zimmer would “push us to new heights.” Now, that carefully constructed narrative feels fractured, overshadowed by Labrinth’s explosive departure.
Fans immediately flooded the comments section, desperate for answers. “Can someone please explain what happened?” one user pleaded. Others expressed concern that the show would lose its unique identity without Labrinth’s signature sound. “You totally made Euphoria,” another fan declared, voicing a sentiment shared by many.
The artist’s frustration appears to stem from a deeper dissatisfaction, a feeling of being unsupported despite his pivotal role in the show’s success. One fan articulated the sentiment perfectly: “This makes me not even wanna watch the show if the people who worked on it…were not properly supported.”
Labrinth’s work onEuphoriahad already garnered significant recognition, including three Emmy nominations and a win for outstanding original music and lyrics. He previously described a rare creative freedom granted by Levinson, who encouraged him to deliver his most unfiltered work, stating, “Just make what the fk you’re making.”
He spoke of a profound creative connection with Levinson and Zendaya, a shared drive to push boundaries and explore the depths of their respective crafts. That connection, it seems, has now been severed, leaving the future ofEuphoria’ssoundscape uncertain and prompting questions about the true cost of its success.
The upcoming season promises a five-year time jump, charting the characters’ journeys into early adulthood. But with its sonic architect now estranged,Euphoriafaces a new challenge: rebuilding its emotional foundation while navigating the fallout of a deeply personal and public break.
