Though bashing major labels is a raison d'etre for some members of the punk community, some particularly loud condemnations are coming from some higher profile places. First, industry pundit Bob Lefsetz recently wrote a scathing editorial criticizing major labels and arguing why bands should refrain from joining them.

Similarly, the outspoken and daring Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails recently spoke about his feelings:

It's a very odd time to be a musician on a major label, because there's so much resentment towards the record industry that it's hard to position yourself in a place with the fans where you don't look like a greedy asshole. […]

That's also why you don't see any label people here, 'cos I said 'F--- you people. Stay out of my f---ing show. If you wanna come, pay the ticket like anyone else. F--- you guys". They're thieves. I don't blame people for stealing music if this is the kind of s--- that they pull off.

I've have one record left that I owe a major label, then I will never be seen in a situation like this again. If I could do what I want right now, I would put out my next album, you could download it from my site at as high a bit-rate as you want, pay $4 through PayPal.

You can read Bob's editorial here while Trent's interview can be found here.