musicSunday, July 5, 2026

Courtney Love breaks down label math

Courtney Love delivers a scathing critique of major record labels, arguing that traditional contracts are worse for artists than Napster ever was. Meanwhile, Sabrina Carpenter gets a glowing review, and Lupe Fires up a debate about Nas's lyricism.

Sources

Industry critique

A day for taking a hard look at the music business, from contracts to live performance mishaps.

#01www.salon.comJul 5

Courtney Love does the math

Courtney Love uses Hole's contract as a case study to argue that major labels are the real pirates, taking most revenue while artists stay in debt. It's a detailed takedown of the system.

36 min readRead original

#02www.loudersound.comJul 5

“A light was in the wrong place and he went straight off into the orchestra pit and broke his leg. He did the show, but he was obviously not feeling great”: The chaotic story of forgotten Deep Purple spin-off project Paice Ashton Lord

A forgotten Deep Purple spin-off, Paice Ashton Lord, gets a chaotic retelling, including a show where a band member fell into the orchestra pit and broke his leg but finished the set.

7 min readRead original

Pop and debate

Reviews and hot takes round out the day.

#03pitchfork.comJul 5

Sabrina Carpenter: Man’s Best Friend

Sabrina Carpenter's rise is traced through 'Emails I Can't Send' and the viral hits 'Nonsense' and 'Espresso,' with praise for her witty lyrics and polished retro style.