The launch of MySpace Music has certainly ruffled the feathers of many in the industry of late, not least of which the independent artists worldwide upon which it could be argued the global social networking phenomenon built the strength of its user base.

The latest to speak out on MySpace’s decision to strike a profit share deal with only the four major record labels is Modular’s pint-sized prince of electro-pop, Muscles. Clearly offended by their blatant disregard for independent artists, over the past few days he’s posted several blog entries on the topic, starting with last Friday’s threat that he’d be deleting his account on October 27th in protest.

“70% of my music collection is from independent bands and artists who slug it out and work hard for themselves with very little monetary return because they LOVE music so much,” Muscles raged. “Recently Myspace has updated their new Music Player, and it looks so amazing and smooth but, they’ve just done a deal with the 4 BIGGEST RECORD LABELS in the world, to SHARE PROFITS of ADVERTISING REVENUE that myspace brings in everytime you CLICK on my page and your own.”

To date Muscles has accumulated over 26,000 friends on MySpace and even played one of their Secret Shows, so it’s no surprise the website were left feeling a little miffed by his comments. “After my weekend rant about the confusion of the new myspace music store the Marketing Manager for Myspace Australia called my mobile phone this afternoon,” Muscles detailed in his latest update, posted on Monday October 27th (the date he’d given for his account to be deleted.)

“My confusion was that nothing is concrete yet, deals are still being made cause there are so many parties involved, Myspace Australia are waiting to see how it goes overseas before they can do it in Australia,” he surmised. “I’m putting my myspace on standby until i know all the facts, until it launches in australia for real. i would be a hypocrite and ignorant otherwise.”

The change in tack has left fans of Muscles a little bewildered. “Im confused are you deleting it or not?? If sooooo delete!” said one friend under his most recent entry. “your fans love your music and that’s it!!!... leave your business politics and particulars behind the scenes…” wrote another. It’s also angered a few. “Just delete the shit already…you made the decision. Don’t be vapour core…the sex pistols never checked any facts before they said fuck you to the status quo.”

Muscles tours Australia with NeverEverLand this December. Click here to check out the line-up!