Nine Inch Nails Frontman: Our Record Company Is Run By 'Thieves'

Australia's Herald Sun recently conducted an interview with Nine Inch Nails mainman Trent Reznor. A few excerpts from the chat follow, according to Blabbermouth.net:

Herald Sun: It must be an odd time then to have a new album, "Year Zero", out?

Trent: 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. But at the same time, when our record came out I was disappointed at the number of people that actually bought it. If this had been 10 years ago I would think "Well, not that many people are into it. OK, that kinda sucks. Yeah I could point fingers but the blame would be with me, maybe I'm not relevant." But on this record, I know people have it and I know it's on everybody's iPods, but the climate is such that people don't buy it because it's easier to steal it.

You're a bit of a computer geek. You must have been there, too?

Oh, I understand that — I steal music too, I'm not gonna say I don't. But it's tough not to resent people for doing it when you're the guy making the music that would like to reap a benefit from that. On the other hand, you got record labels that are doing everything they can to piss people off and rip them off. I created a little issue down here because the first thing I did when I got to Sydney is I walk into HMV, the week the record's out, and I see it on the rack with a bunch of other releases. And every release I see: $21.99, $22.99, $24.99. And ours doesn't have a sticker on it. I look close and "Oh, it's $34.99." So I walk over to see our live DVD "Beside You in Time", and I see that it's also priced six, seven, eight dollars more than every other disc on there. And I can't figure out why that would be.

Did you have a word to anyone?

Well, in Brisbane I end up meeting and greeting some record label people, who are pleasant enough, and one of them is a sales guy, so I say "Why is this the case?" He goes "Because your packaging is a lot more expensive". I know how much the packaging costs — it costs me, not them, it costs me 83 cents more to have a CD with the colour-changing ink on it. I'm taking the hit on that, not them. So I said "Well, it doesn't cost $10 more." "Ah, well, you're right, it doesn't. Basically it's because we know you've got a core audience that's gonna buy whatever we put out, so we can charge more for that. It's the pop stuff we have to discount to get people to buy it. True fans will pay whatever." And I just said "That's the most insulting thing I've heard. I've garnered a core audience that you feel it's OK to rip off? F--- you." 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.

Where does that extra $10 on your album go?

That money's not going into my pocket, I can promise you that. It's just these guys who have f---ed themselves out of a job essentially, that now take it out on ripping off the public. I've got a battle where I'm trying to put out quality material that matters and I've got fans that feel it's their right to steal it and I've got a company that's so bureaucratic and clumsy and ignorant and behind the times they don't know what to do, so they rip the people off.

Given all that, do you have any idea how to approach the release of your next album?

I 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. Come see the show and buy a T-shirt if you like it. I would put out a nicely packaged merchandise piece, if you want to own a physical thing. And it would come out the day that it's done in the studio, not this "Let's wait three months" bulls---.

When your U.S. label, Interscope, discovered the web-based alternate reality game (ARG) you'd built around "Year Zero", were they happy for the free marketing or angry you hadn't let them in on it?

I chose to do this on my own, at great financial expense to myself, because I knew they wouldn't understand what it is, for one. And secondly, I didn't want it coming from a place of marketing, I wanted it coming from a place that was pure to the project. It's a way to present the story and the backdrop, something I would be excited to find as a fan. I knew the minute I talked to someone at the record label about it, they would be looking at it in terms of "How can we tie this in with a mobile provider?" That's what they do. If something lent itself to that, OK, I'm not opposed to the idea of not losing a lot of money (laughs). But it would only be if it made sense. I've had to position myself as the irrational, stubborn, crazy artist. At the end of the day, I'm not out to sabotage my career, but quality matters, and integrity matters. Jumping through any hoop or taking advantage of any desperate situation that comes up just to sell a product is harmful. It is.

Is the "Year Zero" ARG something labels will copy now?

Well, their response, when they saw that it did catch on like wildfire, was "Look how smart we are the way we marketed this record". That's the feedback I've gotten -- other artists who've met with that label ask 'em about it: "Yeah, you like what we did for Trent? Look what we did for Trent." They've then gone on to try to buy the company that did it to apply it to all their other acts. So, glad I could help them out. I'm sure they still don't understand what it is that we did or why it worked. But I will look forward to the Black Eyed Peas Arg, that should be amazing.

Comments

[tsunami bomb]

Up the Reznor!!

[Mass_debator]

First. My opinion of this guy just skyrocketed! Yay for ****ing the system within.

[electric7]

Mass_debator wrote:

First. My opinion of this guy just skyrocketed! Yay for ****ing the system within.

+1

[cheesedrummer]

HMV sucks... JB is the way

[silverchair_89]

HMV are ridiculous. Went to buy a children of bodom cd (HCDR) and there it is for $40 AUD. WTF!

[dann_blood]

Good on Trent. Im sick of record companies thinking they can just do what they want.

[not_dead_enough]

First off Trent, when YOU were head of nothing records, they were FAR from perfect. Their releases weren't exactly free either. Don't criticise a record label when your attempt to run one failed.

Also, Trent obviously has the money to do all this himself if he chooses. No one forced him to sign the record deal. For someone who's apparently as smart and insightful as he is, surely he could've potentially seen this coming and at least asked for a clause to prevent it.

Also, the whole idea of websites to promote an album? Marilyn Manson did it first with Mechanical Animals in 1998 (and it was the first album Trent had NO part in; it was after the two of them had started hating each other so NO it would NOT have been Trent's idea to begin with)!

Lastly, if he's encouraging his fans to break the law (by stealing music) why not just break the law himself? He can always just refuse to fulfill his contractual agreements...he seems like that kind of anti-capitalist revolutionist at the moment.

[A Warm Place]

not_dead_enough wrote:

First off Trent, when YOU were head of nothing records, they were FAR from perfect. Their releases weren't exactly free either. Don't criticise a record label when your attempt to run one failed.

Also, Trent obviously has the money to do all this himself if he chooses. No one forced him to sign the record deal. For someone who's apparently as smart and insightful as he is, surely he could've potentially seen this coming and at least asked for a clause to prevent it.

Also, the whole idea of websites to promote an album? Marilyn Manson did it first with Mechanical Animals in 1998 (and it was the first album Trent had NO part in; it was after the two of them had started hating each other so NO it would NOT have been Trent's idea to begin with)!

Lastly, if he's encouraging his fans to break the law (by stealing music) why not just break the law himself? He can always just refuse to fulfill his contractual agreements...he seems like that kind of anti-capitalist revolutionist at the moment.

I have no idea in what manner he ran his record company, so I can't comment on that. For your second point, maybe he didn't realize it would get quite that bad. For your third point, the marketing for Year Zero was more than simply using websites. For your fourth point, the breaking of the two laws you mentioned are totally different. With stealing music, one is extremely unlikely to get caught unless one is a part of a larger network that has stolen thousands of songs (like a college campus or something). I'm guessing that refusing to fulfill contractual agreements would have much worse consequences.

[mercurymay]

i think he's being an idiot. my dad runs HMV in Australia and REznor should be giving us more respect.

[Chiefwiddler]

Records companies are thieves, granted, but at least he has got a steady and relatively decent income. If he only released his music online in future, as he stated, his income would plummet. Some people just prefer collecting CD`s, and like to have the whole package. He would also have to do his own marketing. It would soon add up.

[mp3stalin]

mercurymay wrote:

i think he's being an idiot. my dad runs HMV in Australia and REznor should be giving us more respect.

ive seen well run record labels.... HMV isnt one... they deserve as much respect as i'd give a dead roach.

[LiquidPark13]

mercurymay wrote:

i think he's being an idiot. my dad runs HMV in Australia and REznor should be giving us more respect.

But he did mention that he would release a merchandise copy as well, for people who are into that. And after Year Zero, I don't think he's very afraid of marketing.

I don't think Trent's mad at your dad. He didn't bash HMV, he bashed his record label.

Chiefwiddler wrote:

Records companies are thieves, granted, but at least he has got a steady and relatively decent income. If he only released his music online in future, as he stated, his income would plummet. Some people just prefer collecting CD`s, and like to have the whole package. He would also have to do his own marketing. It would soon add up.

[kingasherock]

not dead enough i hope you are truly amazing in real life as you make yourself out to be here. jesus christ DO YOU always have to just go against what everybody else is saying because you have no identity of your own. and how were his records far from and hiperfect few bands throughout the history of music have been able to pride themselves on such an esteemed discography as NIN and his 'attempt' to run a record label did not fail, check your facts ass. your second point makes no sense...each contract from the manufacturer to the distrubutors is out of the artists hands you gaping v-hole..it's not one middle man it's hundreds. and yes he did pay for this OUT OF HIS OWN POCKET!!!!! how many other musicians especially with a brand like nin are going to do that? i mean i'm sure you would because you are the most insightful and intelligent being in existence not dead enough the best us poor mortals can do is try and follow your righteous example.
Sorry for all of that everyone else. all i can say is things like this well' its part of the reason Trent and co. have been heroes of mine for o9ver a decade now. big up

[LiquidPark13]

Sorry, my post got screwed up. The top response is for the bottom quote, and the bottom sentence is for the top quote. If you couldn't figure it out.

Sorry!

[zerodeck]

mercurymay wrote:

i think he's being an idiot. my dad runs HMV in Australia and REznor should be giving us more respect.

who's 'us'? as far as I could read you're not a part of HMV

and the guy is totally right, though probably made this statement because the label can't touch him anymore due to his contract

[-February-Star-]

Chiefwiddler wrote:

Records companies are thieves, granted, but at least he has got a steady and relatively decent income. If he only released his music online in future, as he stated, his income would plummet. Some people just prefer collecting CD`s, and like to have the whole package. He would also have to do his own marketing. It would soon add up.

Personally, I'd rather go bankrupt from running the project myself than have some fat-cat label boss try and tell me what to do and THEN take the credit for themselves when I do put my own effort and funding into it.

I didn't used to know a lot about Reznor, but I have a lost of respect for the guy. I completely empathise with his outrage at charging an extra 10 dollars for a CD that cost an extra 83 cents to make, especially as that 83 cents was his own money. The expoitation of the fans and the company's attitude is truly sickening.

[NemesisX]

Wow.. that's impressive. I didn't think he would say something like that. Good man. Kinda a pity I can't stand their music, but hey. Good bloke.

[JoNnHannah]

mercurymay wrote:

i think he's being an idiot. my dad runs HMV in Australia and REznor should be giving us more respect.

No, no he shouldn't.

[UncleCthulhu]

For God's sake, I wish he'd just shut up.

All you idiots complaining how expensive CDs are, stop freaking downloading music and buy the CDs so they can afford to bring prices down. It's your fault that CDs cost so much because you just download it all.

[IlikeMetal]

silverchair_89 wrote:

HMV are ridiculous. Went to buy a children of bodom cd (HCDR) and there it is for $40 AUD. WTF!

holy shit dude! That's completely insane, and here I was thinking that $25 USD was a lot for a CD at FYE. personaly I'd never pay 40 AUD/33 USD for any CD no matter who it was.

[IlikeMetal]

UncleCthulhu wrote:

For God's sake, I wish he'd just shut up.

All you idiots complaining how expensive CDs are, stop freaking downloading music and buy the CDs so they can afford to bring prices down. It's your fault that CDs cost so much because you just download it all.

Fuck that, If you wanna support your artists buy shirts from them, CD's support the record companies more than anything.

[_sam_]

trent reznor...looks funny in that pic but who cares he rocks!!!
gosh durned record company...charging too much money...

[Copius]

Trent Reznor is officially the shit. I respect him a whole hell of a lot more after this. But then again, if he's gonna criticize the record labels for this kind of shit, then why doesn't he just distribute the album for free off his site or something? There's probably some law against it, but still...

[marcus00]

First off Trent, when YOU were head of nothing records, they were FAR from perfect. Their releases weren't exactly free either. Don't criticise a record label when your attempt to run one failed.

Nothing Records was owned by Interscope. The only reason Trent started Nothing was to have the freedom to sign artists which would not generally be picked up by major labels in the U.S. and give them a chance for a wide release. I read a long time ago that Trent threatened to leave Interscope if he wasn't given the opportunity to explore this. Nothing Records was never meant to compete with any other label, but simply to give smaller industrial/electronica bands a chance to get an 'in' with American audiences. The only reason it closed was Trent's decision to migrate to California.

Look at his older releases. Along with the "Nothing" label, you will still see Interscope Records in there somewhere.

[Steelersfreak73]

[quote]UncleCthulhu wrote:

For God's sake, I wish he'd just shut up.

All you idiots complaining how expensive CDs are, stop freaking downloading music and buy the CDs so they can afford to bring prices down. It's your fault that CDs cost so much because you just download it all.


Well actually in reality its downloading is not why cd prices are so high like Reznor said its the company raising the prices for thier own benefit. Downloading started because of high cd prices and now i have seen other abdns cd prices being reduced so that the fans can actually afford them.

[backtobasic]

is there any chance his cd's just not worth buying? haha

[Gibson Phoney]

Credit to my local hmv.. they have dropped there prices considerably. Its amazing how the exactly same cd in two shops opposite each other can be priced £10 different.

[MadGoat]

Nice, my respect for him just increased.

And no, CDs don't HAVE to be so expensive. More and more (relatively) new CDs are becoming expensive. If I'd be in a popular band like Reznor's, I wouldn't care if people would download my music. As long as it's enough that I can live from it, and some more.

The problem with most record companies is that their goal is to make as much money as possible, not putting out great music. In the end, the music is all that matters.

[coolmanwc5]

UncleCthulhu wrote:

For God's sake, I wish he'd just shut up.

All you idiots complaining how expensive CDs are, stop freaking downloading music and buy the CDs so they can afford to bring prices down. It's your fault that CDs cost so much because you just download it all.

Bands don't make shit off of records unless their name is Justin Timberlake. Artists make their money from doing shows and sell merch. But yeah i wouldn't say it's downloading that's the problem. I think there's a rift now in the music listeners between people who said **** paying $15+ for a cd and the people who are willing to pay that and more. If no one bought CDs they'd lower prices.

Also if Reznor sold an album for $4 a pop online without a label, he make a ton of money. There's no middle man to pay.

[Caustic]

not_dead_enough wrote:

First off Trent, when YOU were head of nothing records, they were FAR from perfect. Their releases weren't exactly free either. Don't criticise a record label when your attempt to run one failed.

Remember, Nothing Records was NOT an independant label that Trent had full control of. First, he shared management duties with his "best friend" John Malm Jr., who, being the expert you are, had his ass busted for using his position to rip Reznor blind. Not a great track record.

Secondly, Nothing Records was a subsidiary label of Interscope, the record NIN is now on. Huh, funny that. And even then, Interscope is owned by Universal, renowned in the business as one of the most ruthless and dollar-minded companies in the market. That company has ****ed more people than a troupe of Singapore hookers.

On top of that, Nothing Records was very successful in the niche it occupied, and it's demise was largely thanks to Malms actions, and not the business itself.

And the websites promotion? No, not Mechanical Animals. It was based off Spielbergs promotion for A.I. Nothing to do with Manson.

If you're going to try and act smart, then please, learn the facts instead of just mouthing off. It just makes you look like a jackass.

[J Remmy Jerms]

A.F.I. did the whole ARG thing before NIN did, but NIN is still cool never the less.

[7_seven_7]

UncleCthulhu wrote:

For God's sake, I wish he'd just shut up.

All you idiots complaining how expensive CDs are, stop freaking downloading music and buy the CDs so they can afford to bring prices down. It's your fault that CDs cost so much because you just download it all.

Actually, if you wanna support your favourite artists.. cd's isn't the best way to do it. The money from cd's goes mostly to the shop and record label. Jack shit to the artists. If you wanna support your favourite artists, go to their concerts and buy their merchandise.

But yea, good on Trent. He's a ****ing champion. How does HMV get off doing that?

[dudebud]

mercurymay wrote:

i think he's being an idiot. my dad runs HMV in Australia and REznor should be giving us more respect.

Ignorance is bliss.
Trent didn't say anything bad about HMV unless it was them who unreasonably raised the price of his CD, which by the sounds of it, was not the case.
HMV has nothing to do with what he is talking about except for the fact that he shops there! Which your dad should be damn happy about.

Nuff said.

[dieamberdie]

not_dead_enough wrote:




Also, the whole idea of websites to promote an album? Marilyn Manson did it first with Mechanical Animals in 1998 (and it was the first album Trent had NO part in; it was after the two of them had started hating each other so NO it would NOT have been Trent's idea to begin with)!

ok who the f*** said it was his idea in the first place? exactly. no one. it's been done a million times befor and it was done well everytime. you my friend...you need to get your f***ing facts straight. i respect reznor and everything he sad in this interview. he was speaking his mind and you have no right to critize him. and personaly if i had a 100 million dollars, trent reznors address, and the addresses of everyonew that bought his cd i would send all that money to to compensate for his record label for ripping them off and a good chunk of that to reznor who feeling the most mpact from the game and the ripoff

[sowhat360]

i like ozzy's idea, sell a record and concert tickets together.

[billyof bodom71]

LMAO on the home page, trent looks like adam sandler in little nicky. haha

[Mental Hop]

Either way, he's made himself look really good and probably got a few people to buy his album just by denouncing his label. He's smarter than you think.

[Second Rate]

Steelersfreak73 wrote:

[quote]UncleCthulhu wrote:

For God's sake, I wish he'd just shut up.

All you idiots complaining how expensive CDs are, stop freaking downloading music and buy the CDs so they can afford to bring prices down. It's your fault that CDs cost so much because you just download it all.


Well actually in reality its downloading is not why cd prices are so high like Reznor said its the company raising the prices for thier own benefit. Downloading started because of high cd prices and now i have seen other abdns cd prices being reduced so that the fans can actually afford them.

I agree, i remember paying over 15 bucks for CDs in 1997, before the whole 'file sharing is killing record sales' thing. All the big name bands pissing and crying about falling record sales need to complain to their record labels about the prices being too high.

Checked.

[kaze_no_oto]

[b]That's the most insulting thing I've heard. I've garnered a core audience that you feel it's OK to rip off? F--- you." 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.
. [b]

You know - I didn't much like the single off this album, and NIN has been less and less a favorite of mine since after Pretty Hate Machine, but becuase of the above statement - I'm gonna give it another chance. Much respect to Trent for holding that down.

[break-me-in]

Steelersfreak73 wrote:

[quote]UncleCthulhu wrote:

For God's sake, I wish he'd just shut up.

All you idiots complaining how expensive CDs are, stop freaking downloading music and buy the CDs so they can afford to bring prices down. It's your fault that CDs cost so much because you just download it all.

Why would we be complaining about CD prices if we were all downloading it? You completely contradicted yourself

[break-me-in]

Reznor deserves a lot of respect for this.

[ready2breakdown]

im glad that he's in the position to point out the stuff everyone already rumored to be true within labels and behind the scenes. I'm glad he's one of the few artist actually concerned about the people listening to his music!!! GO REZ!!!

[axeslinger0u812]

sowhat360 wrote:

i like ozzy's idea, sell a record and concert tickets together.

agreed. they marketed ozzfest as 'free' when in reality, they are using the profits from the cd. well, kind of.

and I actually would have to agree on the downloading upping cd prices thing. the labels have attempted to lower prices since the explosion of downloading. Many new artists cd's sell for 9.99 in the US. You can also go to different stores the week a cd is released and buy it on sale. I think the problem is that there really isn't that much good music out. I would buy a cd from an artist that I liked in a heartbeat.

What it comes down to, is that record labels loan money out to the artists as an investment on the making of their albums. They expect a return, and the artist is going to have to pay the label back eventually. So yes, cd sales, for the majority, go directly to the label. Why do you think an artist has to sell millions of records to make a profit? Millions of dollars go into the making of some records, and the label isn't just giving away free money.

[axeslinger0u812]

oh yeah, and to stay on topic, I think trent has some real balls to speak his mind on this. gotta respect a musician still under contract to backhand his label,lol. sweet.

[DEVILMAN 2012]

i kno a friend who went to HMV and he said to me cd's thier cost three times or more then the average 10 or 13 dollers u can pay for it at Fye or sam goody or best buy and shit

[sounddomine]

awesome guy

[DEVILMAN 2012]

axeslinger0u812 wrote:

sowhat360 wrote:

i like ozzy's idea, sell a record and concert tickets together.


agreed. they marketed ozzfest as 'free' when in reality, they are using the profits from the cd. well, kind of.

and I actually would have to agree on the downloading upping cd prices thing. the labels have attempted to lower prices since the explosion of downloading. Many new artists cd's sell for 9.99 in the US. You can also go to different stores the week a cd is released and buy it on sale. I think the problem is that there really isn't that much good music out. I would buy a cd from an artist that I liked in a heartbeat.

What it comes down to, is that record labels loan money out to the artists as an investment on the making of their albums. They expect a return, and the artist is going to have to pay the label back eventually. So yes, cd sales, for the majority, go directly to the label. Why do you think an artist has to sell millions of records to make a profit? Millions of dollars go into the making of some records, and the label isn't just giving away free money.

bands only get like 2 percent of what each album cost

[Scourge441]

Trent's saying what a lot of people have been saying for a long time. A lot of the bigger labels are thieves, and just about everyone knows it.

[break-me-in]

Scourge441 wrote:

Trent's saying what a lot of people have been saying for a long time. A lot of the bigger labels are thieves, and just about everyone knows it.

True. It's always been the main basis of indie labels and the principles of punk.

[RHCPfan01]

i love trent

[MX4Life]

I don't like NIN, but this guy seems to either be a major ******* or someone you wanna have on your side no matter what. More power to him though.

[slipmaggot93]

Nice. Trent, good job.

Checked.

[Lotz222]

We all know record labels do over price everything but lets remember that it is a business. The main objective of a business is to maximize profit. It is not right and it screws the customer but if they truly want the album they will pay for it. Sorry but more business do this then all of you think. I give Trent ups for really addressing the issue but lets face it....It will always be like this. The more people will pay for something the more they will change. If you all want to stick it to the "man" download the album and just FORCE YOURSELF TO PAY FOR A TICKET TO A LIVE SHOW. I personally feel better downloading music if i just go to their live show.

[punkrockjoe]

But I will look forward to the Black Eyed Peas Arg, that should be amazing.

Aha love trent, but yea it has become true that in recent years artists make more money from touring than record sales.
Even if trent has not retained complete clarity on this he's still making a damn good point about how record labels abuse the buying fans.

[BreakingTheGirl]

is there a place to play that game?

[clincher09]

Haha, black eyed peas ARG, you crack me up Trent.

[Renfordoggz]

Lotz222 wrote:

We all know record labels do over price everything but lets remember that it is a business. The main objective of a business is to maximize profit. It is not right and it screws the customer but if they truly want the album they will pay for it. Sorry but more business do this then all of you think. I give Trent ups for really addressing the issue but lets face it....It will always be like this. The more people will pay for something the more they will change. If you all want to stick it to the "man" download the album and just FORCE YOURSELF TO PAY FOR A TICKET TO A LIVE SHOW. I personally feel better downloading music if i just go to their live show.

what he/she said is true it's business i mean why the **** do gibsons cost soo much? and i'm not leaving HMV out of this... the month before christmas they were selling the foo fighters dvd for £9.99... then the christmas "sale" came..the price went up to £11.99... couple of months later £13.99 now it's in the £20's...****s

[bobbynogo]

amazing! i dont even like nine inch nails that much, but ill definately buy any cd he releases on paypal, just to say FUCK YOU to the record industry

[Captian Xero]

Personally, I think Trent Reznor is the smartest person in the music industry at this point in time.

Reznor > God IMO

[JC13]

Wow, my respect for Trent has gone through the roof now, I love NIN's music, and it's great to see they are led by someone like this.

[jahyarain]

DEVILMAN 2012 wrote:

bands only get like 2 percent of what each album cost

thank God! i was beginning to wonder if i was the only one who's ever taken a RIM course.

[HyperBoy2519]

my respect has gone up too.

question...what happens when "that last record he owes the major label" comes out? does he leave his current label and go to another one or quit altogether?

[Macabre_Turtle]

UncleCthulhu wrote:

For God's sake, I wish he'd just shut up.

All you idiots complaining how expensive CDs are, stop freaking downloading music and buy the CDs so they can afford to bring prices down. It's your fault that CDs cost so much because you just download it all.

I think you missed the part where the record dude admitted it was expensive so they could **** us, not because they can't afford to make them.

[TheOutlawTorn]

i think he's being an idiot. my dad runs HMV in Australia and REznor should be giving us more respect.

No, HMV is one of the most poorly run places around, there are well run outlets, then there are poorly run....HMV is the latter. Stop being such a god damn daddys boy and wake the hell up!

[not_dead_enough]

kingasherock wrote:

not dead enough i hope you are truly amazing in real life as you make yourself out to be here. jesus christ DO YOU always have to just go against what everybody else is saying because you have no identity of your own. and how were his records far from and hiperfect few bands throughout the history of music have been able to pride themselves on such an esteemed discography as NIN and his 'attempt' to run a record label did not fail, check your facts ass. your second point makes no sense...each contract from the manufacturer to the distrubutors is out of the artists hands you gaping v-hole..it's not one middle man it's hundreds. and yes he did pay for this OUT OF HIS OWN POCKET!!!!! how many other musicians especially with a brand like nin are going to do that? i mean i'm sure you would because you are the most insightful and intelligent being in existence not dead enough the best us poor mortals can do is try and follow your righteous example.
Sorry for all of that everyone else. all i can say is things like this well' its part of the reason Trent and co. have been heroes of mine for o9ver a decade now. big up

Firstly I do NOT just simply go against what everybody else says. If you need examples look at my posts on recent Megadeth, Machine Head and Cannibal Corpse articles. Even Avril Lavigne articles I've been nothing but constructive. I simply speak my mind and I can't apologise for the fact that my opinions may not be that of most people's if that is the case.

Also, I am the first to admit i'm far from perfect. I'll say it now; i'm not some kind of righteous super-being in real life and I don't see myself as any better than the rest of you (except for those of you who are just not constructive...you know who you are).

To clear the air here, I have a lot of respect for Trent Reznor and NiN. The man has had a distinguished career that I could only dream of and I like his music a lot. I was let down with Year Zero but all in all the man's great. I just think he's being a little hyporcritical here and I like Manson more so i'll usually take Marilyn's side in any disagreement.

But hey, no hard feelings. This is an open discussion and I appreciate your input.

Lastly, nothing records is now defunct. I consider that a failed attempt, and yes I know the history of that whole issue. It's no secret that it was for the better part 'Trent's' label. So the least he should remember is that it's not easy running a record label.

[Havenspear]

My ****ing hero.
I can't wait for his indie albums. The company's screwing him.

[Porkchops2112]

Trent Reznor is a genius.

When he signed this record contract, it didnt say "I Agree to let you rip people off just because there core fans," so he has every right to complain and to fight back.

[twitch1331]

All you idiots complaining how expensive CDs are, stop freaking downloading music and buy the CDs so they can afford to bring prices down. It's your fault that CDs cost so much because you just download it all.

The real situation.

[sum41freak8733]

i know im not the smartest guy and im stupid when it comes to this stuff but if record companies get all the money for records being sold at stores why dont the artist put a few songs online and sell cds ONLY at the shows i mean if the way your saying it ....records being sold at stores is where record companies make there money then wouldnt musicians make money off of selling there cds at there shows ???

Checked.

[Ibzman]

I agree with Reznor, as simple as that. Those damn CDs are expensive, I wouldn't mind if they'd reduce their prices, 'cause anyway it's a battle that the stores are gonna lose, 'cause we can download it

[2113]

Steal from the major labels, buy the indie cd's. Don't buy shit from fye best buy or walmart, cause they are just as fuc*ing stupid as the labels.

Lot of respect for reznor.

[Dead_End]

aahhaha i love how far this has escalated, reznor is the man, he's so truthful about this, plus the fact that this starts multiple online arguements above my comment is even better.

[MAXPAYNE4664]

Reznor is the man!

[Under_The_Oath]

I can't stand NIN, but Reznor seems to be a pretty awesome guy.

[Hanrahan]

UncleCthulhu wrote:

For God's sake, I wish he'd just shut up.

All you idiots complaining how expensive CDs are, stop freaking downloading music and buy the CDs so they can afford to bring prices down. It's your fault that CDs cost so much because you just download it all.

Well, seeing as I have been buying CD's since LONG before downloading music was possible, and given the fact that the price has not gone up or down in any significant manner, I'd have to say your idea is stupid- they have been and will continue to rip everyone off, musician and fan alike, until a viable alternative to the big record label marketing model comes about.

[darkfire_storm]

HyperBoy2519 wrote:

my respect has gone up too.

question...what happens when "that last record he owes the major label" comes out? does he leave his current label and go to another one or quit altogether?

independent album. hes got enough money right now that he doesnt need the funding from a label to release an album anymore.

as for reznor, i love this guy. he rocks. but they should really get some better pics on UG... in that picture up there he kinda looks like Luke Wilson with long hair...

[v2kv]

Who ****ing cares if they lower the pricing of CDs or not? Ppl don't download music because its cheaper, it's just so much more convenient. And if you like a band enough, you'll pay for a CD no matter what the cost is. The only reason Year Zero isn't selling is because it's just not a very good album, after The Fragile everything just went downhill for NIN.

[not_dead_enough]

sum41freak8733 wrote:

i know im not the smartest guy and im stupid when it comes to this stuff but if record companies get all the money for records being sold at stores why dont the artist put a few songs online and sell cds ONLY at the shows i mean if the way your saying it ....records being sold at stores is where record companies make there money then wouldnt musicians make money off of selling there cds at there shows ???

That might work...until the record company sees you doing it and either asks for a cut or tells you to stop it or they'll drop you altogether.

[punkbass481]

any more than 20$ for a CD is too much

[boxcarblink94]

my opinion and respect level for trent just went WAY up, even though i'm not into his music at all

[CaTeArS]

splended! yay for trent and his amazing music! down with corrupt corporations!

[zeroyon]

Bravo Trent!

[mrcandycane]

I paid 9.98 for year zero at target. Seemed reasonable enough to me. And Trent Reznor is awesome.

[morello_man]

mercurymay wrote:

i think he's being an idiot. my dad runs HMV in Australia and REznor should be giving us more respect.

Such an idiot.
You're dad is the head of a ****ing stupid company who overcharges for music. Don't be offended, anybody related to the guy that runs Sanity, Kmart, and anybody else that charges high prices can get lost as well.

JB Hifi is the only place I buy music. They stock loads of quality music and support genres that cannot get support in stores like HMV. The only reason I still buy stuff is cause I want to show support for good artists, but always JB.

And when you say 'us', what do you mean? Cause your Dad works for HMV, you want Reznor to show respect? Why? Unless you do your Dad's filing or clean his office or something, there is no 'us'.

I don't know, I'm not broke, but I work a job so I can buy stuff. There's a lot of people out there who's parents aren't in charge of major corporations, who love music, perhaps a lot more than you. Don't ask for respect. Maybe you work, maybe you don't. I don't care.

Music is gonna change really soon, and major labels don;t get it. There's gonna be a seismic shift in distribution and content, the way we get music and who ets paid for it will be rapidly different. companies that do their best, like your Dad's, to stunt the development of this industry in the face of what consumers want will be left behind. So next time at dinner, maybe tell your Dad that his industry is changing, and he'd better keep up.

I don't normally get so personal, but when I see such ridiculous statements by fellow Australians I get furious.

[LewisMasonx]

Trent = win!

[SlashNX]

not_dead_enough wrote:

Lastly, if he's encouraging his fans to break the law (by stealing music) why not just break the law himself? He can always just refuse to fulfill his contractual agreements...he seems like that kind of anti-capitalist revolutionist at the moment.

Do the words "Crazy big lawsuit" mean anything to you???

[not_dead_enough]

SlashNX wrote:

not_dead_enough wrote:

Lastly, if he's encouraging his fans to break the law (by stealing music) why not just break the law himself? He can always just refuse to fulfill his contractual agreements...he seems like that kind of anti-capitalist revolutionist at the moment.


Do the words "Crazy big lawsuit" mean anything to you???

My point is I don't think they mean anything to Trent. The way he's been carrying on as of late it seems as if he wouldn't care. Or, maybe he secretly would and this is just how he's acting in public view. Not saying he is or not, I really don't know...

[Felkara]

Gibson Phoney wrote:

Credit to my local hmv.. they have dropped there prices considerably. Its amazing how the exactly same cd in two shops opposite each other can be priced £10 different.

+1

[fusebox7]

It's hard to speculate what actually happens with the money that's used to buy cds. But, I would think that if they drastically reduced prices, the record companies wouldn't use more of their own money to pay the artists (whom nowadays expect ridiculous amounts of money per record). And on the subject of downloading music- even before Napster and all that good stuff, I still believe prices were ballpark to what they are now, so I doubt that hardly has an effect on it. It probably has to do with the laws of economics mixed with good 'ol music industry corruption (both have been around forever).

[fender24_70]

Lets face it,this whole problem with cd's costing to much is all on our backs. If we didn't steal just a song or two 8 yrs ago sales wouldn't dropped enough for the bands to start wondering what's going on. If we would stop stealing ****ing music all the time we wouldn't have this problem. When will they see.

[fender24_70]

People's greedy-ness will end it all for us music lovers. Just start buying the ****ing cd's and give it a couple of years and it will smooth out.

[Meatontheface]

I think it is good if musicians don't get paid huge sums of money. I think if you are a true enough musician, it shouldn't be about the money, but about the music and the fans. Doctors, people who are trying to cure disease should be getting more. The money usually will make them make crap music because of their big Ego's and make them arrogant *******s (e.g. Axl Rose).

[fusebox7]

fender24_70 wrote:

People's greedy-ness will end it all for us music lovers. Just start buying the ****ing cd's and give it a couple of years and it will smooth out.

But I have this 6 Mb connection, what am I going to do with it now? j/k

I'm sure it'll all work itself out in the end - "Don't sweat the petty stuff, pet the sweaty stuff."

[Keensharp]

Trent is probably the artist I have the most respect for..

[even_deeper]

In the end, the music is all that matters.

AMEN! that is what record companies don't get. it's all about the music, not who you'll be able to rip off for a larger profit. Reznor has the right idea, don't elevate prices so that people can't afford it, lower the prices and more people will buy. then those people will tell their friends, "Hey, you should check out NIN, the new CD is inexpensive and a great album." In this way, artists will get more recognition and money while fans get the happiness of GOOD MUSIC.

[CousticStrangla]

not_dead_enough wrote:

First off Trent, when YOU were head of nothing records, they were FAR from perfect. Their releases weren't exactly free either. Don't criticise a record label when your attempt to run one failed.

Also, Trent obviously has the money to do all this himself if he chooses. No one forced him to sign the record deal. For someone who's apparently as smart and insightful as he is, surely he could've potentially seen this coming and at least asked for a clause to prevent it.

Also, the whole idea of websites to promote an album? Marilyn Manson did it first with Mechanical Animals in 1998 (and it was the first album Trent had NO part in; it was after the two of them had started hating each other so NO it would NOT have been Trent's idea to begin with)!

Lastly, if he's encouraging his fans to break the law (by stealing music) why not just break the law himself? He can always just refuse to fulfill his contractual agreements...he seems like that kind of anti-capitalist revolutionist at the moment.

When you're a multi-million selling artist then your opinion will matter. Until then, shut up little pup.

[CousticStrangla]

even_deeper wrote:


In the end, the music is all that matters.


AMEN! that is what record companies don't get. it's all about the music, not who you'll be able to rip off for a larger profit. Reznor has the right idea, don't elevate prices so that people can't afford it, lower the prices and more people will buy. then those people will tell their friends, "Hey, you should check out NIN, the new CD is inexpensive and a great album." In this way, artists will get more recognition and money while fans get the happiness of GOOD MUSIC.

The record companies don't care about the fans opinions or that it's "all about the music," because for the label it isn't all about the music; it is all about the profit. They could care less if it is "art" to you, to them it is merely profit.

[langerz]

Well said, Go trent!!

[korn_dawg]

just had to say that..

not_dead_enough :
First off Trent, when YOU were head of nothing records, they were FAR from perfect. Their releases weren't exactly free either. Don't criticise a record label when your attempt to run one failed.

Also, the whole idea of websites to promote an album? Marilyn Manson did it first with Mechanical Animals in 1998 (and it was the first album Trent had NO part in; it was after the two of them had started hating each other so NO it would NOT have been Trent's idea to begin with)!

Trent was not the sole head of Nothing Records, he was a co-founder and since he was producing music at the time he probably wasn't involved in everything. Second, if you think that the first person to advertise a CD with websites/ARG was MM, just shut up because you are ignorant