Comments on: An Open Letter to Trent Reznor

By: Emzyenzy2

Emzyenzy2 — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 20:31:00 +0000

First of all, let me say your arguments, for the most part, are very intelligently argued. I don’t agree with most of what you said, but you back it with your own experiences and that’s worth something.

I, like you, am a huge Ministry fan. I’m also a huge Nine Inch Nails fan. In a day in age where EVERYONE uses Pro Tools, I get a little steamed when people compare the two. A keyboard does not an industrial band make. Ministry are essentially a heavy metal band that utilizes technology to enhance their sound. While I realize they have morphed into this from what used to be far more electronic, the fact remains that if you take a listen, Nine Inch Nails is a very different animal. Does some of it speak of Ministry’s influence? Sure, back in the Spiral and before days. But if you really take in what Reznor has done since then, you’ll find he broke away from that mold a long time ago. Whether you like him or not is entirely up to you, but musically, it can’t really be argued that these bands have much in common anymore. I mean Reznor’s scoring movies now for God’s sakes. And might I add, in my humble opinion, doing it quite well. I also believe he knows how lucky he is to be where he is, as he’s humbly mentioned so in several recent interviews regarding these experiences.

The ironic thing about your accusations at Reznor is that Jourgensen fought the same battle, and for a while was just as huge as Reznor. Like Reznor, Jourgensen is now able to do what he does because he spent some time on a major label. The thing these musicians really have in common is that they’ve followed similar paths. I also find them both to be very uncompromising when it comes to their vision and I respect the hell out of both of them for it. I also recognize that they are entirely different visions.

Anyway, please don’t see my retort as disrespect. I fully understand where you’re coming from. I’m an independent musician too, and I certainly struggle financially. So I hear you. I’m simply saying we as indie artists have to be careful taking potshots at pop artists, it makes us sound jealous, and if anyone needs their dignity (as you insinuated, and I’m right by you with this), it’s us, not people like Reznor.

Thanks for posting this. I applaud you for speaking your mind so sincerely. I wish there were more like you.

By: Mew

Mew — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 22:34:00 +0000

you write this shit as if “being indie” is more important than the music itself. or the brilliance it takes to make career maneuvers as Trent has. he’s played the majors, and now he’s a boss. and somehow, this ambition is to be criticized? the fact is “indie” just means you haven’t made it yet or never will.

By: puppy crate training whining

puppy crate training whining — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 01:12:31 +0000

puppy crate training whining…

Keep up the good work….

By: whatever

whatever — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 06:20:04 +0000

Sounds like jealousy swamped in and drowned by a sense of under-achievement while thinking..”wow, how did Reznor think of that.”.or..”wow”, Reznor was a genius with the Ghosts package”.

You are an artist..Reznor is an artist..however..a TRUE artist can appreciate another artist's work. I guess, maybe you do not exactly fit in that category. Also, it looks like you used Reznor and Ministry as “tags” to get your music noticed in the world of the internet..hmm, maybe you need Reznor after all.

By: whatever

whatever — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 02:20:04 +0000

Sounds like jealousy swamped in and drowned by a sense of under-achievement while thinking..”wow, how did Reznor think of that.”.or..”wow”, Reznor was a genius with the Ghosts package”.

By: whatever

whatever — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 01:20:04 +0000

Sounds like jealousy swamped in and drowned by a sense of under-achievement while thinking..”wow, how did Reznor think of that.”.or..”wow”, Reznor was a genius with the Ghosts package”.

By: Ashleighb

Ashleighb — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 19:00:27 +0000

Even though this post is over a year old I'll put in my two cents. I did not listen to your album because frankly I don't care whether you get huge from this or not. From what I can pick up from the comments your music is pretty shitty….but I digress. What irks me is you, this self proclaimed indie guy, are trying to ride the coattails of hating on big rock stars to make it big yourself. You bitch that TR has millions of dollars and has things and people only one could dream of. But isn't that, ultimately, what you're trying to attain? My suggestion to you, my friend, is to watch the man and take some damn notes. TR went from recording 'Pretty Hate Machine' after working as a janitor in a recording studio to living the American dream. But, if you're going to sit there and tell me that making shitty music and bashing important people is your American dream then keep it up. Great Job!

By: Ryan

Ryan — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 14:43:53 +0000

I just rofl'd all over my computer and nearly pissed my pants after you go off on this tangent about marketing no-nos and garbage like that-then proceed to turn the whole article into a marketing ploy!

Hahaha

By: j.antkowski

j.antkowski — Thu, 07 May 2009 06:18:49 +0000

so your going to diss instrumental albums…. by the way the voice is an instrument too. your going to diss jazz records and orchestral records. things that are part of the music world. every recording could be considered an instrumental album. a musical instrument can be the voice, drums, a piano, anything thats recorded. “Seriously, an instrumental album?” saying that… but on your website frontpage you have the word symphony. and your talking shit on a recording with no vocals.
so what if you dont like the music. you dont have to. and thats that. it really shows how jealous you are.
i dont like your music. but am i going to whine and bitch about it? no.

By: johnny cash owns "hurt"

johnny cash owns "hurt" — Tue, 05 May 2009 01:45:08 +0000

this is a really bitter article, for sure. in fact, i think actually that it's good when bigger artists give stuff away for free. they should all do it, and then maybe the music industry will finally die.

on the other hand, i have to admit that i do agree that trent reznor is an overrated talentless douchebag. one thing is true though, "hurt" is a good song. other than than, meh.

i just don't buy into all his dark bullshit...seems insincere to me...like he just wants to show the world his "dark, edgy" side. plus he does whine too much.

it's cool for those who like him, everyone is entitled to their opinion, but after working in music stores selling his shit to dumb kids who think he's a god and buy anything with a NIN logo on it, i just find him and his music incredibly annoying.