Trent Reznor explains why social media has created a 'toxic environment' for music
Does he have a point?!
Last updated 20th Apr 2017
Nine Inch Nails legend Trent Reznor has launched a stinging critique on the effect of social media on music.
In an interview with Yahoo, Trent said that so many people having a voice on social media was leading to artists pursuing safe music.
“What has crept in is that everyone’s a commentator now,” Trent said. "The Internet is giving voice to everybody thinking that someone gives a s*** what they have to say and they have the right.
“I think, in general, that has created a toxic environment for artists and led to some very safe music. Artists are trying to make music to please the tastemakers that tell the sheep what to like. It’s a vicious cycle and I think it’s unhealthy.
“I don’t see any Princes emerging on the scene today. I see a lot of people making formulaic, made to please, vegan restaurant patron-type s. And I think it creates an environment where people are too fin’ worried about what other people have to say.
“And people who have never made anything think it’s OK to talk s about stuff they have no right to talk about. You got a Facebook account? Nobody gives a f. You haven’t achieved anything.”
Having previously created the scores for films including The Social Network, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo and Gone Girl, Trent has once again joined forces with kindred spirit Atticus Ross to create the Patriots Day soundtrack.
Released in the UK on 23rd February, the hard-hitting film stars Mark Wahlberg ad J.K. Simmons and follows the events of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and the subsequent terrorist manhunt.
Nine Inch Nails also released the brand new EP ‘Not The Actual Events’ last month.