It seems like an odd couple, but there are undeniable similarities between Kanye West and Trent Reznor, the boss at Nine Inch Nails. Both are renowned for masterminding and controlling all elements of their recordings, nitpicking to perfection. Both are notorious for their outspokenness. Some critics have suggested a Nine Inch Nails influence on "Yeezus," the dark and electronic album from West. He was honored to be considered alongside West, Reznor said, and commented on the pair's professional relationship.
"I know [Kanye] a bit. He's come out to shows and we've had some humorous- I've listened to him talk backstage a few times. I can't say that we had a conversation. I find him an interesting character," Reznor said, humorously making note of Kanye's ego. "'Yeezus,' I really love it. I think the sound of it is cool. I can't endorse what he's saying lyrically, but I will say that in terms of the role of the dangerous entertainer in 2013, nobody is beating him at that game. It feels like he might implode. Even if it is calculated to some degree, it feels rough on the edges in a way that I can appreciate. I'm glad he's out there. Consistently he's put out ahead-of-the-curve s---. He's definitely a talented guy."
Reznor tried to shrug off other suggestions of his influence however. Perhaps less out of modesty and more out of dislike of what he heard.
"I got hints of being influential back in the dark ages of late '90s," he said. "But the bands I would hear it in bummed me out so much that I can't listen for that anymore. I did notice [my influence] post-'Social Network.' I started hearing a few things that made me think, 'Okay, I bet you've heard our score.'"
Nine Inch Nails has a new record, "Hesitation Marks," coming out on September 3.
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