The 1980s singer Trent Reznor called one of “the best rock vocalists ever”
Trent Reznor is more than just a musician, capable of creating entire worlds through the power of sound alone, and that’s not something everyone can do.
When most people sit down to write a song, they pick up a guitar, bass, or keyboard as a starting point; a few chords are churned out here and there over the next few minutes, hours, or days, until some kind of melody begins to develop, and that provides a decent foundation. Reznor is different; he hears music in everything and draws from instruments as well as everyday objects in order to create some of the most emotive soundscapes ever laid on wax.
That’s how Nine Inch Nails have always been able to create such exciting songs and albums. There’s great songwriting at hand, sure, but also complete freedom when it comes to the recording and producing of their songs. Reznor has a way with music that doesn’t just get listeners’ blood pumping, but it also inspires his contemporaries.
Take Josh Homme, for example. When he found himself in a huge creative downward spiral, it was a conversation with Reznor that pulled him out of it. There is no magic per se behind this revelation; instead, this is just what happens when two great musicians get together and talk about the thing they’re most passionate about. Originally, Homme wanted Reznor to work as the producer on an album, but timings didn’t line up. However, all Homme needed was a chat, and he was ready to go again.
“I didn’t know if I could make a record again,” said Homme, “And I don’t know why, but I called Trent. I wanted him to produce the record, and I didn’t have many songs or know what I was doing, and was completely lost. I just said, ‘Man, you wanna have some coffee?’”
He continued, “I talked to him about producing the record. And then I went back into a like [acts decrepit] for a while, buzzing like a fridge, I guess […] Then when I came back, he was starting the Nine Inch Nails record, so he didn’t produce my record, but he helped me a lot.”
Why is all of this important? I’m simply highlighting the understanding of music and creativity that Reznor has. Not only does he make good tunes, but a simple conversation with him is enough to reignite the spark that goes out for so many different, exceptional artists. As such, when someone like him tells you a musical hot tip, you’d better make sure you’re listening, as his insight is pretty invaluable.
One of those valuable insights that he has previously provided is who he believes the greatest vocalist in rock music is. He’s worked with Ian Astbury on a few different projects, and it exposed Reznor to someone who he believes has the most to offer across the board when it comes to vocals. As the lead singer in The Cult, Astbury certainly has experience channelling raw emotion through sound, and his ability to do so is something that even stuns an expert like Trent Reznor into silence.
“Ian is one of the best rock vocalists ever,” he said, “We worked on a few tracks together a few years ago, but I didn’t have my shit together”.
