“Music now feels largely limited to something that happens in the background.”

Nine Inch Nails have shared their opinion on the current state of the music world and announced their upcoming work.

Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross from the band recently caught up with them IndieWire to discuss her work, scoring film, including The social network, soul, challenger and Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming film Strange. It was also announced earlier this year that they would serve as composers for the upcoming Disney sci-fi film Tron: Ares.

While Reznor talked about the process of creating accompanying music for a film, he also shared his perspective on the current state of music.

“What we’re looking for (from film) is a shared experience with interesting people. We didn’t necessarily get that from the music world, but from our own decision,” he said. “You mentioned disillusionment with the music world? Yes. The culture of the music world sucks. That’s another topic, but what technology has done to revolutionize the music business is devastating not only in terms of the way people listen to music, but also the value they place on it.

“I don’t say this as an old man screaming at the clouds, but as a music lover who grew up where music was the main thing. Music (now) feels largely limited to something that happens in the background or while you’re doing something else. It’s a long, bitter story.”

Elsewhere in the interview, the duo were asked about their controversial 1997 video album Closure. The album contained footage from Nine Inch Nails’ Self-Destruct and Further Down the Spiral tours and was released on double VHS and featured both on and off-stage antics as well as tour guests such as the late David Bowie, Jim Rose Circus and Marilyn Manson. A DVD release was planned by Interscope Records – the band’s label from 1992 to 2007 after Reznor decided to self-release his work – but was shelved in 2004.

“I’m just trying to think of what to say,” Reznor told the outlet. “We’re doing some things with Interscope again. There is renewed interest in ensuring the back catalog is properly curated and maintained. The way I address this is: I haven’t paid close attention to what the status of these things is because it’s a relatively new development. But it’s good to mention that because I would like it to be consumable in some way, be it streamable or something.”

After being told that someone had posted a version of “Closure” online at some point, the “Hurt” singer said, “Oh, I didn’t know about that.”

This isn’t the first time Nine Inch Nails have spoken openly about working on new material. They began teasing a possible new Nine Inch Nails project in April, with Ross saying, “I’m really excited to get started on the next record.” I think we’re at a point now where we have an idea have.”

Last week in an interview with The Hollywood ReporterReznor shared that the group “incorporated the inspiration we gathered into a Nine Inch Nails project we’re currently working on. “We’re ready to call the shots again,” confirming that new Material is in progress.

A new album would be the band’s first since 2020’s surprise ambient double LP Ghosts V-VI, which followed 2018’s Bad Witch.

Additionally, this summer Nine Inch Nails celebrated three decades of “downward spiraling” by teaming up with Dr. Martens teamed up for a special boot collection. Reznor then explained why he apologized to his record company when he handed in the record.