DP/30: Watchmen, Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross

They both took different roads to film scoring, which they have mostly (and most famously) done together. From 9 Inch Nails to Fincher to Watchmen, they have a unique one-off approach to every project. They took some time to chat with David Poland to chat about their work on Watchmen and theor other work together.
Earlier DP/30 with Trent Reznor:
Gone Girl: • DP/30: Gone Girl, Tren...
Shot via Zoom, August 2020
Subscribe to DP/30 for more interviews: bit.ly/17Xg4Y1

[@bradoozy]

Trent’s voice, singing or not is just so distinctly Trent Reznor. Nobody really sounds like that.

[@crowkangi]

Trent will forever be one of my heroes and main influences. a class act

[@scottfennell6568]

A true pioneer for sure

[@richarddaniel6896]

Been a massive fan since PHM. Still love the 'evil genius' but some of the old videos make cringe a little. Too much 'thin denier' tights involved. Hahaha.

[@TexasTrojanPony]

Well said. He’s very important to me too.

[@RealMNeutral31]

Same here.

[@michaelmole5435]

And to think al was a big influence of his

[@Gonko100]

Trent has reached peak form. He has become an absolute master with Atticus' help. True artists.

[@lifemusic1980]

100%

[@falst573]

Yes!

[@zachiswayposi1]

He’s been an absolute master for 30 years

[@CupofCloud]

yeah they both hit the jackpot by meeting each other and creating together

[@mickeypye2593]

THINK CLOUSER DEFINITELY ADDED TO WHAT REZNOR BROUGHT TO THE TABLE - BUT I THINK YER RIGHT IN SO MUCH AS THIS COMBINATION OF TR + AR IS SURPASSING MOST OF WHAT WENT BEFORE

[@libansabrie9724]

Apparently Reznor lives inside the opening sequence of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

[@w33dn0se3]

PFFFFFFT-

[@garoadmusic]

The Playstation 2 Bootup screen too

[@greendan93]

In fairness, anything other than that would have been a let down.

[@debralarue2596]

Idiots.

[@pathos7527]

Reznor just lives inside his art period 😊

[@duane8620]

I've been a Reznor fan since.... shit, since 91'. I've seen him live with Bowie back in 95' in NJ, this was my first time seeing him perform. That performance left me stunned for 2 days, mildly deafened and was the best concert experience I've had yet. I've seen him perform live now 4 times, the last was with Soundgarden (my second time seeing Cornell perform, Rest in Peace Chris) in summer of 2013. I've never really seen interviews he's done, don't like interviews asking dumb personal questions. This, this was awesome. Hearing how these two create, the struggle of business and the vast difference from being a "musician" and being a music writer/producer for a TV show "this is actual work". Great stuff, Trent thanks for all the years of awesome music! I would NEVER have thought back in the 90's Reznor would be doing movie soundtracks like the Facebook movie _Social Network_ . I'm not bashing or teasing, I find it awesome. Just like when he worked on *Quake* the video game by id software. We should've guessed back then we'd see Reznor working in other areas of musical creativity. Going from a powerhouse record like _The Downward Spiral_ to making music and sound fx for Quake, which still holds the title for one of the best atmospheric soundtracks in a game I've played. Keep up the great work guys!

[@alliarsenic]

I love to see trent smiling!

[@anthonycasella3072]

Hard to surpass what these two did with social network but I think the watchman soundtrack does that. Being 42, nails were the soundtrack to my rebellious youth and to see them grow wiser along a parallel path has been amazing. I would of never thought that the angst and heaviness of that band I loved in the early and mid 90's would end up constantly evolving into the soundtrack of my life. Thank you trent.

[@micahjohansson7573]

Trent and Atticus are an amazing duo.

[@barneyrubble8255]

What did they first start working together on? What album was it? Is atticus more like an electronics programming guy? sound enginneer?

[@micahjohansson7573]

@@barneyrubble8255 Atticus had a band back in the 90s that's when he met Reznor. Both started working together on the album With Teeth.

[@localdishwasher]

@@micahjohansson7573 that's right 12 rounds

[@Katysha28]

It's just so nice to hear his voice. cozy atmosphere.

[@xVmbra]

I'm so happy Trent is growing his hair again

[@alexanderpetrenko539]

Thank God I'm not the only one. I think he looks great here.

[@trooperodst6880]

@@alexanderpetrenko539 yup exactly like with teeth era' love it man

[@trooperodst6880]

Looks better fo sure

[@benbrennan4953]

THATS what you took away from this 54 minute video? Jesus.

[@ProbablyLying]

It's a signal that he's working on the next album... rejuvenated.

[@pseudoshaman]

Trent Reznor is the John Wick of music

[@falst573]

100%

[@dionysiaex5538]

Baba Yaga

[@youneedpeoplelikeme5376]

Wow he even looks like him here-What a great thought

[@falst573]

Reznor is another level.

[@jtm4887]

atticus & trent are such awesome & intelligent dudes. their scores are what keeps me coming back for more and more music from them. im anticipating what they will bring to their fans in the future.

[@demonweber666]

Trent and Atticus are genius at making one note sound ethereal and haunting. Before the Flood, Vietnam by Ken Burns, Watchmen, NIN, or How to Destroy Angels. Unmistakable and signature sound. Its a trademark so to speak. I remember years ago, when his new NIN material was more trippy, like Massive Attack, and old fans were upset. But not me, i embrace when an artist evolves, and takes chances. Why would anyone want 10 Pretty Hate Machines, when they can listen to so many great, unique sounds. Would love to hear Trent & Atticus score Doctor Strange 2.

[@falst573]

Yes!

[@Flutterbyby]

Me too, love the changes through the years.

[@sharinglungs3226]

I feel like fragile was his peak and the albums before was the evolution to get there. Afterwards felt like Trent experimenting with a different direction and I’m ok with that.

[@arash-whogivesafkwhatmylas1364]

This was the most energetic atticus ive ever seen

[@LadyVendic]

Trent will always be my idol. His work gets better and better. By the way the longer hair looks good.

[@ArctorDarkly]

Thank You Keanu Reeves, for making Trent grow his hair back out...

[@jmenax78]

Trent is looking good. So 'smiley'.

[@joshlara8237]

Man i love trent and Robert smith my favorite artists in music of all time

[@RoxieMarquez_marroxeli]

Quarantine Daddy Trent does it for me.

[@aenima-tool9418]

Exactly Daddy

[@Eldritch-1]

Does it for everybody.

[@maidencita]

Yasss

[@pathos7527]

I’m a man and I share this sentiment. Is that allowed? 😂🤷🏻‍♂️

[@maidencita]

@@pathos7527 of couse!

[@HauntedIsle]

Super sad that the RRHOF Induction Ceremony was canceled. They are rock gods who deserve their own special celebration and public adoration!

[@ehyojono]

It has only been postponed. The Ceremony will commence November 7 on HBO. It won't have a ton of random attendees, BUT it will happen. So chill out.

[@HauntedIsle]

No it won’t. It is going to be a tribute without live performances. I had tickets to the live event and it was CANCELLED because the CEREMONY was cancelled. There is no ceremony only a pre-recorded biographical presentation on the honorees. You are wrong.

[@helenaalbert7461]

I am from Ohio and lived in south texas for a few years. I moved back to insure that I could make it to the rock hall ceremony. Quite unfortunate, but I'm glad to hear they are still going strong regardless.

[@Aniacakess]

haha yes! if you like his music checkout mine!

[@ehyojono]

@@Aniacakess no

[@bluemgk69]

Trent looks like Keanu

[@yeahthissaysalotaboutthezj2246]

True

[@theredheadsaidNYC]

that's what I thought too!

[@adwagmusic]

Keanu Snape

[@pathos7527]

If Trent and Keanu somehow had a lovechild that was a boy it would grow up to be the manliest man there ever was 💯

[@hudsonsirheshicks2653]

Duchovney

[@markolijus]

entire score was amazing, but Lincoln tunnel was spot on! that scene, with THAT music was something that moves blood and spirit....perfect.. bravo Atticus and Trent.. Bravo!!!

[@kevinsetterlund]

Trent and Atticus look like they could be blood brothers. great interview.

[@sjwb2007]

We forget that we had (two) new NIN releases in March this year!!

[@RolandRED]

because they were fairly forgettable

[@simongilmore5618]

Love the score to Watchmen! All their scores are just incredible

[@HauntedIsle]

It’s so wonderful to see them again!! 💜 Looking forward to the next album/tour gentlemen! 🎸🎹

[@miketrg]

The creativity of these two gentlemen is mind blowing. Thanks to both for all the fantastic music, keep it coming please.

[@RichardFriendartist]

amazing interview as always. Thank you !!!

[@violetson5118]

Been hoping to hear the full 12 Rounds album for ages... glad to hear might not be in vain.

[@oraz.]

Always gonna love Trent

[@JD_Slacker]

Really enjoyed this. Looking forward to some new NIN.

[@mclovinhobsbawn]

that wall is really cool

[@Joel-np9vl]

Very true artist with the feeling of Purpose is a great key to overcoming much hardships.

[@Andres-mh9ey]

That room really suits Trent

[@klauswik3976]

…there is only me!

[@helenaalbert7461]

I am very happy to see some new news. I will definitely keep my eyes and ears open.

[@nickdeleon5811]

Movies like Social Network and Gone Girl, I had no idea before I watched that Reznor and Ross did the score, but minutes into these movies I looked over to my wife and said, that’s these guys. You two have an amazing sound and partnership. You make these movies better.

[@jacquelinevanbierk]

God, I loved 12 Rounds and of course NIN The two of them are such a great team! And Trent looks great!

[@Pokeythebear]

Yes please Atticus please release the 12 Rounds material!!! Such an amazing sound. I’m desperate for this.

[@tofubaba1315]

I'm digging Trent's look, it's like a fusion of his young and old styles.

[@davidsfishtanks9347]

Thanks for sharing !

[@MRRU-uz7ej]

ITS COOL TO SEE TRENT WITH LONG HAIR AGAIN!!! WOODSTOCK94 ROCK ON!!!🤘🏻🤘🏻NIN

[@kael13]

Been wondering what these guys have been up to. Thanks for this.

[@jobe_seed6674]

I love how goofy he looks with the glasses

[@blakewebb8635]

This is a great interview.

[@BenKopec]

This video inspired me to watch the tv show. Very cool concept and soundtrack. Great work guys!

[@davidsfishtanks9347]

I need to see the show I have only heard the sound track love it !

[@ripfuzz3435]

I swear, every interview ever with trent, could be a paid for course, and you could call it a master class, and it would not only, NOT be a rip off, it would probably be underpriced.

[@Aniacakess]

haha yes! if you like his music checkout mine!

[@jamesc9168]

Just wanna say I've been listening since the early 90s and I love all of the soundtracks that they are doing... Can't think of a better way to progress as a musician

[@hudsonsirheshicks2653]

Happiest I’ve seen Trent in aaaaages.

[@adadreznor264]

Trent Wick

[@lovinlife909]

Grandfather of Industrial & ambiance, Modern day Hitchcock. The One the Only Legend Trent Reznor. So Glad he's Still Jamming his very distinct version of Biodigital Jazz in these Dark times. Live Long & Shine on you Crazy Diamond

[@bambatatu]

I love you. Trent I am a big fan of yours.

[@Aniacakess]

Woah great Interview! really cool you got them on a zoom call!!

[@ControversialPoliticsOfficial]

Amazing chat!

[@jessica5497]

Omg i miss them 💜

[@Scotty_Russell_Music]

thats actually the soundproofing on the door of the basement prison where beefcake nowadays chad Trent keeps skinny 90's goth Trent.

[@Car6li8a7]

Oh man, trent is really on quarentine mood, that beard! Watchmen ost is just amazing 🧡🧡🧡

[@miguedro]

welcome back!

[@agustinanselmi594]

I feel so lucky to live in the same time as one of the greatest artists of the last 30 years. It all started out when i was 12 and i bought 'The fragile' and here we are 20 years later...

[@pabloop9891]

Lol I'm 15, I discovered NIN a month ago and it's now my favourite group. Btw I discovered Trent Reznor with the social network.

[@lifemusic1980]

Legends

[@tastelesstouch]

Trent went back to his 1997 look lol

[@SnakeButtz]

damn trent looks so good

[@jakeohalloran952]

Trent your wall is alive mate.

[@georgestetson5572]

DMT 😳

[@jakeohalloran952]

@@georgestetson5572 doesn't help 😵

[@jordanmoran1983]

watching this the day before Mank comes out on Netflix and had no idea they were scoring it...JACKPOT!

[@CatEyedGoddess]

Damn!!! Trent looks great for 55.

[@red-hn5iy]

Penguin0, Keanu Reeves, and Trent Reznor are the official trinity of God.

[@Patrick_Bateman92]

Penguin0 evolves into Trent Reznor at level 32 and then into Keanu Reeves at level 55

[@joseodoheosilloalld1576]

I am so pleased to exist in the same time that there is trent reznor and nineinchnails, that is, it is not like having met beethoven that it was a long time ago. I've been to many of their concerts and eras.

[@aenima-tool9418]

Trent I love you!!! ❤💋

[@moeezS]

41:00 Had no idea Trent and Atticus worked on the new Pixar film Soul and for Trent to feel intimidated or try to be cover band-ish and then throw away months of work to be more themselves. Can't wait to hear their synthetic part in Soul.

[@marc.lepage]

Really interesting, thanks!

[@putmeinagrave]

trent looks so cuteee

[@CupofCloud]

he dyes them black. black no. 1

[@kellkat2]

Awwww I miss Pete Steele

[@joeldavis5815]

Lol!

[@VincereVelMori1987]

Remember Beavis and Butthead' commentary on type o negative? Hehe

[@stephaniebristol3837]

Very nice Type O Negative reference. Peter Steel is still missed.

[@patriciajones4206]

His hair was ALWAYS black.

[@shraman108]

"It's we-eird. It's this thing called the internet." It's strange how funny Trent can be, when he's not being super analytical. Love the analytical, but also love the funny.

[@redmist78]

We need Trent now more than ever please release something new during this pandemic to get us through

[@zapiekank]

He did. 2 more Ghosts albums

[@cenabitednbfpv587]

The messiah ty @TrentReznor from the bottom of a million broken, fixed and abandoned souls covered in hesitation marks that you save everyday! Mad love and congratulations

[@kriskenmonroe1]

Hell yeah, potentially new 12 Rounds album? Please do release it!

[@Eldritch-1]

Acadamy award winner trent Reznor!

[@lukemorgan158]

I want to know all about song choice and how it tied into the plot. Also, super cool and humble guys having a chat about this phenomenal body of work just makes me feel great, like emotional ASMR.

[@marcosgonzalez5819]

It looks like Atticus have a voice. I like it.

[@obiecabella4985]

Trents orchestration & layering of melody etc..has been clearly evident right outta the gate....his & Atticus scoring just brought it 2 the major normal masses....by far the best live act EVER TOO 👹

[@shanecook-laliberte8154]

Watchmen imo is their best work since The Social Network. But pretty much everything they have done together is great overall and some it is straight masterpiece level shit.

[@recreant359]

Wow I’m not sure if I even want to know Trent all that well, I love the music too much.

[@patriciajones4206]

He is actually a very nice guy with a wicked sense of humor.

[@gussygoro2469]

I wish these guys HAD performed as Tapeworm. Their stage names could has been Rotten Egg and Burnt Toast. That was good enough for Tapeworm.

[@Aniacakess]

haha yes! if you like his music checkout mine!

[@abenteuerlandleben3498]

Thx for the interview and all the insights. The short comment on politics made me kind of emontional. Good to know how the hero of my past sees america of today.

[@haze42082]

Hey Trent will you bite the hand that feeds you? Pretty hate machine one of my favorite albums, year zero, love it all. So glad you've remained sober my brutha from anotha mutha. Good on you bro, thanks for decades of work

[@somatonusbewegenmitwohl-fu2167]

GENIUSES ❤️❤️ 🙈🙈🙈

[@sirps6185]

The Trent Reznor aging paradox

[@gabrielreignbow]

Their Gone Girl OST is fantastic as well

[@chrissteiger4199]

The unreleased 12 rounds songs are the best and should see an offical release, shine on, sioux 85 and exocet... 12 rounds should do another album with these songs, definitely the best material they were coming up with right as nothing was done for.

[@adamblister6005]

For the love of god, can these interviewers just come out and ask him at the end if he's working on a new NIN album?!

[@chris-j1091]

He stated in March that they would start working on new ideas for a NIN record in the fall

[@llmrfantasticll]

Whenever you see Trent in interviews expect material

[@pabloop9891]

They're doing the OST of the new David Fincher's movie (Mank).

[@pabloop9891]

@@laubredelcosmos8706 What's the name o the Pixar movie please :)

[@pabloop9891]

@@laubredelcosmos8706 Hum, seems pretty strange but we'll see (or hear :) the result. Thanks

[@jerkindagerkin]

Hopefully we get some new tunes soon.

[@22RosesGrow]

I enjoyed this conversation. The man with the dark hair, his talking voice reminds me of the man with the dark hair from the star wars movie, the actor that played Han Solo's son. Neat type of voice. I will check out The Watchmen.

[@horoshiHT]

I'm curious if NIN is going to revisit the Year Zero mythos given how jacked 2020 is

[@dereksendrak]

The watchmen soundtrack is brilliant!!! I think it’s Trents best music since the Fragile

[@annam.2094]

Atticus made a great work for dispatches of elsewhere♥️

[@mikehotiz8506]

We need a new album.

[@echopathy]

good stuff

[@Karen-ji5cu]

Am I the only one who prefers his older music?

[@joeldavis5815]

His newer stuff is boring.

[@janemcfoxwood1136]

I agree. I am a Clifford. Answer this if you know it, none of you SH chat lot, for snubbing me; Tom, might you forgive me? Say hi to Garry for me, please, I miss him a lot, and I miss your tsundere opositional personality I love Trent Reznor, I will not lie about that. I wish to watch him put out the garbage someday. Does that sound so bad? Good.

[@janemcfoxwood1136]

He may even walk his dog. If I saw that, would I give myself up or keep myself good? Probably keep myself. Full disclosure.

[@Karen-ji5cu]

@@joeldavis5815 i agree. Its been years and i still can't get through his newer albums. Not into instrumental repetitive stuff.

[@bradaldy3001]

I thought it was just me!!!! But 2020's Nine Inch Nails sounds like a totally different fucking band than the one who released Pretty Hate Machine, Broken, The Downward Spiral, and The Fragile. PHM released in 1989 or '90 and the Fragile in 1999, that's 10 yrs where EVERY FUCKING ALBUM and every song on each album I not only LOVED, but became the soundtrack to my life. The music was ugly and beautiful, heavy but softly melodic with killer hooks and grooves that I fucked, fought, danced, cried, and bled to over the best yrs of my life. But after The Fragile? A little of Sin and With Teeth? Not so much

[@madmaggs4305]

Trent looks amazing.