(This article originally appeared on ArtistsHouseMusic.org.)
Two weeks after Trent Reznor announced distribution details for the Nine Inch Nails Year Zero remix CD Y34RZ3R0R3MIX3D comes word of a collaboration project between Trent Reznor and Saul Williams titled The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of NiggyTardust. There are at least two reasons to get excited about the release. First, this project finds Trent Reznor the most involved in a non-NIN recording since Marilyn Manson’s breakthrough album Antichrist Superstar. And second, Reznor is again pushing the envelope with his distribution model.
In an email to fans Trent Reznor wrote about the model. “A word on the way we’ve chosen to release this. There are obvious similarities in how Radiohead just released their new record and the way we’ve chosen to. After thinking about this way too much, I feel we’ve improved upon their idea in a few profound ways that benefit you, the consumer. You obviously will be the judge of this in the end. One thing that IS very different in our situation is that Saul’s not the household name (yet!) that Radiohead is, and that means we need your support on this more than ever. If you like what you hear, spread the word.”
A look at the download page reveals that fans have two options to get the music:
The site explains what users will get when the album is released on November 1, 2007.
If you choose to pay for the record, your download will be available in the following formats:
- 192Kbps MP3
- 320Kbps MP3
- FLAC lossless audio
If you choose not to pay for the record, you will receive it in 192Kbps MP3 format.
All versions include a PDF with artwork and lyrics
All files are 100% DRM free, and can be played on any device. MP3s are encoded with LAME v3.97 and love.
It will be interesting to see how this works out. On the one hand, Trent Reznor is Nine Inch Nails and NIN has been critically and commercially heralded for almost 20 years. On the other hand, Saul Williams is a former street poet best known for touring with Nine Inch Nails. Can a developing talent find success with this type of distribution model? Only time will tell.