Trent Reznor, leader of the rock group Nine Inch Nails, talked about the importance of Talking Heads on his musical development. The songwriter named Remain in Light as the earliest album to make a strong impact on him.
Reznor was asked by Vinyl Writers about which album had the most impact in developing his voice as an artist. He says that while there are several albums of personal importance, the Talking Heads’ Remain in Light opened his imagination to new sounds and a strange, unique artistic vision.
The Nine Inch Nails frontman also recalled the moment and place he was when he first heard the record. According to the musician he was living in a “rural, small-town” at the time and only just becoming knowledgeable of alternative music.
He also admits to not fully understanding the album when he first head it. Reznor advises everyone to give the work five-six listens before being able to fully assess the work.
Finally, Reznor says that he had the chance to meet David Byrne in 2012. Then, the former Talking Heads singer was promoting his book How music works. Reznor calls Byrne “super nice guy and a true gentleman“.