Trent Reznor Opts For Musical Free Agency

Los Angeles, CA (CNS) - Instantly proving to be maybe the most revolutionary act in digital music history, Radiohead's independent "In Rainbows" release has already inspired Trent Reznor to cut ties with his label, Universal Music Group.

Only a week ago Radiohead quite suddenly - after weeks of cryptic online teasers nonetheless - announced their latest studio effort would be released without a label, online, on a pay-what-you-want basis. Taking his cue, the Nine Inch Nails frontman followed suit, this after years of battling his label, and going so far as to urge fans to download music illegally.

Reznor's statement on the band's website stated, "it gives me great pleasure to be able to finally have a direct relationship with the audience as I see fit and appropriate. Look for some announcements in the near future regarding 2008. Exciting times, indeed."

Exciting perhaps from his perspective, yet it remains to be seen how free agent bands could affect the music industry as a whole. Labels may become increasingly marginalized with more artists deciding to heed Radiohead's pioneering wake and go solo.

Yet, the financial success of such venturesome projects is, at the moment, still up for speculation. And, this is not to mention the potential cost of ethical warfare superseding the importance of musical endeavors.