===Independence===
Following the release of Williams' album and his release from Interscope, Reznor embarked on a musical experiment. The experiment was ten weeks of improvising and experimenting in the studio, and seeing what came out from it. What started as a 5-song EP soon grew into a 36-song collection that became known as ''[[Ghosts I–IV]].'' Reznor will release released the first volume in four parts in a 2-CD set on April 8, 2008, with a . A download and streaming option becoming became available on March 2, 2008. Inspired by daydreams and experimentation, ''Ghosts'' returns to Reznor's introversion and self-exploration. Around 700,000 people downloaded or bought the record in the first week of its release. Within the first week of the record's release, Reznor grossed US$1,619,420, which is US$659,420 more than ''Year Zero'' grossed in its first year of release.
Shortly after ''Ghosts I–IV'' was released, revealed that he was working on yet another "secret project." On May 5, 2008, the project was revealed to be yet another new album. ''[[The Slip]]'' was released online in the early morning hours as a free download at NIN.com as a way for Reznor to show appreciation to his fanbase for their dedication. A physical release is planned for July of 2008.