Alessandro Cortini (born May 24, 1976) is the current keyboardist during live performances by Nine Inch Nails. He also occasionally plays guitar. For example, Cortini plays guitar on "Getting Smaller," "Mr. Self Destruct," and "The Big Come Down."
Cortini moved from Italy to the United States to study guitar at the Musicians Institute; after graduating he began focussing on keyboards and synths. While briefly teaching at the Musicians Institute, he saw an ad for open auditions for Nine Inch Nails; after impressing Trent Reznor in his audition, he was brought on board to form the live band for the 2005 Live: With Teeth tour and has been a member of the band ever since.
Cortini is also the frontman of Los Angeles-area band modwheelmood, which he leads with former-Abandoned Pools guitarist Pelle Hillstrom; the band is signed to fellow NIN bandmate Aaron North and Travis Keller's record label, Buddyhead. Prior to forming modwheelmood, Cortini acted as touring guitarist for The Mayfield Four.
Trent Reznor on hiring Cortini
"My first thought when Alessandro walked in was that he didn't look like what I had in mind. His presence was intense but gentle, not the 'I'm gonna attack you' energy fans might associate with NIN. Then he started, and within 30 seconds I was like 'That's the guy!' I never once regretted it. Without taking anything away from Charlie, Alessandro is really into playing the studio parts as much as humanly possible." [1]
Body of Work
EPs
- modwheelmood, modwheelmood (2003)
- Enemies & Immigrants, modwheelmood (2006)
Video
- Beside You In Time, Nine Inch Nails (2007)