The Social Network Soundtrack was scored by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross for the David Fincher film The Social Network, based on the popular social networking site Facebook. It was the first release from The Null Corporation to be marked with a Null number, being Null 01.
Trent Reznor Statements
It was announced that Reznor and Ross were taking part in the soundtrack on nin.com on July 1st, 2010:
"I was planning on taking some time off after the continual waves of touring that ended last fall and spend this year experimenting around with what would become How To Destroy Angels and some new NIN. Well, that plan didn't work out so well. David Fincher started inquiring about my interest in scoring his upcoming film, The Social Network. Yeah, the movie about the founding of Facebook. I've always loved David's work but quite honestly I wondered what would draw him to tell that story. When I actually read the script and realized what he was up to, I said goodbye to that free time I had planned. Atticus Ross and I have been on a creative roll so I asked him if he wanted to work on this with me and we signed on.
Months later, I'm happy to tell you we're nearing the completion of this and I couldn't be happier with how it's turned out. The level of excellence that David operates on is inspiring and the entire process has been challenging and truly enjoyable.
As Atticus and I near the end of the scoring process, we're looking forward to the next phase - distilling the large amount of music we've written for this down to a satisfying record (or two). The film opens Oct 1 in the US with the record likely available a couple of weeks ahead of that.
Speaking of the film... it's really fucking good. And dark!"
-Trent Reznor
Later, on the site, Reznor posted about the release:
"This is what Atticus and I have been working on for the last few months. We had a great time working with David Fincher on this and the film turned out excellent - something we're very proud of. It opens in theaters Oct 1 and you should check it out.
Musically, this all came out of our secret laboratory - electronic in basis, but mostly organic sounding. Lots of experiments and emphasis on sound fraying around the edges while focusing on the proper emotional tone for the various scenes.
Regarding the purchase options, sorry about the "clunkiness" of not offering the full record digital download pre-sale (and having to visit Amazon). My agenda was to be able to offer this for the lowest possible price and this was the best way to achieve that. Amazon has been a great partner with past projects and I appreciate your understanding."
- Trent Reznor, 9.16.10
Release
The first track from the soundtrack, "Hand Covers Bruise (No Piano)" debuted on The Social Network's website on August 30, 2010, streaming in the background. The album will be released by The Null Corporation and distributed by Sony Music.
A 5-track sampler for the album was released September 17, on The Null Corporation's homepage.
The album was released digitally on September 28, exclusively on Amazon.com, and will be available in three physical formats: CD, Blu-Ray audio and Vinyl, released on October 11, 18 and 25 respectively.
Promotion
On the album's official Facebook page, a promotion for the movie was created on September 22nd, offering fans the chance to remix "On We March" and "In Motion", to win a chance to meet Ross and Reznor in Los Angeles, along with a seat at the film's premiere.
Tracklisting
The Social Network Soundtrack is available for download on Amazon MP3
- "Hand Covers Bruise"
- "In Motion"
- "A Familiar Taste"
- "It Catches Up With You"
- "Intriguing Possibilities"
- "Painted Sun In Abstract"
- "3:14 Every Night"
- "Pieces Form The Whole"
- "Carbon Prevails"
- "Eventually We Find Our Way"
- "Penetration"
- "In The Hall Of The Mountain King"
- "On We March"
- "Magnetic"
- "Almost Home"
- "Hand Covers Bruise, Reprise"
- "Complication With Optimistic Outcome"
- "The Gentle Hum Of Anxiety"
- "Soft Trees Break The Fall"
Sampler tracklisting
- "Pieces Form The Whole"
- "Eventually We Find Our Way"
- "On We March"
- "The Gentle Hum Of Anxiety"
- "Soft Trees Break The Fall"
Artwork
The album's art is by Rob Sheridan, based upon the designs used to promote the film, mixed with Sheridan's style of image distortion.[1][2][3][4]
Remix EP
On the album's official Facebook page, it was announced that it was planned for a remix EP to be released, of the best of fan remixes, and that many more multitracks would be released for the purpose.