Trent became engaged in several disputes with TVT records which resulted in the secret recording of the angst-filled [[Broken]] EP.
Evidence of this dispute can be seen in the press sheet for Broken, as well as subtle jabs in the credits. In the [[Nine Inch Nails Videosmusic videos|music video]] for [[Gave Up]], where the words 'Fuck You Steve' appear on a computer monitor, referring to Steve Gottlieb of TVT Records.