Michael Trent Reznor, born on May 17, 1965, is an American musician, composer, and songwriter best known as the founder and driving force behind Nine Inch Nails. Since forming the band in 1988, Reznor has led it through numerous line-up changes, serving as the sole official member until 2016 when Atticus Ross became a permanent collaborator. Nine Inch Nails gained underground attention with its debut album Pretty Hate Machine and achieved critical acclaim with albums like The Downward Spiral and The Fragile. Alongside his work with Nine Inch Nails, Reznor has collaborated with artists including Marilyn Manson, Saul Williams, and Halsey. In 2009, he formed the group How to Destroy Angels with his wife Mariqueen Maandig, Atticus Ross, and Rob Sheridan. Since 2010, Reznor and Ross have become acclaimed film and television composers, scoring notable projects such as The Social Network, Gone Girl, and Watchmen. Their work has received multiple awards, including an Academy Award, Grammy Awards, and an Emmy.