A Fragile Object of Affection

Nine Inch Nails

The Fragile (Nothing/Interscope)

A Fragile Object of Affection: Madi Woodward of Object of Affection told us about his love for a Nine Inch Nails classic.

Madi Woodward: One of my favorites is Nine Inch Nails ‘The Fragile’ – a double album that doesn’t get as much love through their discography. It was my introduction to the band and it holds a special place in my heart. My cousin Gavin, who sold me my first guitar for $75, used to wear a Pretty Hate Machine tee to family gatherings all the time, and my older brother, a devout Depeche Mode and Flock of Seagulls fan, hated them. He thought they were too heavy which quickly made them my favorite band. Anything to get one over your older sibling.

Months later, with that very guitar, I learned The Day The World Went Away. It was the first song I could play from start to finish and to this day I still know it by heart. The album has so many diverse sounds and almost machine-precision songwriting. It showed an album could be unlimited yet cohesive; incredibly dense yet beautiful. Ultimately, it’s an album that teaches dynamics and just how powerful a song can be (or a 23 song double album). I tried to use those elements on our new album and universally with most things I write.

Maybe a year later, me and some friends waited in line at Tower Records to try and buy tickets to this insane underplay they were doing in San Diego. The feeling of getting those tickets is something I strive for in life everyday since. It felt like winning the lottery or something. That show was absolutely life changing. Since then, I’ve seen them many, many times and honestly, they are always great. There’s nothing like seeing your favorite band play all your favorite songs when you’re a kid.

A Fragile Object of Affection: Object of Affection’s single “Con-Man” is out now. The album, Field of Appearances, is out March 3.