DYNAMIC DUO

Trent Reznor’s teaming with David Bowie on a concert tour last year proved less than a rousing success, but the Nine Inch Nails leader is set to launch another joint venture. He and producer Rick Rubin, whose recent production credits include the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Tom Petty, are expected to work together on the next NIN album, with preproduction starting soon.

The two have been close friends in recent years--Reznor frequently stays at Rubin’s house when in L.A.--but this will be the first time they actually collaborate. Reznor’s spokeswoman said that it’s yet to be determined whether Rubin will co-produce the whole album or take more of an advisory role.

In any case, it presents a curious situation: Rubin, who owns the Warner Bros.-distributed American Recordings label, producing an artist for Interscope, a label headed by Jimmy Iovine. The two were once perceived as rival producers-executives.

Meanwhile, Reznor is holed up at his New Orleans studio finishing work on soundtrack music for the video game “Doomquake” and next month will co-produce a second album by the band Marilyn Manson.