Smashing Pumpkins Entering Studio…But Don’t Expect A New Record

Smashing Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlain told Spinner that him and Billy Corgan plan on hitting the studio later this spring, but added “I don’t think we will make records again.“

Pointing out that the band’s contractual commitment to Reprise Records is finished, the drummer explains “I look at it like the old business model is dead and the music business doesn’t know how to move forward. We want to keep things vital and keep things viable and get our music across while remaining relevant. Music has in many ways just become an advertisement for your tour. “

“I think what we’ll do is start releasing songs,” Chamberlin continues. “The record or CD format places too many limitations on your piece of art. People just don’t buy records anymore. Anyone under the age of 24 just buys songs. It’s just in our best interest to release blocks of songs. And I think what we’ll do – not to let the cat out of the bag too much – is to create the framework where we can release a number of songs and maybe create a title. We can gather three or four songs, but it will all flow up to a larger body of work. But to call it record in the traditional sense would be anachronistic.”

Guess its a lot easier to buck the system when you’ve scanned 10 million or so units, own your own studio and have legions of fans who will gladly pay for your warmed-over noodlings, ie Zeitgeist.