Former Smashing Pumpkins/Zwan leader Billy Corgan has begun work on his solo debut, according to posts by the artist on his official Web site (http://www.billycorgan.com).
“I am excited to work on this music, because for the first time in my life it will be my tunes with no compromises to anyone or anything,” he writes. “It’s gonna be loud and beautiful and poetic and dumb. Just the way I like it.”
While Corgan will be guiding the project, he alluded to participation from other artists. “I come in with no songs but maybe one or two, no lyrics, no band (but a few Santa’s helpers lined up) and no dairy,” he said.
Perhaps in reference to long-standing rumors that he erased the studio work of his Smashing Pumpkins bandmates in favor of re-recording their parts himself, he said, “some would argue that it’s not my first, and I wouldn’t argue with you there.”
Zwan broke up less than a year after the early 2003 release of its Warner Bros. debut, “Mary, Star of the Sea.” This time around, Corgan says he is looking forward to “starting over from such a fresh perspective that there is nothing to rely on but my good name. I am being honest when I say I am ready for that and love the challenge and relish the mustard.”
A Warner Bros. spokesperson did not know if the label would release Corgan’s album.
In the weeks ahead, Corgan will release a book of poetry, about which he reports, “I don’t have a title yet. Any suggestions? How about ‘Sensitive Rhymes and Crimes of the Heart’ or some sh*t like that? Ha. Welcome to the real me.” Corgan also guests on Swedish rock act Blindside’s new album, “About a Burning Fire,” due Feb. 24.
