Billy Corgan, the iconic lead singer of The Smashing Pumpkins and owner of the National Wrestling Alliance, shares his eclectic journey from rock star to podcast host. He discusses his unique interviewing style and the 'Siamese Zombies,' a fascinating subset of his fandom. The conversation dives into his rejection of 90s alternative music conventions, the struggles of authenticity in the industry, and the complexities of balancing emotional honesty with public perception. Corgan also addresses the challenges of navigating political discourse in today's media landscape.
Billy Corgan prioritizes authenticity in conversations, aiming for deeper emotional insights between himself and his podcast guests.
Corgan reflects on rejecting the 90s alternative music scene's ethos, embracing ambition as essential to his survival and success.
He acknowledges the challenges of digital authenticity, advocating for meaningful discussions to counteract superficiality in contemporary media.
Deep dives
Billy Corgan's Interviewing Approach
Billy Corgan emphasizes the importance of authenticity and depth in conversation as he transitions from being a subject of interviews to the interviewer in his own podcast. He aims to replicate the candid conversations he would have privately, fostering an environment where both he and his guests can explore complex inner lives. Rather than adhering to conventional interview formats, he focuses on the artist's emotional and psychological landscapes, believing that this leads to more meaningful dialogue. Corgan's unique methodology seeks to uncover the often-ignored inner workings of creative minds, as he finds these aspects to be the most fascinating.
Rejection of Alternative Music Ethos
Corgan discusses his discomfort with the alternative music scene's ethos during the 1990s, which dictated that ambition was a negative trait for artists. He reflects on how some figures within the scene, such as Kim Gordon, projected their snobbish expectations onto him, despite his different background and experiences. Rather than feeling guilt over success, he emphasizes the necessity of ambition as a means of survival, as he came from a challenging upbringing that shaped his perspective on music and success. This rejection of imposed norms allowed him to embrace ambition openly, leading to his eventual success.
Exploring the Emotional Depth of Artists
Corgan expresses a keen interest in the emotional and psychological depth that fuels an artist's work, citing songwriter Diane Warren as an example of someone whose inner life is seldom discussed in interviews. He believes that understanding an artist's inner experience is critical to appreciating their creative output, yet this aspect remains largely unexplored in many interviews. During his discussions, Corgan seeks to draw out these deeper insights from his guests, believing that even a small revelation can enhance both the audience's understanding and respect for the artist's craft. His approach highlights the complexity of creative expression and the value of open dialogue about the emotional experiences underpinning artistic endeavors.
Navigating Authenticity in a Digital Age
Corgan comments on the broader cultural shift towards authenticity and the implications of living in a digitally-driven society, where curated personas often overshadow genuine self-expression. He anticipates a bifurcation where only a small percentage of voices will represent true authenticity, while the majority remain locked in a cycle of performative inauthenticity for clicks and views. He identifies the rise of digital platforms as both a challenge and an opportunity for creatives to share their genuine selves, yet acknowledges the discomfort and unrealistic expectations that arise from this environment. Corgan believes that fostering more profound conversations can contribute to a healthier cultural perspective, providing a counterbalance to the superficiality rampant in contemporary media.
Reflections on Personal Struggles and Growth
Corgan reflects on his past struggles with mental health and the pressure of public perception, revealing how these experiences have influenced his songwriting and artistry. He recounts a pivotal moment of depression that led him to confront his authentic voice, resulting in powerful tracks like 'Today' and 'Disarm.' Corgan acknowledges that his journey has been fraught with challenges, including being judged for his background and personal revelations. He emphasizes the importance of facing one's fears as a catalyst for growth and self-acceptance, inviting listeners to reflect on their struggles and the role of artistry in healing.
In the 30-plus years since Billy Corgan hit it big as the lead singer/songwriter of The Smashing Pumpkins, he’s become many things including the owner of the National Wrestling Alliance, a father and a husband, and an outspoken advocate of free speech through appearances on divisive podcasts hosted by Alex Jones, Joe Rogan, and Bill Maher.
Proving to be both eloquent and controversial, Billy is now hosting his own long form interview podcast called "The Magnificent Others" where he interviews music industry heavyweights like Tom Morello, Sharon Osbourne, and Gene Simmons.
On today’s episode Leah Rose talks to Billy Corgan about his approach to interviewing, why he rejected the alternative-music ethos in the 90s, and the subset of his fanbase that he calls “Siamese zombies.”
You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite songs from Billy Corgan HERE.
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