Despite being each other’s competition in the early 1990s rock scene, the Smashing Pumpkins and Nirvana had a lot in common: musical innovation, devoted fans, producer Butch Vig, and, according to Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan, a shared go-to recording technique that led to some notable sonic similarities. Corgan pointed out the comparable production style during a 2022 interview with Rick Beato—with a caveat, of course.
Videos by American Songwriter
Although Corgan had a contentious relationship with Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain while the latter artist was still alive, the Smashing Pumpkins founder has softened on his public opinion of Cobain considerably in the years since his tragic death. Still, that doesn’t change the fact that the guitars on a particular Nirvana classic sound a lot like Corgan’s.
Billy Corgan Said This Nirvana Cut Emulated His Recording Technique
Bands of a certain decade can share sonic similarities for many reasons. Social factors, technological advancements, and era-specific styles are all viable explanations for why two bands at the frontlines of the 1990s rock movement, like the Smashing Pumpkins and Nirvana, would sound noticeably alike. But as Billy Corgan explained during a 2022 interview with Rick Beato, he can trace a clear line from the common characteristics of his band Nirvana back to their mutual producer, Butch Vig.
The Smashing Pumpkins first started working with producer Butch Vig while recording their 1991 debut studio album, Gish. Corgan was incredibly hands-on during the recording process, tracking all of the instruments on his own, much to the chagrin of his bandmates. During that time, he and Vig bounced ideas and techniques off one another that, according to Corgan, ended up in Nirvana’s iconic album, Nevermind, later that year.
Corgan described sitting with Vig on the bank of a lake in Wisconsin on July 4th, when the producer asked him if he wanted to hear what he had been working on with the Seattle grunge band Nirvana. “He’s got a boombox,” Corgan told Beato. “He presses it, and it’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” And, you know…the sun’s going down on a beautiful Wisconsin summer day. I had two reactions. First of all, I was like, ‘Oh, he ripped off Boston’s “More Than a Feeling.” Interesting. Then, when the song kicked in, I looked at Butch, and I said, ‘You ripped off my guitar sounds, motherf*****.’”
He Said His Relationship With Vig Was Mutually Beneficial
When Billy Corgan first accused Butch Vig, however lightheartedly, of stealing his guitar layering recording technique, the producer was quick to admit that he had. Vig and the Smashing Pumpkins were both up-and-comers in their respective fields when they began working together in the early 1990s. So, it would only make sense that they would exchange ideas and techniques as they developed their professional relationship. As Corgan explained to Rick Beato, he knew that Vig didn’t need any help mic-ing cabinets and other standard studio protocol. But Corgan could hear the similarities between his guitar layering tricks and the guitar tones that form the basis of Nevermind.
“So now, Nirvana’s on the radio every 18 seconds and, of course, every time I hear this guitar, I’m like, ‘Oh, there’s my guitar sound,’” Corgan said. Of the two bands, Nirvana became a far more popular act on a global level. That left Corgan feeling like he was in a “sibling rivalry” with Nirvana as he watched his contemporary colleagues achieve greater and greater success. As difficult as that might have been at the time, Corgan clarified that he has no hard feelings toward Vig or Nirvana. He called Nevermind a “once-in-a-generation” album. And in a way, knowing that he played a role, however subconscious, in shaping the sound of that record is an impressive accolade in and of itself.
Photo by Shutterstock
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.