The Smashing Pumpkins – 'Black Stars': Reunited with Butch Vig
For the first time since 1993's 'Siamese Dream', the band has worked with the producer again. The song is part of the soundtrack to the new 'Hunger Games' film.
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Single video: YouTube · SmashingPumpkinsVEVO · youtube.com
Single: Black Stars
The Smashing Pumpkins released 'Black Stars' on 16 October, their contribution to the soundtrack of 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping'. It was produced by Butch Vig – according to Consequence, their first recording together in 33 years. Vig produced the debut 'Gish' (1991) and returned for 'Siamese Dream' (1993). In May, Billy Corgan said in a livestream that the band had recorded one song with Vig that was '98%' done.
Consequence calls 'Black Stars' 'a moody, mid-tempo cut' with a siren-like guitar line, vocal harmonies, a half-time bridge and Corgan's signature sneer. The official music video was released at the same time. According to the band's management, the song was recorded at Chaplin Studios in Los Angeles, with additional recording in Chicago.
The soundtrack album featuring 29 acts is out on 13 November via MCA, executive produced by Dave Cobb; 'Black Stars' is track 15. The film is due in cinemas on 20 November. The band is currently on its North American 'Rats in a Cage' tour and has been announced as a headliner at Nova Rock in Nickelsdorf, Austria, in June 2027.