The Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan Has A Writing Credit On Miguel’s ‘Wildheart’

Carl Williott | July 15, 2015 9:20 am
Idolator Interview: Miguel
The singer talks his new LP & the cerebral message under its sexy veneer.

Welcome to the post-“Blurred Lines” world, where any song bearing even the slightest resemblance to any prior song must share songwriting credits or face the wrath of the courts. Following artists like Mark Ronson who have retroactively awarded songwriting credits to past acts to avoid future copyright lawsuits comes news of Miguel reaching out to The Smashing PumpkinsBilly Corgan after realizing Wildheart track “leaves” was similar to the Pumpkins’ ’90s classic “1979.”

“It was kind of reminiscent of ‘1979.’ I was a fan of them growing up, but I never bought their albums or saw them live. It’s weird how some things just sink in,” Miguel told news.com.au about “leaves.” “Towards the end of the song when the drum programming kicks in it’s even more reminiscent, you realize it in a more straight-on way.”

So before the song was released, Miguel contacted Corgan, who approved the use of the song and was given a co-writing credit.

“We made sure that they heard it and made sure that it was all good,” the singer explained to The AP. “We’re all standing on the shoulders of giants. There’s nothing that hasn’t been done … there’s going to be moments where you do things that are reminiscent of other things. And even if you’re not aware of them, I think it’s just best out of respect to reach out.”

Robin Thicke has taken a similar tack: In his recent interview about the “Blurred Lines” verdict, he reveals he preemptively gave Barry White a writing credit on new song “Morning Sun,” explaining, “until the court decides on inspiration and ‘feel’ in music, I wanted to make sure I would never be in a difficult situation with one of my idols ever again.”

Anyway, pretty smart move on Miguel’s part, but more than anything, it shows how wide-ranging the sounds and influences are on his latest album.

Compare “leaves” and “1979” below.

https://youtu.be/WqjlnjHRh6c

Eventually we’re going to reach a singularity where all of pop music is just one giant shared monogenre hit.

[via Pitchfork]