AfterDawn: News

New Smashing Pumpkins album to be released free, with 44 tracks

Via the band's official website, Smashing Pumpkins lead singer Billy Corgan has announced that the band's upcoming album, Teargarden by Kaleidyscope will be released completely free, and feature 44 tracks.

The songs will be completely free through the band's website and will not even require an email address to download.



Says Corgan: "Each song will be made available absolutely for free, to anyone anywhere. There will be no strings attached. Free will mean free, which means you won't have to sign up for anything, give an email address, or jump through a hoop. You will be able to go and take the song or songs as you wish, as many times as you wish."

In order to make money, the band will sell "highly limited edition EP's (of 4 songs each times 11)." The EPs will come with art and will serve as "collectors items" for long time fans, adds Corgan.

The band may "also offer other variations for sale, say for example a digital single with a demo version of a song."

Corgan oncludes: The commitment that is most important is the one I'm making to you: that the music of 'Teargarden by Kaleidyscope' will be available for free to everyone. All 44 songs: free for ALL.


Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 17 Sep 2009 21:20

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• 13 comments

• Tristan_2

  I have to say,this is awesome I'm speechless as well

  17.9.2009 22:20 #1

• mIcKeLz

  I congratulate and salute the Smashing Pumpkins for being very innovative in developing new ways of connecting to their fans, making them happy and exited, strengthening the bond and at the same time selling some parts to make a living!
  
  And it is also generous of course.
  I hope it will make big waves and the music industry will see how much more successful this approach is compared to their approach of threatening, intimidating and trying to criminalize their (potential) customers.

  17.9.2009 23:12 #2

• dab0ne

  It's probably a much cheaper alternative also. Instead of releasing a million copies (just a rough number I'm throwing out there) of the album to stores nation wide and running the risk of several not selling, they can make a limited amount then make more as needed. They are also giving their music out for free so it can be demoed by people who aren't necessarily their fans. Their generosity and amazing music (I am a fan) could attract new people who previously didn't consider The Smashing Pumpkins as a band they would like.

  18.9.2009 00:53 #3

• Pop_Smith

  Awesome, I have liked the Smashing Pumpkins in the past so I'll have to checkout this new stuff when it is released.
  
  Hopefully they offer it in some uncompressed format such as FLAC. If they don't offer it in FLAC I'd really like it if they used some other "uncompressed" format such as WAV or something.
  
  Even if it's only in MP3 format (boo!) I'd probably still at least check it out.
  
  Peace

  18.9.2009 01:17 #4

• Amak

  Originally posted by Pop_Smith: Even if it's only in MP3 format (boo!) I'd probably still at least check it out.
  
  PeacePlease let it be 320kbps or VBR, then. Anything less is abysmal.

  18.9.2009 01:34 #5

• Blackjax

  I do like their music and have for a few years now. Even if I don't like the new stuff I'll still spend some cash on an EP. Why?
  
  Because they got the right idea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  
  Oh and how this must terrify the fat cat executives everytime a band does this type of thing.

  18.9.2009 03:17 #6

• pphoenix

  Originally posted by Tristan_2: I have to say,this is awesome I'm speechless as welli second that, now all we need to do is a total boycott of purchasing all main RIAA crap & support the artists by going to the live gigs.
  
  RIAA, CRIA, SOUNDEXCHANGE, BPI, IFPI, Ect:
  
  # Sony BMG Music Entertainment
  # Universal Music Group
  # Warner Music Group
  # EMI

  18.9.2009 03:45 #7

• emugamer

  I was a fan through Melancholy. After that, they lost me. I hope this is up my alley. I will grab it and if I like it, I will definitely invest in the limited edition EP's.

  18.9.2009 08:08 #8

• jdurden

  Probly good that its free, cause wouldn't buy it anyway.

  18.9.2009 12:54 #9

• bam431

  cool sounds great when is it out

  18.9.2009 20:44 #10

• XSilvenX

  Pretty amazing. This is a good idea since it will help them broaden their fanbase. Concerts and the like will shoot up in attendance if they're successful. 44 tracks is pretty crazy though...I wonder if most of it is filler..

  18.9.2009 23:10 #11

• KillerBug

  I wonder how limited the EP's will be...Smashing Pumpkins has always had excelent art work, and I would love to put all 11 up on my wall...unless the only way to get one is to spend $400 on ebay.
  
  It's a wonderfull thing to see bands like NIN and Smashing Pumpkins distribute their music for free...it shows that most of the profit from music sales does not go to the artist or performer, but to the record company. These bands are starting to realize that they can make more money by getting lots of fans to their shows than they can make by getting a few cents per $10 CD from the record companies. The best way to get lots of fans? Give your music away!
  
  Meanwhile, other groups spend their time trying to charge fees for the 30-second previews that convince people to buy a whole CD...

  19.9.2009 05:57 #12

• Clownzill

  If you want more beats for you buck there's no luck.

  19.9.2009 09:54 #13