Billy Corgan Received Songwriting Credit For New Miguel Song

By Justin Freeman in Arts & Entertainment on Jul 17, 2015 10:15PM

Photograph via Miguel's Facebook

While working on his new album, Wildheart, R&B singer Miguel composed a guitar riff for his song “Leaves” that he determined was “reminiscent” of Smashing Pumpkins’ classic “1979,” so he hooked Billy Corgan up with a songwriting credit.

Pitchfork reports that that instance of Miguel reaching out to Corgan was fueled at least in part by the "Blurred Lines" lawsuit in which Robin Thicke was accused of plagiarism and ordered to pay 7.2 million dollars to the estate of Marvin Gaye. “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,” Miguel said during an interview with the Associated Press last week.

The first few chords of the guitar riff are definitely similar in both songs, and this was probably the best move for Miguel. Ever since his Art Dealer Chic series of EPs a few years ago, Miguel has clearly taken on a love affair with '90s alt-rock artists such as Lenny Kravitz. That he’d subconsciously sample Smashing Pumpkins is unsurprising. Who knows, maybe Miguel will mashup “1979” with “Leaves” when he’s performing next month at The Vic. Miguel covering “1979” sounds kinda brilliant if we’re being honest.

Smashing Pumpkins - "1979"