The Smashing Pumpkins have released “Black Stars,” an original contribution to The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (The Album). The October 16 release reunites the band with producer Butch Vig, whose work on 1993’s Siamese Dream helped define a major chapter of the group’s sound.
According to the announcement, “Black Stars” is their first recording collaboration with Vig since that album. The song arrives with a music video ahead of the soundtrack’s November 13 release through MCA.
From Billy Corgan’s writing sessions to Panem
The song’s origins reach back to a period when Billy Corgan was developing solo material and the band was invited to contribute to the film project. Corgan brought Vig into the process to help identify the song that best fit the world of Sunrise on the Reaping.
Recording took place at Chaplin Studios in Los Angeles, with additional work in Chicago. The band is also including “Black Stars” in its current Rats in a Cage Tour performances.
Soundtrack arrives one week before the film
Dave Cobb executive-produced the soundtrack, which brings together 29 artists from multiple genres. Its original contributions were developed for the story and characters of the new Hunger Games film.
The album is scheduled for November 13, followed by the film’s theatrical release on November 20. Sunrise on the Reaping centers on a young Haymitch Abernathy during the 50th Hunger Games, placing the story before the events of the original film series.
For the song and current band news, visit the Smashing Pumpkins’ official website.
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Photo supplied by MCA / The Smashing Pumpkins.
