Billy Corgan explains how Pro Tools has ‘worsened music’: ‘People who can’t play guitar now sound like they can.’
Billy Corgan has voiced his opinion that the rise of Pro Tools has allowed individuals “who have no business being in the music business” to become professionals. Despite this, he emphasized that The Smashing Pumpkins still prefer using traditional tube amps.
Pro Tools has undeniably become an industry standard, with both seasoned producers and veteran rock artists accepting its widespread use. Corgan once compared the situation to Instagram filters, saying, “The minute I use the filter, it’s like, ‘Well, that looks better!’ You don’t go back to the unfiltered picture.”
However, the Smashing Pumpkins frontman remains critical of digital audio workstations, believing they have lowered the bar for entry into the music industry. In a recent interview with *Goldmine* (via *Music Tech*), he explained:
“In many ways, [Pro Tools] has made music worse. It has brought people into the business who shouldn’t be there. Pro Tools has leveled the playing field in a way that lets people who can’t sing or play guitar sound like they can.”
Many argue that artificial intelligence could have a similar impact on the music industry as Pro Tools has had. Corgan is also wary of this technology:
“Whenever new technology appears, it’s natural to raise concerns. We’re already seeing AI being used to generate lyrics, melodies, and chord progressions. Streaming services are buying AI companies to generate music, cutting out the need to pay human musicians.”
Staying true to their roots, The Smashing Pumpkins continue to embrace traditional methods. Corgan emphasized the band’s commitment to using tube amps, explaining, “We still use amps—no amp modeling, just raw power. It’s guitars and amps into cabinets and mics. We still believe in moving air, unlike many modern rock records, which are made digitally.”
