Arts & Entertainment

Billy Corgan Talks Highland Park, Zuzu's and Music with Patch

Corgan celebrated the one-year anniversary of his teahouse, Madame Zuzu's, on Sept. 26.

Editor's Note: Following his performance at Madame Zuzu's Teahouse in Highland Park Sept. 26, Billy Corgan took some time to chat with Patch. Thank you, Billy!

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Billy Corgan wants more people to know about all of the great things Highland Park has to offer—and he wants to lead the way.

"There are so many amazing things here, but there doesn't seem to be a whole coordinated force to bring things together," Corgan said, mentioning attractions like Ravinia and the downtown business district. "That's what I'm hoping for. I'm hoping I can be a drive on that."

With Corgan's name behind the business, one might think the younger crowd, in particular, would be flocking to Highland Park to check out Madame Zuzu's Teahouse.

It's tough, though, Corgan admits, to draw in that younger generation. It's an issue that Highland Park, as a whole, is facing. A new focus group of Highland Park business owners met Wednesday and discussed just that.

"We're saying, we need to figure out how to get the younger people in here," said Corgan.

From a Highland Park standpoint, Corgan said "this is not a culture that's predisposed to thinking there's anything like (Madame Zuzu's) here.

"Everybody's screaming for your attention and you have to build things that people want to be involved in," said Corgan.

Madame Zuzu's celebrated its one-year anniversary Sept. 26 with a party that included a performance from Corgan himself. A standing-room-only crowd turned out for the festivities. 

"You can only yell so much. At some point you have to have something qualitative," said Corgan. He noted that Zuzu's is expanding its offerings by selling antiques and bringing in an "art studio vibe." Zuzu's may even bring in deejays to "create more of a lounge sort of culture."

Looking back on the past year, Corgan said "it's been sort of, it's the locals not thinking there's anything to do." 

But there is plenty to do, he said. He wants people from outside of Highland Park—including Chicago residents—to look at Highland Park as a destination.

Corgan pointed out that his favorite place to go when he's not at Zuzu's is Happi Sushi, which is located near Zuzu's. 

"I just think it's great to have five-star sushi in Highland Park," said Corgan, likening it to the quality of sushi one would find in the city. 

Making Music

When Corgan's not at Zuzu's, he's working on his autobiography—he writes about four hours each day, six days a week—and writing music. 

"I think it's the challenge of documenting life as you move through it on a 3-D plane," Corgan said of writing music these days. 

Life is always changing, he said, much like Rosewood Beach, where the cover for the Smashing Pumpkins' "Oceania" album was shot. 

"It's different in the spring than it is in the fall," Corgan said of the beach. "I'm always writing from the standpoint of change and a fresh perspective."

While today's culture is so youth-driven, he believes music like that of the Smashing Pumpkins is still relevant.

"I like to think that some of the alternative crew still has gas in the tank," said Corgan. "And there's things to say."

It's ultimately all about personal expression.

"Some people may say, 'I don't get how a teahouse and and rock-n-roll music all go together,'" said Corgan. "I'm an individual. It's individual expression."


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