Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan has said he expects to record 44 new songs during the band's current studio sessions.

The tracks will be released over a period of two to three years, initially as individual songs and later as part of a box set.

In a lengthy update for fans, Corgan wrote on his blog: “Right now we are just focused on about 5 or 6 songs, using them to try out some new feels to try to find a consistent foundation upon which to build this large multimedia project I have in mind.

“44 seems to be the magic #, so let’s say I’m shooting for 44 songs on this one.”

Corgan is the band’s only remaining original member following the recent departure of drummer Jimmy Chamberlin.

The singer didn’t refer explicitly to Chamberlin in his update, but wrote: “Lord forbid I would want 44 different drummers on 44 different tracks, but I suppose anything is possible.”

The band held open auditions earlier this month to find a replacement for Chamberlin, who left to pursue solo projects.

(by Jason Gregory)