The 41st annual TEC Awards, part of the NAMM Show held in Anaheim, celebrated the innovative contributions of musicians to the field of music technology. Among the honorees was Billy Corgan, frontman of the iconic band Smashing Pumpkins, who received the prestigious TEC Innovation Award on January 22, 2026. This award recognizes musicians not only for their artistic achievements but also for their passion for the tools that shape their sound.
In his acceptance speech, Corgan reminisced about his early experiences with music technology, recalling how he and his band recorded their first demos in a basement studio in Chicago. “There’s a guy, Mark Ignoffo, got a basement studio with an Atari 16-track and a TAC Scorpion board,” he shared with the audience. This studio was pivotal in securing their first record deal, marking the beginning of their successful career.
Corgan humorously recounted his introduction to the world of recording. “He said, ‘No, you don’t touch the board. I’m the engineer; you’re the artist,’” he recalled, highlighting his eagerness to learn the intricacies of music production. This curiosity has driven him throughout his career, from picking up the guitar at age 15 to his recent work on new technology with Laney, promoting the Supergrace Loud Pedal.
Celebrating Music Innovation
The TEC Awards ceremony was hosted by Cora Coleman-Denham, known as Queen Cora, marking a significant milestone as the first woman to emcee the event. She opened the show with a captivating performance that blended drumming and spoken word to explore the essence of sound and creativity. “Everything we create, every signal, every waveform, every innovation lives somewhere between intention and timing,” she stated, emphasizing the relationship between rhythm and life.
Throughout the evening, awards were presented in various categories, including best microphone recording and DJ production technology. Companies like Universal Audio, Sennheiser, and Moog Music received accolades for their contributions to the music industry. Notably, Moog Music won the award for best musical instrument hardware, with superstar producer Jimmy Jam accepting the honor.
During his performance following the award presentation, Corgan played a 20-minute set featuring tracks from the Smashing Pumpkins catalog. He opened with “Rocket,” followed by “Shame” and “Here’s to the Atom Bomb.” His set concluded with a cover of “Theme for an Imaginary Western,” paying homage to the influences that have shaped his musical journey.
Impact on Future Generations
Corgan’s remarks at the TEC Awards underscored the importance of technological advancements in the music industry. “Thank you for making the things that inspire us to make our music, to push us to chase down these crazy dreams,” he expressed to the audience of tech creators and music industry professionals. His appreciation for the tools that facilitate creativity resonates with many artists navigating similar paths.
As the night progressed, various presenters, including renowned producer Teddy Riley and session musician Doug Wimbish, recognized the contributions of engineers and innovators in the field. Their collective efforts continue to push the boundaries of music production, enriching the creative landscape.
The NAMM Show and the TEC Awards serve as critical platforms for honoring the intersection of artistry and technology. As Corgan and others like him pave the way for future generations, the impact of their work extends far beyond the stage, influencing the very fabric of music creation for years to come.
