James Iha began his career as a co-founder of The Smashing Pumpkins in Chicago in 1987. He recorded and toured with the group until 2000, during which time they released ten albums and became one of the biggest bands of the era, selling millions of albums and filling arenas worldwide. Not bad!
In addition to his guitar playing and singing, James was also a contributing songwriter to the band, co-writing some of their best loved songs, including ‘Mayonnaise’ from ‘Siamese Dream’. In 2003, he joined the acclaimed progressive rock band, A Perfect Circle, featuring members of Tool and Marilyn Manson.
‘Look To The Sky’ is James’ first solo album in nearly 15 years, following 1998’s ‘Let It Come Down’. The album is a psychedelic, melodic and ultimately more textured record than the stripped back sounds showcased on his debut. From the hushed melodies of ‘Make Believe’ to the epic sounds of ‘To Who Knows Where’.
‘Look To The Sky’ features guests such as Sara Quin (Tegan and Sara), Karen O & Nick Zinner (Yeah Yeah Yeahs), Nina Persson (The Cardigans, Sparklehorse), Kelly Pratt (Beirut, Arcade Fire), Julia Kent (Antony and the Johnsons), Kevin March (Guided by Voices, Shudder to Think), Tom Verlaine (Television), Adam Schlesinger (Fountains of Wayne, Ivy, Tinted Windows), Josh Lattanzi (The Candles, The Lemonheads, Ben Kweller), Mike Garson (David Bowie, Nine Inch Nails, Smashing Pumpkins)
For more information visit the official James Iha website.
