James Iha is excited to announce the release of his new solo album,
"Look To The Sky", out September 18 on The End Records. As a member of
A PERFECT CIRCLE, the power pop super-group
TINTED WINDOWS, and of course,
THE SMASHING PUMPKINS,
Iha has gathered musical depth and craftsmanship inspired by his many bands as well as his production work with
THE SOUNDS,
WHISKEYTOWN and
LADYTRON, to create a new album offering listeners sophisticated pop melodies, lyrical sharpness and guitar driven rock.
Rolling Stone caught up with Iha and is currently streaming cinematic first track,
"To Who Knows Where". Check it out
here.
Produced by
Iha and guitarist
Nathan Larson (formerly of beloved indie rockers
SHUDDER TO THINK) at
Iha's own studio
Stratosphere Sound in New York City, the sessions for
"Look To The Sky" were designed to create an atmosphere of freedom, experimentation and shared fondness for a variety of enduring genres: from bright, modern rock, to '60s nuggets and cool, clean '80s new wave.
"I wanted this record to be more eclectic and reflect all of my tastes which is why it took so long,"
Iha explains. "It was important to me for the record to be multi-dimensional and complex. Being a part of
THE SMASHING PUMPKINS, and working with so many other bands and artists since my last album [1998's solo debut
'Let It Come Down'] gave me a fresh perspective on what music could be."
This free and fun environment attracted friends and peers such as the
YEAH YEAH YEAHS'
Karen O and
Nick Zinner,
TEGAN AND SARA's
Sara Quin,
FOUNTAINS OF WAYNE's
Adam Schlesinger,
ANTONY & THE JOHNSONS and legendary
TELEVISION guitarist
Tom Verlaine.
"Working with all of these talented people helped the record evolve in great and unexpected ways,"
Iha says.
"Look To The Sky" sees
Iha returning as a solo artist after nearly a decade and a half, newly inspired, a little wiser and proud to share what he's learned and created. "I feel like everything should lead up to something and this is a culmination of my journey," he says.
