James Iha is an American rock musician best known as a guitarist and co-founder of the alternative rock band the Smashing Pumpkins. He is also an active solo artist, songwriter, and record producer. Iha has produced songs, contributed guitar and vocals, and produced remixes for a number of artists, including Midnight Movies, Isobel Campbell, Marilyn Manson, Whiskeytown, and Michael Stipe. He co-owned Scratchie Records, an independent record label, with Adam Schlesinger, and from 1999-2012 owned a recording studio with Schlesinger and Andy Chase of Ivy called Stratosphere Sound.
Iha released his debut solo album, Let It Come Down, in 1998. The album features a mix of alternative rock, pop, and folk influences, and received generally positive reviews from critics. In the spring of 2007, Iha told Rolling Stone magazine that he was writing and recording songs for a second solo album. However, the album has yet to be released. In the spring of 2007, Iha remixed Midnight Movies and the Postmarks as freebies on the Internet.
Iha’s work as a solo artist showcases his versatility as a musician and songwriter. His music is characterized by introspective lyrics, catchy melodies, and a blend of different genres. While his work with the Smashing Pumpkins is often associated with the alternative rock movement of the 1990s, his solo work demonstrates a wider range of influences and styles.
In addition to his solo work, Iha has collaborated with other musicians and bands, including A Perfect Circle, Tinted Windows, and The Sounds. He rejoined the Smashing Pumpkins in 2018 for their Shiny and Oh So Bright Tour. Overall, James Iha’s contributions to the music industry as a solo artist and collaborator have solidified his place as a respected and influential musician.
