James Iha Sets Release Date for ‘Look to the Sky’ Solo Album

Former Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha is pressing forward with his solo career after toiling with A Perfect Circle and Tinted Windows in recent years. The musician has just polished off a new album titled ‘Look to the Sky,’ which is expected in stores Sept. 18 via the End Records.

His years with the latter bands have served him well in developing a more lush and atmospheric sound, and he’s exploring that with tracks such as ‘To Who Knows Where,’ which he recently debuted. Iha, who also has a booming production career, co-produced his latest effort with Shudder to Think’s Nathan Larson also spending time behind the board.

James says of his latest effort, “I wanted this record to be more eclectic and reflect all of my tastes which is why it took so long. It was important to me for the record to be multi-dimensional and complex. Being a part of Smashing Pumpkins and working with so many other bands and artists since my last album gave me a fresh perspective on what music could be.”

The disc also features guest appearances from some of Iha’s pals. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs‘ Karen O. and Nick Zinner dropped by for a guest spot. Tegan and Sara‘s Sara Quin turns up on the aforementioned ‘To Who Knows Where,’ and Fountains of Wayne’s Adam Schlesinger, Antony and the Johnsons and Television guitarist Tom Verlaine all made contributions as well.

Iha says, “I feel like everything should lead up to something and this is a culmination of my journey.” Stay tuned for tour dates from Iha, coming soon.