James Iha

Date of Birth: March 26, 1968

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Biography

James Yoshinobu Iha is an American musician, best known as the guitarist for the alternative rock band The Smashing Pumpkins. Born on March 26, 1968, in Chicago, Illinois, Iha joined The Smashing Pumpkins in 1987 and became an integral part of the band’s sound, contributing not only his guitar skills but also his songwriting talents. He played with the band through their rise to fame in the 1990s, contributing to iconic albums such as “Gish,” “Siamese Dream,” and “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness.” After The Smashing Pumpkins initially disbanded in 2000, Iha pursued various other musical projects. He released a solo album, “Let It Come Down,” in 1998 and joined the supergroup A Perfect Circle, adding his distinctive sound to their albums “Thirteenth Step” and “eMOTIVe.” Iha also co-founded the independent record label Scratchie Records and has been involved in numerous collaborations and side projects over the years. In 2018, Iha rejoined The Smashing Pumpkins for their “Shiny and Oh So Bright” reunion tour, reuniting with original members Billy Corgan and Jimmy Chamberlin. Beyond his work with the Pumpkins, Iha has continued to explore various musical landscapes, demonstrating his versatility and enduring influence in the music industry.

5 Interesting Facts about James Iha

1. James Iha is of Japanese descent and grew up in a suburb of Chicago, Illinois.

2. He co-founded Scratchie Records in 1995 with Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne.

3. Iha contributed to the soundtrack of the movie “Happiness” (1998) with his solo song “Be Strong Now.”

4. He is known for his unique fashion sense, often blending vintage styles with modern aesthetics.

5. James Iha has collaborated with various artists, including producing songs for the band “The Sounds” and working with the Japanese rock band “Strawberry Switchblade.”