James Iha, born on March 26, 1968, is a prominent American rock musician celebrated for his role as the guitarist and co-founder of the iconic alternative rock band, the Smashing Pumpkins. His journey with the band spanned from its inception until their initial breakup in two thousand, after which he rejoined in two thousand eighteen, marking a significant return to the music scene.
Beyond his work with the Smashing Pumpkins, Iha has made substantial contributions to the music industry as a producer, guitarist, keyboardist, and vocalist. He has collaborated with a diverse array of artists, including Midnight Movies, Isobel Campbell, Marilyn Manson, Whiskeytown, Scott Weiland, and Michael Stipe, showcasing his versatility and talent across various genres.
In addition to his collaborations, Iha has been a key member of the supergroup A Perfect Circle since two thousand three, further solidifying his status in the rock music landscape. He also participated in Tinted Windows, a project that brought together members from renowned bands such as Cheap Trick, Fountains of Wayne, and Hanson.
James Iha's entrepreneurial spirit is evident in his past ventures, including co-owning the independent record label Scratchie Records alongside Adam Schlesinger. From nineteen ninety-nine to two thousand twelve, he also co-owned Stratosphere Sound, a recording studio with Schlesinger and Andy Chase of Ivy, contributing to the production of numerous musical projects.