Preview James Iha’s Forthcoming Solo Album “Look To The Sky”

James Iha should need no introduction, but we’ll do it anyway. An essential member of the Smashing Pumpkins from 1988-2000, the guitarist and sometimes-singer also published a well-received solo album “Let It Come Down” in 1998 followed by post-Pumpkins work with other bands, including his recurring (and current) role in A Perfect Circle for much of the last decade.

A second solo album was promised many years ago, but in 2012 Iha finally delivers. Look To The Sky was actually released via EMI Japan in April, but a September 2012 release for countries outside Japan was just announced.

You can now stream some full tracks, below, along with clips of the whole album via EMI’s preview links. Lead single “To Who Knows Where” has a music video that’s also only available in Japan, unless you click here.

“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.”

The album was produced by Iha and guitarist Nathan Larson (formerly of Shudder to Think) in New York at Iha’s own studio Stratosphere Sound. It includes contributions by 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 said.

“I feel like everything should lead up to something, and this is a culmination of my journey.”

Look To The Sky (Japan Version) – Preview Clips (Windows Media Player)