Paz Lenchantin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Paz Lenchantin
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Lenchantin performing with the Pixies in 2018.
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| Background information | |
| Born | December 12, 1973 Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina |
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| Occupation(s) | Musician |
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| Years active | 2000–present |
Paz Lenchantin (born December 12, 1973) is an Argentine-American musician known for her skills on the bass guitar, violin, and piano. She is most famous for being the bassist and a singer for the alternative rock band Pixies from 2013 to 2024.
Before joining the Pixies, Paz was a member of several other well-known bands, including A Perfect Circle, Silver Jews, and Zwan. In 2024, the magazine Consequence named her one of the greatest bass players of all time. They praised her work in A Perfect Circle and Pixies, and also mentioned her talent as a singer and violinist.
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Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Paz Lenchantin was born in Argentina but moved to Los Angeles, California, with her family when she was four years old. Music was a big part of her family life. Her father, Mario Merdirossian, is a classical pianist and professor.
Paz started her own musical journey at a young age. She began playing the piano when she was five. At age eight, she started taking violin lessons. By the time she was 12, she had taught herself how to play the guitar. Her sister, Ana Lenchantin, is also a musician, and they have often worked together.
Music Career
Paz Lenchantin has been a part of many important rock bands throughout her career. Her ability to play multiple instruments has made her a valuable member of every group she has joined.
A Perfect Circle and Zwan
In the late 1990s, Paz joined the band A Perfect Circle with musicians like Billy Howerdel and Maynard James Keenan. She played bass and violin on their first album, Mer de Noms (2000).
After her time with A Perfect Circle, she joined the band Zwan, formed by Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins. She played bass and provided vocals for their only album, Mary Star of the Sea (2003).
The Chelsea and Other Projects
In 2002, Paz formed a band called the Chelsea with other talented female musicians, including Melissa Auf der Maur from The Smashing Pumpkins and Hole. A group made of famous musicians from other bands is sometimes called a supergroup. The Chelsea played only one show before the members decided to work on other things.
Paz later worked with A Perfect Circle again on their 2004 album Emotive, where she played piano and strings. She was also a member of the Entrance Band, playing bass, violin, and singing on several of their albums.
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Joining the Pixies
In December 2013, Paz Lenchantin became the new touring bassist for the Pixies, a legendary alternative rock band. She replaced original member Kim Deal. Fans and critics liked her playing and stage presence, and in 2016, she became a full-time member of the band.
She recorded three studio albums with the Pixies: Head Carrier (2016), Beneath the Eyrie (2019), and Doggerel (2022). She also sang lead vocals on some of their songs, including "All I Think About Now" and "Los Surfers Muertos."
In March 2024, the Pixies announced that Paz had left the band to work on her own music projects. Paz later said that the decision for her to leave was a surprise to her.
Guest Appearances
Besides her main bands, Paz has worked with many other artists. She played strings on the Queens of the Stone Age album Songs for the Deaf. She also played fiddle on the Silver Jews album Tanglewood Numbers.
Her violin playing can be heard in some scenes of the movie Miami Vice. She has also recorded with artists like Melissa Auf der Maur, Jenny Lewis, and Jarboe from the band Swans.
Discography
Here are some of the key albums Paz Lenchantin has played on during her career.
Solo Albums
- Yellow My Skycaptain (2000)
- Songs for Luci (2006)
With A Perfect Circle
- Mer de Noms (2000)
- Emotive (2004)
With Pixies
- Head Carrier (2016)
- Beneath the Eyrie (2019)
- Doggerel (2022)
With Zwan
- Mary Star of the Sea (2003)
With The Entrance Band
- Prayer of Death (2006)
- The Entrance Band (2009)
See also
In Spanish: Paz Lenchantin para niños
