Paz Lenchantin began her musical training on piano at age five before expanding to violin and self-taught guitar. Relocating from Mar del Plata to Los Angeles in 1979, the multi-instrumentalist built a career spanning alternative rock, classical influences, and film scoring, eventually gaining recognition as one of the most accomplished session and touring musicians of her generation.
Early Development and Television Scoring
Before emerging as a prominent bassist, Lenchantin held various roles within the music industry during the 1990s. She worked as a piano instructor, programmed music for video games, and composed soundscapes for the Sci-Fi Channel. These formative experiences preceded her collaborative period with her brother, Luciano Lenchantin, which lasted until his death in 2003.
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Lenchantin attained widespread visibility through her contributions to major rock ensembles. She was an original member of A Perfect Circle, performing on the albums Mer de Noms and Thirteenth Step. She later joined Zwan, a project featuring Billy Corgan and Jimmy Chamberlin. In 2002, she briefly participated in the all-female group the Chelsea alongside Melissa Auf der Maur and Samantha Maloney, performing a single show that was later circulated as a bootleg.
Tenure with Pixies
In December 2013, Lenchantin joined the Pixies as a touring bassist to replace Kim Deal and Kim Shattuck. By July 2016, she attained status as a full-time member of the band, contributing to three studio albums: Head Carrier, Beneath the Eyrie, and Doggerel. Her tenure concluded on March 4, 2024, when the band announced her departure. Lenchantin publicly stated that the decision to leave was unexpected.
Session Work and Diverse Contributions
Beyond her primary band roles, Lenchantin has maintained an extensive session career. She provided string arrangements for Queens of the Stone Age on Songs for the Deaf and contributed fiddle to the Silver Jews record Tanglewood Numbers. Her film work includes performing violin for director Michael Mann on the film Miami Vice. Additionally, she co-produced The Entrance Band’s self-titled 2009 album and released solo projects including Yellow My Skycaptain and Triste.
Fast facts
- Born: 1973, Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Citizenship: United States and Argentina
- Primary Instruments: Bass, violin, piano, guitar
- Member of: Pixies (2014-2024)
- Notable Collaborations: A Perfect Circle, Zwan, Silver Jews
- Solo Discography includes: Yellow My Skycaptain, Songs for Luci, Triste
- Recognized in 2024 by Consequence as the 75th greatest bass guitarist of all time
Questions readers ask
Did Paz Lenchantin leave the Pixies voluntarily?
No. While the band stated she left to focus on her own projects, Lenchantin noted that her departure was a surprise to her.
What bands has she been a member of?
She has been a member of Pixies, A Perfect Circle, Zwan, the Entrance Band, and the Chelsea.
Achievements
- Instruments: bass guitar, violin and guitar
- Genres: alternative rock
