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“We’re grateful for Paz’s many contributions, and wish her all the very best going forward”: Paz Lenchantin leaves the Pixies after 10 years – and her replacement has been announced
In her place, Pixies have confirmed the band will welcome former Band of Skulls bassist Emma Richardson into the fold. Richardson will make her debut as Pixies’ newest member on March 8, when the group kick off their UK/Europe tour.
“I am thrilled to announce I will be playing bass for Pixies this year on their world wide tour,” Richardson wrote on social media. “Dream come true.”
She will be replacing Lenchantin, who was first appointed as Pixies bass player in 2014 to replace the outgoing touring Kim Shattuck, who in turn was drafted to fill the shoes of co-founder Kim Deal.
Lenchantin – who had worked with Pixies guitarist Joey Santiago before the call-up – was eventually given the role on a permanent basis, and helped the band record three studio albums over a 10 year stint with the group.
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Speaking to Bass Player a while back, Lenchantin discussed learning Pixies’ back catalog and the challenges associated with stepping in to fill Deal’s position – something that she only overcame once Deal visited her in a dream.
“On the first few shows, I found myself trying to sound exactly like Kim, but something just wasn’t working,” she said. “It was really bugging me, and then one night I had a dream, and I know this is going to sound strange, but she came into my dream and whispered into my ear, 'Paz, if you want to be like me, don’t be like me.'
“Meaning if I just be myself, I’ll actually be more like her, because that’s what her spirit is. When I first came in, I was confused, because everyone was expecting me to sound like her, but it didn’t feel right.
“After that dream I realized it’s most important for me to be myself, and the energy that comes from that is more important than me trying to imitate someone.”
Matt is the GuitarWorld.com News Editor, and has been writing and editing for the site for five years. He has a Masters in the guitar, a degree in history, and has spent the last 19 years playing everything from blues and jazz to indie and pop. During his GW career, he’s interviewed Peter Frampton, Zakk Wylde, Tosin Abasi, Matteo Mancuso and more, and has profiled the CEOs of Guitar Center and Fender.
When he’s not combining his passion for writing and music during his day job, Matt performs with indie rock duo Esme Emerson, and has previously opened for the likes of Ed Sheeran, Keane, Japanese House and Good Neighbours.
