Paz Lenchantin is an Argentine-American musician who is best known as the bass guitarist, violinist, and lead singer of the alternative rock band Pixies. Between 2000 and 2014, she also played numerous instruments for bands such as “Entrance,” “A Perfect Circle,” and “Queens of the Stone Age.” Paz hails from a musically-inclined family, and her father inspired her to follow in his footsteps at an early age. She began her musical adventure in childhood, self-taught herself to play multiple musical instruments, and also received professional training. Paz has established herself as a transitional artist over the course of her career and has collaborated with many bands and artists on multiple musical projects. She has also collaborated on musical projects alongside her sister Ana Lenchantin and brother Luciano Lenchantin.
Paz Lenchantin’s Career
Paz began playing the piano at age five, and by age twelve, she had also mastered the guitar and violin. As a young woman, she played alongside Josh Freese, Troy Van Leeuwen, Billy Howerdel, and Maynard James Keenan in the American rock band A Perfect Circle.
She contributed to two albums during her tenure with the band: ‘Mer de Noms’ in 2000 and ‘Thirteenth Step’ in 2003. Later, she left the band and joined the American alternative rock ensemble Zwan with Billy Corgan, Jimmy Chamberlin, Matt Sweeney, and David Pajo, contributing to the group’s lone album ‘Mary Star Of The Sea’.
Paz, along with Melissa Auf der Maur, Samantha Maloney, and Radio Sloan, founded the all-female band ‘Chelsea’ in 2002. However, the band only performed once before disbanding and going their separate ways. Paz returned to her former band ‘A Perfect Circle’ and played strings and piano on the cover album ‘eMOTIVe’, which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 in November 2004. She later contributed to the solo cover of ‘The Hollow’ on the CD/DVD release ‘aMOTION’ by the band.
After leaving ‘A Perfect Circle,’ Paz has frequently collaborated with ‘The Entrance Band’ as a producer, bassist, and violinist. She contributed to their album “Prayer of Death” and performed with them on numerous occasions. In December 2013, she became the bassist for the American alternative rock band Pixies, replacing the band’s founder Kim Deal and their previous touring bassist Kim Shattuck.
The 2014 release of the band’s fifth studio album, ‘Indie Cindy,’ was a minor success. Paz was the bassist for all live tracks on the Deluxe edition. Paz participated as bassist and lead vocalist on the band’s sixth studio album, ‘Head Carrier’
Paz has also played with her sister, Ana Lenchantin, and David Pajo in ‘Papa M’, in addition to playing with numerous bands. In addition, she has contributed to the albums ‘The Lonely Position Of Neutral’ by Trust Company, ‘Dividing Lines’ by Kaura, and ‘Auf der Maur’ by Melissa Auf der Maur.
Her Personal Life
Paz Lenchantin was born on December 12, 1973, in Mar del Plata, Argentina. Mario Mardirossian, her father, is a classical pianist. Ana Lenchantin, her sister, is a musician and regular collaborator, and Luciano Lenchantin, her brother, was also a musician.
Paz almost taught herself to play the violin, guitar, and piano as a child. She dedicated her second solo album, Songs for Luci, to her brother and frequent colleague Luciano Lenchantin, who had tragically committed suicide in 2003.
Estimated Net Worth
Paz Lenchantin is one of the wealthiest and most well-known bassists. According to our research, Wikipedia, Forbes, and Business Insider, Paz Lenchantin has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million.