Joey Santiago on Songwriting, Touring, and TikTok's Impact on Pixies' Music

The Legacy of the Pixies and the Enduring Influence of Joey Santiago

Sometimes, all it takes is a few sharp notes to create an era-defining guitar riff. Joey Santiago, the lead guitarist for the Pixies, knows this well: his angular, melodic playing has defined some of the band’s most memorable songs, from “Where Is My Mind” to “Monkey Gone to Heaven.” His unique style has become a hallmark of the band’s sound, contributing to their lasting impact on the world of alternative rock.

While frontman Charles Thompson (known on stage as Black Francis and Frank Black) is often seen as the creative powerhouse of the Pixies, Santiago has been a steady and vital ingredient in the band’s consistent success. Santiago and Black, once college roommates, founded the band nearly 40 years ago in Massachusetts. Despite a hiatus between 1993 and 2004, the band has continued to thrive, with Santiago at the heart of its musical identity.

Drummer David Lovering has been with the band since the beginning, bringing a sense of rhythm and energy that complements Santiago's guitar work. Original bassist and background singer Kim Deal left the band in 2013 due to reported creative differences, but her legacy remains part of the Pixies’ history. She found success with The Breeders and in her solo career. Paz Lenchantin followed in her footsteps, playing for over a decade before being replaced by Emma Richardson just last year.

Even with a changing roster of bassists, the Pixies have not appeared to lose their musical footing. In 2024, they released a fresh batch of spooky surf-rock tunes on “The Night the Zombies Came,” which fits sonically with their extensive discography. They have been touring regularly since their 2004 reunion, and on Aug. 27, they will return for their second-ever show in Gallagher Square at Petco Park, joined by the Austin-bred rock band Spoon and singer-songwriter Fazerdaze from New Zealand.

Santiago recently answered questions in a phone interview. His answers have been edited for length and clarity.

Touring Life and Personal Insights

When asked about what touring looks like these days, Santiago described the experience as something that involves traveling together in a bus. He mentioned that after shows, the band leaves around one or two in the morning and arrives in the next city, comparing it to time travel. As for San Diego, he shared that his son attends San Diego State University and will be moving in soon. He plans to help with the move and will also attend the San Diego show.

Regarding his children, Santiago said they are more into rock music now, especially his son, who is gravitating towards playing the guitar. His daughter shares a similar interest. When asked if he has been teaching his son, Santiago admitted he has taught him a little bit, though he initially thought he didn’t have much to teach. However, he discovered that he actually knows more theory than he realized.

Touring can be emotionally taxing, but Santiago explained that taking oneself out of the equation helps. He mentioned that thinking about the audience — people who plan for the shows, get babysitters, or bring friends — gives him perspective. This mindset helps him stay grounded during the tour.

New Bassist and Musical Evolution

Santiago expressed satisfaction with the current bassist, Emma Richardson, who joined the band last year and played on their newest album. He praised her for being solid, always on time, and a joy to be around. Her harmonies are spot-on, and she brings a positive energy to the group.

When asked about the trend of having female bassists, Santiago noted that the band originally wanted a female bass player, and the inclusion of female backing vocals was intentional. This choice has become a consistent element of the band’s sound.

The Impact of Social Media and Nostalgia

The Pixies have gained newer, younger fans, particularly through the popularity of the opening riff of “Where is My Mind” on social media platforms like TikTok. Santiago acknowledged the phenomenon, saying he thinks it's cool that people are getting into the band that way. While he doesn't feel the song is being isolated or cheapened, he appreciates the renewed interest.

Influences and Future Directions

The Pixies are often cited as one of the most influential rock bands of all time, credited with pioneering the quiet, loud, quiet dynamic. Santiago agreed that it's a nice credit, but he also emphasized that the band was influenced by other artists. He believes that if their music inspires others to start bands, that’s a positive outcome.

When asked about his influences, Santiago mentioned that he and Black wanted to be different and interesting from the start. Their musical tastes included classic rock, such as The Beatles' “White Album,” and later evolved into more alternative sounds. However, he feels that their DNA is rooted in that genre.

Songwriting and New Music

Santiago contributed to the writing of two songs on the Pixies’ latest album: “Hypnotised” and “I Hear You Mary.” He mentioned that while he presented his work to the producer, he never really considered himself a main songwriter. However, he was surprised when Black asked him to contribute lyrics.

Looking ahead, the band is actively working on new music. They have created demos, some potential keeper tracks, and completed recordings that they plan to finish up. When asked if they will stick to their signature sound or shake it up, Santiago said they want to explore new directions but emphasized that the final result will still sound like the Pixies.

Upcoming Show and More

The Pixies will perform on Aug. 27 at Gallagher Square at Petco Park in San Diego. The event starts at 6 p.m., with general admission tickets available for $74.35. For more information, visit pixiesmusic.com.