Pixies Members, Gear & Sound
Members
Select a Pixies band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
Pixies are a seminal American rock band hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, known for their dynamic blend of alternative rock, noise pop, and punk rock. Formed in 1986, the group originally comprised Black Francis (vocals, guitar), Joey Santiago (lead guitar), Kim Deal (bass, vocals), and David Lovering (drums). Over the years, the Pixies have been celebrated for their pioneering "loud-quiet-loud" dynamics and quirky, catchy melodies, making them a significant influence on the alt-rock movement and bands like Nirvana and Radiohead. Their discography includes iconic albums such as Surfer Rosa and Doolittle, which are considered quintessential listens in the genre.
How to Sound Like Pixies
The Pixies' sound is characterized by an unpolished yet vibrant energy, combining gritty guitar riffs with melodic bass lines and punchy, often minimalist drumming. A key aspect of their sonic identity is the interplay between jarring, aggressive sections and softer, melodic passages, creating a tension that is both raw and engaging. Joey Santiago's use of the Gibson ES-345 adds a distinctive edge with its semi-hollowbody resonance, while his Boss FZ-2 Hyper Fuzz pedal injects a layer of fuzz that enhances the band's abrasive yet catchy sound. On bass, Kim Deal's use of the Fender Precision Bass provides a solid, driving foundation that complements the band's dynamic shifts. Together, these elements create a sound that is both chaotic and accessible, making the Pixies a unique force in the rock landscape.
Discography
Come On Pilgrim
1987
Surfer Rosa (2007 Remaster)
1988
Doolittle
1989
Bossanova
1990
Trompe le Monde
1991
Indie Cindy
2014
Doolittle 25: B-Sides, Peel Sessions And Demos
2014
Head Carrier
2016
Live From the Fallout Shelter, 1986
2018
Beneath the Eyrie (Deluxe)
2020
Live from Brixton Academy, London. June 2nd, 2004
2020
Live from Brixton Academy, London. June 3rd, 2004
2020
Live from Brixton Academy, London. June 4th, 2004
2020
Live from Brixton Academy, London. June 5th, 2004
2021
Live from Coachella, Indio, CA. May 1st, 2004
2021
Live from Fine Line Music Cafe, Minneapolis, MN. April 13th, 2004
2021
Live from Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Denver, CO. June 5th, 2005
2021
Doggerel
2022
Pixies at the BBC, 1988-91
2024
The Night the Zombies Came
2024
Bossanova x Trompe Le Monde (Live)
2025
Get the Pixies Sound
Want to sound like Pixies? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.
