It’s hard to identify Jim Fairchild without first acknowledging that he was formerly the guitarist in the Modesto, Ca. group Grandaddy. Fairchild, however, has kept himself busy since the group’s demise in 2006, touring with numerous other bands and also finding the time to record and release his first solo record under the moniker All Smiles. The resulting Ten Readings Of A Warning, a collection of charming, laid back lo-fi pop that belies his Southern Californian upbringing, was recorded on an 8 track with the help of a rotating cast of drummers from bands like Sleater-Kinney, Modest Mouse and Menomena. He’s toured extensively behind the release, including area shows with Dappled Cities Fly and Super Furry Animals frontman Gruff Rhys. He was nice enough to answer a few questions over email ahead of his show tonight, opening for David Bazan at The Black Cat.

After Grandaddy broke up, I guess there was never a question if you would continue to play music. You’ve played in bands like Earlimart and Great Nothern and did a tour with Modest Mouse. Was Johnny Marr your replacement? What’s it like filling in for a band for just one tour?

Yeah, I enjoy different experiences musically, and they’ve all informed what I’m doing now in one way or another. I wouldn’t say that Johnny Marr was my replacement; it was always clear that my time with Modest Mouse would be temporary. But if he were my replacement, I can’t imagine being replaced by anyone better. I love their tunes, them as people and their energy, so it felt great to take on an ephemeral role in a stunning band.