Long before he became known as bassist for Red Hot Chili Peppers, Flea began his musical journey as a trumpet player. Now, the musician is going back to his roots, releasing his first ever full-length solo album featuring his beloved trumpet.
According to Nonesuch Records, the project sees Flea leaning on his love of jazz and working “with a dream band of modern jazz visionaries.”
While the record’s title and official release date have yet to be announced, the first single off of the album is available now.
Titled “A Plea,” the track features Flea on bass, vocals, and trumpet, with the lyrics reflecting on political division in the U.S. and around the world.
Describing the song, Flea said “A Plea” asks listeners to “build a bridge, shine a light, make something beautiful and see somebody, give it to somebody.” He also explains the track shows him “yearning for a place beyond, a place of love, for me to speak my mind and be myself. I’m always just trying to be myself.”
“I’m always just trying to be myself. I don’t care about the act of politics,” he added. “I think there is a much more transcendent place above it where there’s discourse to be had that can actually help humanity, and actually help us all to live harmoniously and productively in a way that’s healthy for the world. There’s a place where we meet, and it’s love.”
The music video for “A Plea” was directed by Flea’s daughter Clara Balzary, and is available to watch now.
