Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea is heading in a completely new musical direction. Known worldwide for his funky bass playing and high-energy stage presence, Flea is now preparing to release his first-ever solo album in 2026. What makes this project special is that it’s not rock, funk, or anything close to what we usually expect from him. Instead, Flea is going back to the instrument he first fell in love with as a kid: the trumpet.
Yes — Flea’s upcoming album is a modern jazz record, and fans are already talking about it.
A Return to His First Musical Love
Before he became a rock icon, Flea grew up playing the trumpet. As a child, he was heavily inspired by jazz legends, and the trumpet shaped his early musical identity. Even after joining Red Hot Chili Peppers, he continued to play trumpet occasionally onstage and in recordings. He even studied music theory and jazz trumpet at the University of Southern California in 2008. Still, this new project marks the biggest and most serious return to the trumpet of his entire career.
The First Single: “A Plea”
To give listeners a taste of what’s coming, Flea released the album’s first single, titled “A Plea.” It’s a long, atmospheric track where he plays trumpet, electric bass, and also sings. The song has a soft, emotional, and sometimes experimental jazz sound — very different from the Chili Peppers style. It feels meditative, open, and expressive, focusing more on mood and feeling instead of catchy hooks.
Flea didn’t make this song alone. He brought together a talented group of musicians, including double bassist Anna Butterss, guitarist Jeff Parker, drummer Deantoni Parks, percussionist Mauro Refosco, alto flutist Rickey Washington, and trombonist Vikram Devasthali. The song’s producer, Josh Johnson, also sings and plays alto sax on the track. Together, they create a dreamy, modern jazz sound that feels both new and deeply personal.
A Music Video Directed by His Daughter
The music video for “A Plea” makes the release even more special. It was directed by Flea’s daughter, Clara Balzary. In the video, Flea dances and moves in expressive, almost theatrical ways. The choreography, done by Sadie Wilking, blends perfectly with the emotional tone of the song. The result is a video that feels like a piece of art rather than a typical music clip.
A Message of Love and Unity
Flea explained that the lyrics of “A Plea” are about humanity and the growing divisions in the world. He says the song reflects his desire for a place where people can be honest, loving, and themselves. He also emphasized that he isn’t trying to make a political statement. Instead, he wants to express something deeper and more universal — a longing for kindness and connection.
Nick Cave Makes a Guest Appearance
Another surprising detail is that musician Nick Cave will appear on the album. Earlier this year, Cave revealed that Flea invited him to record vocals for a track. Cave described the song as emotional, full of yearning, and almost cosmic in its atmosphere. Fans of both artists are excited to hear what this collaboration will sound like.
What’s Next?
The album is still untitled, and Flea hasn’t shared the full tracklist yet. More information is expected in 2026. For now, “A Plea” gives us a strong hint that this project will be a heartfelt, personal, and artistically bold chapter in Flea’s musical journey.