Music: Beyond the Funk: Flea Returns to Jazz Roots with "A Plea"

Flea (Michael Peter Balzary), best known as the iconic, energetic bassist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, has stepped into a new musical chapter with his first-ever full-length solo album project. This new venture sees him returning to his "first love"—the trumpet—which was his primary instrument before he mastered the bass. While he is a legend of funk-rock, this solo work is a significant artistic departure, leaning heavily toward jazz and experimental music. The forthcoming album is set for release in 2026 via Nonesuch Records.

"A Plea" is the lead single from Flea's upcoming solo album and serves as a powerful, seven-and-a-half-minute statement on his new direction.

• Genre & Composition: The track is a complex blend of jazz and experimental music, featuring Flea on electric bass, trumpet, and vocals. It was recorded with a "dream band of modern jazz visionaries," including double bassist Anna Butterss, guitarist Jeff Parker, and drummer Deantoni Parks, among others. The music is characterized by its twisty, energetic jazz arrangement that builds tension with jackhammering beats and layered, boundary-pushing instrumentation.

• Thematic Focus: The song is a deeply personal and philosophical reflection on global division and the search for love and unity. Flea described the song as "yearning for a place beyond, a place of love, for me to speak my mind and be myself." The lyrics, delivered in a passionate, almost spoken-word or chant style reminiscent of Gil Scott Heron, express frustration with political divisiveness and urge listeners to transcend conflict: "Build a bridge, shine a light, make something beautiful and see somebody."

• Visuals: The accompanying music video, directed by his daughter Clara Balzary, features Flea performing an energetic and expressive dance routine, underscoring the project's vulnerability and passion.

"A Plea" is a striking, vivid track that signals a courageous, jazz-forward chapter in Flea's already legendary career, showcasing his depth as a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter.

Artist Page: https://www.instagram.com/flea333/