Red Hot Chili Peppers’ legendary bassist is stepping away from rock to embrace his first musical love.
Flea is releasing his debut solo album, Honora, on March 27 through Nonesuch Records—a deeply personal project that sees him return to trumpet and jazz, the genre where his musical journey began nearly five decades ago.
Before becoming one of rock’s most iconic bassists, Flea started his career playing trumpet, and this album represents a full-circle moment in his artistic evolution.
The 10-track record features an impressive roster of collaborators, including Radiohead’s Thom Yorke and Nick Cave, signaling this isn’t just a side project—it’s a serious artistic statement.
A Collaboration Born from Familiar Sounds
The album’s latest single, “Traffic Lights,” came together through an organic creative process that connected Flea with longtime collaborator Thom Yorke.
Co-written with Yorke and producer Josh Johnson, the track features an animated video created by Nespy5euro that brings the jazz-infused composition to visual life.
Something about it reminded me of Atoms for Peace, so I sent it to Thom.
Flea praised the Radiohead frontman’s collaborative spirit in glowing terms.
Just the warmest, free flowing, jamming motherfucker.
The reference to Atoms for Peace—Yorke’s experimental side project—hints at the album’s adventurous sonic territory, blending jazz sensibilities with modern production techniques.
Composing from the Heart
Named after a beloved family member, Honora was entirely composed and arranged by Flea himself, showcasing his musicianship beyond bass guitar.
Throughout the album’s 10 songs, he handles both bass and trumpet, demonstrating technical mastery across multiple instruments developed over his storied career.
The previously released track “A Plea” gave fans their first taste of this new direction, revealing a more introspective and experimental side of the musician known for his high-energy stage presence.
Star-Studded Jazz Ensemble
Flea assembled an impressive lineup of musicians to bring his vision to reality, pulling from both jazz and rock worlds:
- Josh Johnson – Producer and saxophonist
- Jeff Parker – Guitar
- Anna Butterss – Bass
- Deantoni Parks – Drums
- Thom Yorke – Vocals
- Nick Cave – Vocals
- Mauro Refosco – Additional parts (Atoms for Peace)
- Nate Walcott – Additional parts (Bright Eyes)
This combination of established jazz artists and respected rock musicians creates a unique sonic palette that bridges genres.
Taking Honora on the Road
Flea will support the album with a select tour launching May 7 in Chicago, bringing his jazz project to intimate venues across multiple continents.
The brief but ambitious run spans cities throughout the United States, Canada, Germany, England, France, and the Netherlands before concluding May 28 in Paris.
Fans can expect performances featuring his backing band interpreting these deeply personal compositions in live settings—a stark contrast to arena shows with Red Hot Chili Peppers.
A Multifaceted Creative Force
While Red Hot Chili Peppers released two full albums in 2022 alone—Unlimited Love and Return of the Dream Canteen—Flea maintains an incredibly diverse creative schedule beyond his band commitments.
He’s proven himself across multiple mediums as a published memoirist, actor in blockbuster films, and podcast host of This Little Light.
His previous solo work includes the 2012 EP Helen Burns, though Honora represents his first full-length statement as a bandleader and composer in his own right.
The Complete Honora Track Listing
- Golden Wingship
- A Plea
- Traffic Lights
- Frailed
- Morning Cry
- Maggot Brain
- Wichita Lineman
- Thinkin Bout You
- Willow Weep for Me
- Free As I Want to Be
The album showcases both original compositions and interpretations, including covers like “Maggot Brain” and jazz standard “Willow Weep for Me,” suggesting Flea is paying homage to influences while carving his own path.
At nearly 50 years into his music career, Flea’s return to trumpet and jazz represents more than nostalgia—it’s an artist refusing to be confined by expectations, continuing to grow and explore new creative territories.
Honora arrives March 27, offering fans a chance to hear one of rock’s most dynamic performers in an entirely new context.