Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea will release his first full-length solo album, Honora, on March 27 via Nonesuch. The 10-song project follows the December release of the single “A Plea” and features the recently unveiled track “Traffic Lights,” for which a visualizer is now available.
Honora showcases a diverse range of musical influences, blending six original compositions with covers of songs by Frank Ocean (“Thinkin Bout You”), George Clinton and Funkadelic (“Maggot Brain”), Jimmy Webb (“Wichita Lineman”), and Ann Ronell (“Willow Weep for Me”).
The album features a notable roster of collaborators, including Radiohead’s Thom Yorke, who co-wrote “Traffic Lights” and contributes vocals, piano, and synths. Flea previously collaborated with Yorke in the band Atoms for Peace. Additional guests include Nick Cave and Nate Walcott of Bright Eyes.
Flea is supported on Honora by a collective of jazz musicians: bassist Anna Butterss, Tortoise guitarist Jeff Parker, drummer Deantoni Parks, percussionist Mauro Refosco, flutist Rickey Washington, trombonist Vikram Devasthali, and vocalist Chris Warren. Flea described the collaborative process as deeply inspiring, stating, “Sitting in a room and playing the music with them made me feel like I was on drugs.”
Flea will launch a 10-city spring tour in support of Honora, beginning May 7 in Chicago. He is also expected to perform at several U.S. music festivals this summer, though specific dates have not yet been announced.
Here is the track list for Honora:
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
Here are Flea’s tour dates:
May 7 – Chicago – Thalia Hall
May 9 – Toronto – The Opera House
May 10 – Montreal – Théâtre Beanfield
May 12 – New York – Webster Hall
May 13 – Washington, D.C. – Black Cat
May 16 – Los Angeles – The Fonda Theatre
May 21 – Berlin – Heimathafen
May 22 – Amsterdam – Paradiso
May 26 – London – Koko
May 28 – Paris – Alhambra
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the title of Flea’s upcoming album?
The album is titled Honora.
When will Honora be released?
Honora will be released on March 27.
Who are some of the collaborators on Honora?
Collaborators include Thom Yorke of Radiohead, Nick Cave, and Nate Walcott of Bright Eyes.
Given Flea’s extensive career with the Red Hot Chili Peppers and his diverse musical contributions, what impact might this solo work have on his broader artistic legacy?
Worth a look