Teenager's Exciting Exchange with Flea: "I admired your music and wanted to follow in your footsteps, any tips?" Flea responded, leaving the fan speechless. Joe Dart shares his priceless guidance from the Red Hot Chili Peppers' bassist.
In the world of music, chance encounters can often lead to life-changing moments. Such was the case for Joe Dart, the bassist of Vulfpeck, when he penned a fan letter to Red Hot Chili Peppers' bassist, Flea, at the tender age of 12 or 13.
Flea's response to Dart's letter had a significant impact on his career. The handwritten reply, penned by none other than Larry Graham, offered advice on the role of the bass in a band. Flea emphasised the supportive role of the bass in a rhythm section, urging Dart to focus on creating a solid foundation for the rest of the band.
Flea's influence on Dart's bass playing came from a variety of sources, including Parliament-Funkadelic, Bootsy Collins, and horn players like Mayceo Parker and Fred Wesley. However, Flea did not encourage Dart to copy anyone's style. Instead, he emphasised the importance of supportive and melodic bass playing.
One of Flea's recommendations was for Dart to listen to James Jamerson's work on Marvin Gaye's What's Going On. This advice resonated with Dart, who started listening to James Jamerson's bass work on some Stevie Wonder songs, finding it similar to a bass solo.
The interaction between Dart and Flea occurred before Dart became a member of Vulfpeck. Yet, it was this interaction that helped shape Dart's central role in Vulfpeck's sound. Dart considers Flea as his bass hero, describing him as the sweetest guy.
In a recent development, Dart completed the trilogy of Joe Dart signature models priced under $500 with Music Man earlier this year. This addition to his collection is a testament to his dedication to his craft and his enduring appreciation for the art of bass playing.
As Dart continues to make waves in the music industry, it's clear that Flea's advice has left a lasting impact. The exchange between these two musicians serves as a reminder of the power of mentorship and the transformative potential of a simple fan letter.
