Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith has opened up about the band working on a new album with John Frusciante — who rejoined the group in 2019 after a decade long absence. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Smith said, “We’re getting along great. John’s been back for a while now, so it feels completely natural. … We’re really listening to each other in a new way.”
He continued, “He’s so dedicated. … He’s so into it. He’s working so hard. We’re all working hard, but he’s in there with all the overdubs and the magic that he brings.”
Smith also said that the band isn't trying to re-create the sound they had with Fruscianted on their previous albums, saying, “John hasn’t been in our group in 10 years; that’s a long time. So of course it’s going to sound different, but it’s gonna sound like the four of us because we do have this special chemistry together."
He continued, "It sounds like Red Hot Chili Peppers, but it’s different and new, and to me that’s great. … We really like it and we’re proud of it and it has to start there. If other people like it, great. If people compare it to this or [say] 'It doesn’t sound like that,' we have no control over that. But yeah, we’re all really happy with the record.”Smith added that the album is almost finished but it doesn't have a release date or title.
Smith added that the album is almost finished but it doesn't have a release date or title.