Last Friday, LA’s Silverlake Conservatory of Music—co-founded in 2001 by Flea and Tree (a.k.a. Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Michael Balzary and alt-funk musician Keith Barry)—released a three-song EP in tribute to The Pretenders, featuring student ensembles covering “The Wait,” “Show Me,” and “Talk of the Town.” With the songs’ royalties waived, all proceeds from the covers will benefit the conservatory’s music education programming.
In a very Flea-like statement, Flea exclaimed: “Music education! From the lesson room, to the practice at home, to the band rehearsal, to letting it all out in the recording studio. And now, to your earholes! The kids at the Silverlake Conservatory of Music have recorded something incredible, and the first three songs, an homage to The Pretenders, are out today. Please support the kids, support music education, listen to it and cheer them on. Thank youuuuuuuu!”
His mention of the “first three songs” is a reference to the fact that SCM’s All-Stars have more covers collections on the way—keep an eye out for tributes to RHCP and Neil Young in the near future. In the meantime, checkout Our Loving Tribute to The Pretenders below.
