How Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers) ended up playing drums for Dua Lipa

Chad Smith is in rock history as one of the great drummers of the style. Since 1988, the musician has been part of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, one of the most popular bands of all time. Played on classic albums such as Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991) and Californication (1999), in addition to having performed all over the world.

What not everyone knows is that, in addition to his work with the Chili Peppers, Smith has a long career as a studio musician. And in this function, there is no distinction of musical style. List presented on the website Igor Miranda points out that he has played with the hard rock legend Glenn Hughes (ex-deep purple), featuring symphonic metal singer Tarja Turunen (ex-Nightwish), the giant of heavy metal Ozzy Osbourne and a host of young pop and hip hop artists: Miley Cyrus, Halsey, Post Malone, Lana Del Rey, Charlie Puth and Charli XCX, between others.

Amidst his long curriculum, is the name of Dua Lipa. The English singer, of Albanian origin, had the talent to chad in one of his greatest hits: “Break My Heart”, track present on the album Future Nostalgia (2020).

How was it for the rock veteran Smith work with Lipa, one of the greatest pop artists of our time? In an interview with Drumeo, the drummer revealed some details of the partnership, which was initiated through the producer Andrew Watt — usually the one responsible for getting him into studio sessions over the last few years.

Despite the professionalism of those involved, everything came about somewhat casually, as recalled by the musician.

“My friend Andrew Watt is an extraordinary producer and was working with Dua Lipa. I got to the studio and they were wrapping up the session, they kind of created everything, pretty much. Andrew said, ‘I’m so glad you’re here! We were talking about how this song needs live drums [em vez de eletrônica]!’ I thought, ‘Here we go! Excellent!’.”

Chad Smith and the mindset when working with Dua Lipa

Right away, Chad Smith made an interesting observation about his mindset when working with Dua Lipa. The member of Red Hot Chili Peppers he was conscious enough to leave the spotlight around the singer, executing a drum line that didn’t offer more than necessary.

“In a situation where you’re part of the artist’s ‘band’, if it’s a singer, you’re just trying to do what they need or want to help make the song good. I’m not trying to put my stuff in there. I just want to play. I just want to be like the drummer in her band for, I don’t know, two weeks, however long it takes for the recording.”

Finally, chad reinforced the “humility” mode by reinforcing that he did nothing much in his work.

“I just put drums on an already finished song. They already had a drum machine, but they wanted a disco-funk feel to the track.”

During the chat, Smith also played the drum line of “Break My Heart”. It’s interesting to watch the musician’s live performance, making the song quite vivid — while he seems to be having fun while doing his job. Watch below.