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Taken from Female First (May 21, 2014)
Michael Franti, exclusive, interview
Michael Franti speaks to Female First about his new record, amazing experiences and much more in an exclusive interview.
by Daniel Falconer
Blending genres as the creator and lead vocalist of world-renowned group Michael Franti and Spearhead, Michael's got fans all over the globe who flock in their thousands to see the musician live and hard at work.
Female First got the opportunity to put some questions to Michael about his career so far, his forthcoming and tenth album and much more in a fascinating and eye-opening interview.
You're gearing up to release your tenth album in the UK this June, what can you tell us about the creative process behind this record?
We recorded most of this record on a laptop while traveling on the road. We would write songs and play them for the audience before recording. That gave us the opportunity to see how the audience responded to each song so that we could make changes before recording them.
These songs were formed from my heart and from my life experiences.
What should fans expect from what's on offer this time round?
This record mixes acoustic and electronic music and goes back to some of my hip-hop and reggae roots. There are songs like '11.59' that have more of a political edge and some songs that are straight up love songs.
Our band is playing better together than we have ever played before. Because we have been touring for as long as we have, we have a king of intuition on stage.
When people come to our shows our hope is that people walk our feeling a little bit taller, their heart pumping and feeling satisfied.
How would you say you've evolved as an artist throughout your career so far?
I've always wanted to create songs that inspire people to make the world a better place and to appreciate every second that we have in this life. I used to think that the only way to make the world a better place was to shout about what was messed up in the world.
Now, through my years of music, I have grown to realise that I want to point out what's wrong but also point out how to make it better.
I want my music to connect the heart to mindfulness - to encourage positivity - to inspire others to never give up - never give up trying to find new ways to make a difference.
What is it about music that you love?
I love music because it opens the window to your soul. There are times when your body is tired and your mind is taxed - it's the soul that tells you that you can go further, love more, try harder... that is what music does for us. It hits reset and gives us the energy to keep going.
Where do you draw inspiration for the music you create?
I draw inspiration mostly from people that I meet every day - ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
Recently, I was in the Philippines with a woman named Robin Lim who started a birthing center in a school that had been destroyed in the typhoon. She was delivering babies in a classroom that had no roof on it. These are the types of people that inspire me.
I listen to music every day and I often attend concerts with my 15 year old son. I draw inspiration from my son and from the music that we share.
What are some of your earliest music-related memories?
My mother played organ in the church that we went to and that meant I was obligated to be in the youth choir. Because I was the tallest kid in the choir I stood in the back row and mouthed the words. I would go to church so much that I really didn't want to be in the choir but by being around the music all the time I learned about harmony and melody.
Also, on the way home from church we would always listen to the radio in the car and I would sing more to the songs on the radio than I did in church.
Have there been any crazy moments in your career you can share with us?
One time we played in San Quentin State Prison and there were all these different ethnic gangs out on the yard - whites, blacks, various Latino gangs - and I tried to think of a song that they would all know and love. Nothing worked until I played the theme song for Sesame Street. That's when all the different gangs started putting their arms around each other and singing along.
I was shocked and amazed that Sesame Street was a part of all of their childhoods. I thought I'd take it to the next level and sing The Cookie Monster Song, 'C Is For Cookie' - at which point The Crips on the yard started flashing their 'C' hand signs and the warden looked at me and told me to stop immediately.
What do you note as some of your career highlights to-date?
I've played a lot of big tours and I've sold millions of singles but I still love playing on the street and going to a venue and seeing people transform from walking in with the stresses they bring from their life to seeing them leaving lighter - see them get transformed by the music. There is nothing more satisfying than that - seeing people become happy from the music.
If you weren't in the industry still at this point, what do you think you'd be doing?
I started a yoga hotel and retreat in Bali, Indonesia, so I would be working there.
Also, I teach yoga, make documentary films, write children's books but I'm inspired by great ideas. I love sitting with people and talking about great ideas and putting them into reality so, I'd do what I've always done - follow my imagination.
Finally, do you have any other projects in the works that you can share some details about?
I'm working on a documentary film called '11.59' about four people that have inspired my life and music:
1. A midwife in the Philippines
2. A man who is living with advance stages of ALS - 'Lou Gehrig's Disease'
3. A surfer in Indonesia who's working in areas that have been deforested and growing bamboo to create business opportunities for those who once lived off the forest.
My North American Soulshine Tour begins in June until August. It is a music and yoga tour. In the afternoon of each concert we have a mass yoga class for thousands of yogis and taught by well-known teachers. Later the event transitions into a full-blown concert.
I'm always working on new music for the next record.
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