Soul And / Or Related Artists
michael franti

Michael Franti

b. Michael Franti, 21st April 1966, Oakland, California, U.S.A.

Michael Franti was adopted at birth by white parents in the predominently black community of Oakland, California.

At his musical outset, Michael was politically aware, merging hip hop stylings with social conscious writings that have set him apart from many of his contemporaries.

In the U.K., he would be envisaged as a 'new age traveller' by many of the pillars of the establishment.

During his twenties he was a member of the group, the Beatnigs.

Michael has managed to merge his political views with his love for music, especially old-school R & B, soul, and hip-hop.

His favourite three all time albums are Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On', Bob Marley's 'Kaya' and Public Enemy's 'Nation Of Millions'.

His live performances seem to encourage social revolution and after each performance he mingles with the audience, encouraging people to become more politically aware.

In 1986, Franti formed the drum 'n' bass duo the Beatnigs with deejay Rono Tse.

The group disbanded after releasing one album.

Michael then formed the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, whose single 'Television' encouraged the listener to see the medium as a negative influence on society.

The next project, Spearhead, produced the critically acclaimed 'Home' in 1990, which contained his biggest single 'Hole in the Bucket,' which addressed the issue of the homeless.

The album also addressed the A.I.D.S. issue via the track 'Positive'.

1997's 'Chocolate Supa Highway' was not as radio-friendly as 'Home', however, issues such as the themes of kidnappings and police brutality were addressed.

In 2001, Michael Franti released 'Stay Human', his finest work to date.

This album dealt completely with the issue of the death penalty in the States and featured highly melodic writings intersperced with radio dialogue performed by various personalities including the actor Woody Harrelson.

'Stay Human' showed a growing musical maturity, with the messages becoming more thoughtful and retrospective.

Michael stated in Blues and Soul Magazine in 2001, 'Music has the ability to pull emotions out of people that they didn't know existed. Through the beat and melody and through storytelling we are all part of a long ancient tradition and music can be used as much for good as it can be for evil'.

In 2003, 'Everyone Deserves Music' was released.

Stay Human

Real Player

Albums:

The Dawning: Rock the Nation (Boo Boo Wax Records 2000)

Stay Human (Parlophone Records 2001)

Everyone Deserves Music (EMI Records 2003)

Yell Fire (Anti Records 2006)

All Rebel Rockers (Anti Records 2008)

The Sound Of Sunshine (Capitol Records 2010)

All People (Capitol Records 2013)

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