Artist Profile: Michael Franti and Spearhead

Franti greeting fans at the Pier 6 Pavilion in Baltimore

A mix of jazz, hip-hop, reggae, folk, and socially conscious lyrics? Yes, please! A good friend took me to a Michael Franti and Spearhead concert, and I have been in love with their music ever since. This team continuously tops their previous albums, with rock ballads such as Yell Fire to positive beats like We Don't Stop, and powerful melodies like Oh My God. 


Their latest record, Sound of Sunshine, which was released in August 2010, is a slight departure from their past work. Known for delivering stinging political criticism and encouraging liberal social values, past records have been marked by calls for diplomacy instead of standard military response. In addition, common past lyrical themes reflected celebration of diversity and promoted racial and religious tolerance and acceptance. With Sound of Sunshine, Michael Franti and Spearhead moved from social dialogue to themes of personal struggle, friendship, and love. Retaining their tradition of sharing positivity through their music, Sound of Sunshine resonates with listeners using a wide array of sound influences by U2, Lenny Kravitz, and Bob Marley.

Singer- songwriter- performer- film producer Michael Franti continuously blurs the lines between activism and art. The lead singer of Michael Franti and Spearhead, Franti has appeared in notable music festivals such as Jazzfest, Bonaroo, and the Rock the Vote party, and has toured with acts like the Wailers and John Mayer. The Spearhead band members include bassist Carl Young, guitarist Dave Shul, drummer Manas Itiene, and keymaster extraordinaire Raliegh Neal. 

When you can't get enough of their music, check out Franti's film, I Know I Am Not Alone. This investigative film features footage from the war in Iraq, and interviews with soldiers and civilians alike in Israel and Palestine. According to Franti, "This film came out of my frustration with watching the nightly news and hearing generals, politicians, and pundits explaining the political and economic cost of the war in the Middle East, without ever mentioning the human cost. I wanted to hear about the war by the people affected by it most: doctors, nurses, poets, artists, soldiers, and my personal favorite, musicians." This compelling film introduces a more human element of conflict, and shows the moderation, joy, and hope that can be present within war zones. 

As active environmentalists, the Spearhead bus runs on biofuel, and the band members avoid use of water bottles. A vegan, Franti prefers to walk barefoot. He has two sons, and often updates the Spearhead Facebook page to reflect positive thinking: "Singing to the koi in the pond outside today. Looks like koi love the sunshine as much as I do!" 

Check them out for some sunshine, food for thought, and great rhythms: http://michaelfranti.com/. Rock on.

Thanks to activist Jeffery C. for contributing to and inspiring this article.