Yak #69 Men's Issue 01

From his hip-hop beginnings with Beatniks and Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, to 12 years of free Power to the Peaceful concerts in San Francisco; from playing the streets in war-torn Palestine to moving crowds at the biggest festivals around the world; from raising funds for Soles 4 Souls to supporting Bumi Sehat natural birthing clinic in Bali, Michael Franti has been a political and humanitarian activist, promoter of peace, and a voice of the people.

On the tail-end of his US tour following the release of All People – Spearhead’s 10th album – Michael Franti took time out to speak with The Yak about life off the stage, the things that really matter, his inaugural Soulshine Festival in Ubud, and his love for Bali.

Hi Michael, thank you for taking time out during your tour for this interview with The Yak. Nice to meet you and thanks for inviting me. How would you describe yourself? Well, I'm a father, a musician, and I believe in the power of positivity and I love to make people laugh. I am a human being and, just like everyone else, I experience the full depth of human emotion and I try to put that into my work. I believe that music opens the window to the soul and allows those emotions to breathe and have space to exist out in the world. Please tell me about your latest album, All People, and is it a shift in style from your past records, less political perhaps?
 I've always been inspired by all types of music even though I've been recently known for doing reggae and rock. I also love dance music, acoustic music, I love story telling . . . in this record I do all those things but I don't find it less political. I feel that my politics have evolved and I believe in finding ways to reach people that doesn't just hit them over the head with a slogan, but allows them to think about the world in a new way, and to see the possibilities of their future in a new light. And if you can make people dance and enjoy the music while doing all those things, then you are really working on a high level. Where do you prefer to be, to play and where do feel you make the most difference to/for people? I love playing music wherever there are people to play for. It could be 50-thousand people at a festival or a couple friends in my living room. To me, music is something to be shared and it doesn't matter what country you are in. Music is universal. Bali has been a long-loved spot of yours – please tell us when your connection with the Island first started? I first came to Bali abaout six years ago for a vacation after a tour in Australia. I've been to many beautiful places in the world, I've seen beaches, and I’ve seen mountains, volcanoes, islands. But what sets Bali apart is the people. Balinese culture is spiritual, artistic, and about community, and I feel like I can learn a lot from it. I think Balinese people and their philosophy of life is one that the whole world can learn from. We hear that you are vegan, please tell me since when and why you became vegan . . . Well I am not vegan, but 98 per cent of my diet is plant-based, every now and then I eat fish. I believe that eating majority green vegetables is best for my health and best for the health of the world, but I still love an occasional frozen yoghurt. Since 2000 you have decided to go barefoot (whenever possible), please explain . . . I started traveling to a lot of places in the world where people couldn’t afford to buy shoes. I would start to play soccer with the kids but my feet were too tender and couldn't walk more than a few steps. So I decided to go home to San Francisco and go barefoot for three days. It then turned into a week, then a month and then a year. At 10 years I started working for an organisation called Soles 4 Souls that collects shoes for people around the world who need them. The only time I wear shoes is if I am going

through an airport or going into a restaurant that requires footwear. And I love Bali because most restaurants invite you to take your shoes off. Tell us about the movie I Know I'm Not Alone - what inspired it? 
 In 2004 I took a trip to Iran, Israel and Palestine to play music on the streets for people. I spoke to them about their lives in war and I made a film about their stories. I spoke to both soldiers as well as civilians on all sides. And in the end I realised that it didn't matter if people were soldiers or civilians, or what country they came from. I met people who wanted peace and who were working each day to achieve it. I am not on the side of one nation or another. I am on the side the peacemakers whichever country they come from. What do you think about the state of the planet, the environment, global warming? 
 I think the planet is on the edge of man-made disasters, the likes of which we have never seen before in the history of humankind. But I also see there is more awareness and more people who are working to make positive change than ever before. And so I am hopeful for the future, but I hope the future gets here quick. How are you engaged in projects, campaigns, and in assisting change? I work with a lot of organisations to spread the word about the importance of climate change. Recently my partner, Sara Agah, and I have started the Do It For The Love Foundation to bring people with advanced stages of life-threatening illnesses, children with various challenges, and wounded veterans to live concerts. I believe in the power of music to effect change. When did you find out that you were adopted? And, how did that affect you? I've always known I was adopted. I am different colour from my family and as a kid I always felt like I was an outsider, even in the family I was raised in. So I have always had an affinity with others who felt left out. And I have dedicated much of my work to giving voice to people who don't feel like they fit in. I've seen life in many perspectives and I believe in the beauty and power of diversity, and that every single life on this planet is significant. I understand that your father passed away in 2003, how was that for you and did it influence your music or your outlook on life? Four years before my dad passed away, he had a stroke. And as he came back during his recovery he became a very kind person, loving and stopped drinking. We had four years together where we were very close which we never had before during my childhood. His transformation made me believe that it is possible for anyone to change. Please tell me about Soulshine and what inspired you to build it? Soulshine is a place in Ubud where people can come and practice yoga and recharge and get back to being themselves. Through Soulshine we put on a number of events each year to support the Ubud community. This year we are putting on a two-day festival to support the Bumi Sehat birthing clinic and the Green School. You’ve performed in Bali on New Year’s Eve quite a few times over the past years, what is in stall for Bali for this NYE? 
 After the Soulshine Festival we will have completed a full year of touring in America and ending it in Bali, so I will probably sleep my way into the New Year. What are your aspirations for the next year? 
 My aspiration is to continue the work that we do 365 days a year. We try and reach as many people as we can through music and the Do It For The Love Foundation, Soulshine and many other organisations we work with. My biggest goal is to see people smile, dance and continue to be moved by the music. Five pearls of wisdom for our readers . . . Be your best. Serve the greater good. Rock out wherever you are! Don't make assumptions. And laugh every day.