Recording in Jamaica is like nothing else. The studios are always closed in America. But in Jamaica, the studio doors are wide open, and there's music blasting out in the street. You can see the reaction of people immediately. Michael Franti americablastclose share on social
My favorite band of all time is The Clash. The thing I love about The Clash is they started out as guys who could barely play three chords. They dabbled in reggae, punk, rap, jazz. They came to a sound that could only be defined as The Clash. It was impossible to say what it was. I admire them for that. Michael Franti admirebandbarely share on social
I always identified with that feeling of being an underdog. So I always was looking to connect with and meet people from other cultures, to experience people living a different life that I am. Michael Franti connectcultureexperience Change image and share on social
I don't know if music can change the world overnight but I know that music can help someone make it through a difficult night. Michael Franti changedifficultmake Change image and share on social
I eat bags and bags of cashews. I've got them in the kitchen, and about ten feet away I've got another bowl on the kitchen table. In my backpack, I've always got a bag of cashews. I started eating them in the airports because that's the one food that you can find in every airport that's actually nutritious. Michael Franti airportbackpackbag share on social
All the freaky people make the beauty of the world. Michael Franti beautyfreakymake Change image and share on social
I came up playing in both punk rock bands and hip-hop bands, and I found a more universal way of reaching people, especially with music that has a message to it. Michael Franti bandfindhip Change image and share on social
When I first started out, I thought it was enough to make an angry song that pointed out the problems of the world. Michael Franti angrymakepoint Change image and share on social
My parents said sticks and stones will break your bones but names will never hurt you. But I always felt a sense of exhilaration after a fight; it was the names that really hurt me. Michael Franti bonebreakexhilaration Change image and share on social
Rap has so many possibilities that need to be explored. There are different factions of rap, but some are in a rut. Rap doesn't have to be about boosting egos and grabbing your crotch and dissing women. There's a way to make political and social issues interesting and entertaining to the young rap audience. Michael Franti audienceboostcrotch share on social