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Michael Franti

Michael Franti: Bottling The Sun

Though rebel rocker Michael Franti's sound may have changed, his message hasn't. courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Music Interviews

Michael Franti: Bottling The Sun

Though the rebel rocker's sound may have changed, his message hasn't. The Sound of Sunshine deals with issues that Franti's passionate about: social justice, the environment and peace in the Middle East.

Michael Franti: Bottling The Sun

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Michael Franti And Spearhead On World Cafe

Michael Franti and Spearhead. courtesy of the artist hide caption

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World Cafe

Michael Franti And Spearhead On World Cafe

XPN

The group's seventh studio album, The Sound of Sunshine, comes out Tuesday. The vibe stays true to its title -- it's full of gratitude, love and even some dance beats. Host David Dye speaks with frontman Michael Franti about what keeps him so upbeat.

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Bonnaroo 2010: Michael Franti And Spearhead In Concert

Michael Franti and his Spearhead ensemble perform on the "Which" stage at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, Tenn., on Friday, June 11, 2010. Laura Fedele hide caption

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Laura Fedele

Live From Bonnaroo

Bonnaroo 2010: Michael Franti And Spearhead In Concert

Franti got his start issuing fiercely political screeds as a member of The Beatnigs and Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy back in the late '80s and early '90s, but he's found a home for more celebratory material with Spearhead. Hear the band perform live from the Bonnaroo Music Festival in Manchester, Tenn.

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World Cafe

Michael Franti: Rebel Rocker

XPN

Produced by Jamaica's legendary duo Sly & Robbie, Michael Franti and Spearhead's new album, All Rebel Rockers, channels Franti's politically motivated energy into a non-stop, reggae-fueled party. He performs a song he wrote for his son in a session from WXPN.

Michael Franti: Rebel Rocker

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Favorite Sessions

Michael Franti And Spearhead: Rebels, Relaxed

WFUV

A winter chill in New York City couldn't temper the genre-blending group's mellow attitude and natural charisma. In a recent trip to WFUV's studios, activist and frontman Franti led his band into an interview and studio performance.

Session Spotlight: Michael Franti & Spearhead Perform 'A Little Bit Of Riddim'

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World Cafe

Michael Franti & Spearhead: Music and Politics

XPN

Formerly of The Beatnigs and Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, Franti now leads the San Francisco-based Spearhead, and his ability to provoke debate hasn't waned since his revolutionary beginnings. His latest album, Yell Fire!, draws on Franti's recent travels to Iraq, Israel and Pakistan.

Michael Franti & Spearhead: Music and Politics

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World Cafe

Complex Changes: Michael Franti

XPN

As an artist, Michael Franti has run the gamut from politically conscious hip-hop to a passionate blend of soul, hip-hop and R&B. But what his music has lost in harsh intensity, it has gained in emotional compassion.

Complex Changes: Michael Franti

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