Michael Franti and Spearhead Biography

MICHAEL FRANTI AND SPEARHEAD TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM
All Rebel Rockers September 9, 2008

One of the most moving and politically charged writers, Michael Franti and his band Spearhead, return with their eagerly-awaited album, All Rebel Rockers, on September 9, via Anti-Records. Recorded in Kingston, Jamaica, with reggae's most prolific production teams, Sly & Robbie (No Doubt, Alicia Keys, Sean Paul, Bob Dylan), this new release deviates from Franti's previous sound and comprises a hybrid dub-infused soul flavor with some hard-hitting dub rock production. Alongside Dave Shul (guitars), Manas Itene (drums), Carl Young (bass) and Raleigh Neal (keyboards), the album also features Zap Mama founder Marie Daulne and Jamaican soul/dancehall star Cherine Anderson.

Californian-born poet, musician and composer, Franti blends hip hop, funk and reggae together with his outspoken political and progressive lyrics and has gone on to become renowned as not only a worldwide million-selling artist, but also a leader in the peace and social justice movement. Franti continues to influence people with his speaking engagements at Universities, panels at W.H.O./U.N. in Geneva, his work with N.G.O.'s such as Oxfam, Amnesty Int'l, but most notably is the international message and expansion of his own 'Power to the Peaceful' festival which has drawn more than 50,000 people for one day to Golden Gate Park in San Francisco over the last 9 years. In December of 2007, Franti brought the 1st annual festival to Sao Paulo, Brazil, featuring his band Spearhead & Brazilian star Seu Jorge.

In 1999, Franti began a more soulful and deeper exploration of his musical sound and politics. His writing with The Beatnigs and Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy delivered a more aggressive format for controversial themes inspired by current affairs while Franti's albums with Spearhead carries a more compassionate delivery with a few hell raisers thrown in. 'Stay Human' touched upon the unjust nature of the death penalty and corporate globalization; 'Everyone Deserves Music' promotes unity and personal empowerment. In 2006, inspired by a journey into the war zones of Iraq, Palestine and Israel Franti released the album 'Yell Fire!' and his directorial debut and award-winning film titled 'I Know I'm Not Alone.' The documentary explores the human cost of war through poignant imagery and narrative with a dose of humor to break the tension. The film garnered support and critical acclaim from Anthony Minghella, Chris Blackwell, Serj Tankian, the Amnesty International "Audience Award Winner" and the Harlem International Film Festival "Best International Documentary".

Historically, Franti has toured non-stop worldwide, early on with his group The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy supporting U2, followed by his band Spearhead performing with Ben Harper, The Fugees, Dave Mathews, Cypress Hill, Billy Bragg, Matisyahu and many festivals such at Glastonbury, V-Fest and Japan's Fuji Rock. The band will be in announcing festival and UK tour dates in August.