Mid Tour Update: An Album Blog by Michael
We just passed the midway point of this nine week Battle Studies Tour with John Mayer. It’s been a fantastic time on the road and an amazing learning experience.
The most exciting part of the tour has been to perform in front of 15,000 new people every night who have never seen our show before. A lot of times there’s an “A-Haa!” moment when people realize the band they’ve been having so much fun rocking to is the one that sings that “I love You Song” they’ve heard on the radio.
Something new for me has been getting out in the crowd and singing with a headset microphone on so that I can play guitar at the same time. I’ve gotta admit I was a bit reluctant at first to wear the ridiculous looking Madonna, Garth Brooks, newscaster headset mic, but now I love the freedom to run around the arena singing and playing.
It’s taken quite a while to get used to getting the thing on and off. I put it on at a point in the show when I’m already sweating and I have a few moments while the band jams to get it fastened on so it won’t slip off. Problem is it slips off every night anyway. It’s something we are working on.
It’s also been fantastic having our videographer Ben Renschen out on the road with us documenting all the silly and serious moments along the way for Franti-V. It’s provided us with a new outlet for our creativity as well as a way for you all to see behind the scenes of our joyous Spearhead family. If you’ve been enjoying what you’ve been watching, send him a note on our Facebook page. If you have any special requests for something you want to see on Franti-V let us know.
In terms of the music itself, we have been playing four or five new songs a night which is a lot for a one hour set: “Sound of Sunshine,” “Hey Hey Hey(No Matter How Life Is Today),” “Shake it,” “I’ll Be Waiting” and “The Thing That Helps Me Get Through.”
It’s been great seeing the response from the crowd and then having the studio rig setup backstage every night so we can make changes to the versions of the songs that are going on the album based on the reaction we see in the crowd. The fans are really having an input into this album.
Speaking of the new album, it is called The Sound Of Sunshine and is a body of songs that are all written to inspire in difficult times like today. I thought to myself, the sun makes me feel so good when I wake up and open the curtain, when I walk on a beach, when I sit in the park with friends and watch it go down at the end of the day. Its gives me optimism and helps me to remember to appreciate every moment I have as it washes the days stress off my shoulders. So as I was writing for this record I thought, what does the sun sound like and how can I record it? All of this came about while I was recouperating from a life threatening ruptured appendix operation, which helped me to re-appreciate (Is that a word? Maybe I just made it one) every breath I take, every person in my life and every moment I have whether it’s sunny or cloudy.
We are just finishing the final touches on two or three songs and then putting the final running order of songs together, before shooting photos and making videos and dropping the first single.
After the Mayer tour we have tons of summer dates starting beginning in April and May and pushing all the way through September. Stay posted to www.michaelfranti.com because new dates will start being announced as we wrap up the John Mayer tour.
It’s been a fruitful time for me creatively and I look forward to sharing more of the process with y’all on Franti-V.
Big Love,
Michael Franti
Comments
Mar 2010
I was at your concert in NYC
I was at your concert in NYC at Madison Square Garden. I was really impressed at how you went right into the crowd and sang with everyone. By the end of his performance the whole place was really pumped up. I was so pumped up that I was actually disappointed when John Mayer came on because I wanted more Michael Franti and Spearhead!
I've heard that you are even more amazing to see in a small venue, so I hope to do that some time soon.
I was so impressed with the show and what I read about your experience with yoga that I wrote an article about you for suite101com.
Here's the link below in case you are interested.
http://indiemusic.suite101.com/article.cfm/michael-franti--yogi-rocker-breaks-into-top-20
I just bought your Power to the Peaceful Yoga DVD and love it!
Namaste!
Mar 2010
i can't wait to purchase &
i can't wait to purchase & hear The Sound of Sunshine in its entirety. i think i might have heard a few of the new songs during the show i caught in LA on 3/25?? i'm visiting DC in May to see a friend who just had a baby boy so we already got our tickets for 5/27 in VA... we're SO looking forward to seeing the show, hearing the new songs and enjoying. HAPPY early BIRTHDAY to YOU(for Wednesday 4/21). what teams do you, your wife, your kids, bandmates cheer for?? SF Giants?? Oakland A's?? I want to send some goodies that I make for the teams to everyone... thank you for your music! thank you for everything you & your bandmates do! thank you for being you!
Mar 2010
I despise to take pleasure
I despise to take pleasure in schadenfreude (well, I kind of do not – it is a real neurological phenomena and force) but I hated the movies <a title="Brian Bonsall is all fangs, war paint and felony convictions" href="http://personalmoneystore.com/moneyblog/2010/04/09/brian-bonsall-family-ties/">Brian Bonsall</a> was in after he left Family Ties. In all fairness, the only person
Apr 2010
You rocked out last night in
You rocked out last night in Chicago. Your energy was electrifying and compassion was felt by all.
Bigger Love,
A new fan
Apr 2010
Great show in Winnipeg! I
Great show in Winnipeg! I really enjoyed your energy. I hope you're coming back to Folk Fest!
Apr 2010
Saw you in Winnipeg last
Saw you in Winnipeg last night!! Great performance! I loved that you came into the crowd, I was one row over from you though, would have loved to have you come to our section! Love that you preform barefoot!! My family is from Cali and still live there, I love San Fran, feels like a second home to me!! I look forward to seeing you again soon and I will wear my Yellow tee with pride and I will buy your cd!!
Mar 2010
Caught the Portland show,
Caught the Portland show, what a treat!! The entire family came and son Mark said there would be some "unbelievers" at the show. Yeah, well, not for long! Always an up and I was wondering how you would handle the arena style show. With all the spirit that you live and breathe each and every day.I'm glad I got to shake hands and reintroduce you to my daughter Julia. Can't wait for the Britt Festival show. As to the comment by Kevin 3D, yeah he's a corporitist and it's a shame, MF-Spearhead and the Soliloquists were only giving a shout out to the possibilities.Never, ever give up hope and continue to try your almightiest to make the world a better place..Irie--Kevin Kehoe
Apr 2010
None of the other blogs have
None of the other blogs have many/any hits, so excuse me for jumping in on this subject:
ANYONE who has a grasp on the new world order, bilderberg, council on foreign relations, the continuation of guantanamo bay, the increase in middle east attacks and occupation, the lies of pre-election, the vacuous chants of 'yes we can, the false hopes created, the theft of Malcolm X/MLKing style of delivery, but devoid of content and honesty, can only be STUNNED that Michael Franti is not hanging his head in shame after recording that eulogy to one of the biggest con-men in recent times.
Apr 2010
Wow. Just ... wow. I
Wow. Just ... wow.
I really hope you read this.
You and your message of hope have been huge - HUGE, man - for me this year.
The first songs my boyfriend gave me when we began dating this summer were "Sweet Little Lies" and "One Step Closer to You". When I saw you were coming to Seattle, I knew what our big Christmas present was going to be.
Between buying the tickets MONTHS ago and seeing you last night, I was diagnosed with cancer.
I was ok with not hearing "Sweet Little Lies" or "One Step Closer to You" because "Have a Little Faith" brought me to tears.
And you rocked the Arena with everything else. Y'all were on fire.
Thank you for being there for me during this time. I listen to you on my iPOD during chemo every week. My thank you is inadequate, actually, for the pleasure and spirit you've given me.
It was a joy and thrill to see you in Seattle last night.
Peace.
Feb 2010
The Sound Of
The Sound Of Sunshine:
http://solar-center.stanford.edu/singing/singing.html
Mar 2010
I wish i could see u sing on
I wish i could see u sing on my b-day. ugh.oh well, u keep singing your emotion. I wish I didn't have to wait from so much longer to get your album because I live i the US!!! Ahh
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Mar 2010
I saw you many times in the
I saw you many times in the US, but now I moved back to Sweden. Will you ever come this way? You told me once that you played in Stockholm, but it was a long time ago. I will go to any freaking city to see you :) Can not wait for the new CD. Take care! Hej Då (good bye)
Mar 2010
Surprised to see you touring
Surprised to see you touring with John - so sad we missed you with Counting Crows at The Greek in Berkeley but now know what you had to go through. Glad you're well. Glad you had a top 10 hit on KFOG that made me download All Rebel Rockers and now have 5 albums in 10 days. I'm hooked. You're the only american artist who makes me tear up with happiness and love the breadth of styles you weave through each "album". I may be 20 years behind but at least I made it! Can't wait to see you live! Rock on!
Mar 2010
I am absolutely heart broken.
I am absolutely heart broken. I can not believe you Michael. You are touring with a man who recently was quoted in Playboy and was outwardly sexist and racist. Who wrote "waiting on the world to change" A completely dis-empowering song. You are playing in venues that are unaffordable. I actually enjoyed both you and John Mayer for two very different reasons.
I hope you remember the "pop chart prison" you use to know and are living.
Mar 2010
My daughter, KC, who
My daughter, KC, who introduced me to you will be up front tonight!! She loves you - as does her beau. Give her a shout out! We have been to see you in Jacksonville and Charlottesville; sons have been in NO and Jacksonville. We are a Spearhead family - even the grandkids!!
Feb 2010
Michael I am so grateful you
Michael I am so grateful you are recovered from being ill and that you and Spearhead are here to bring the beautiful message of Love and Music to us all.
Blessings to all of you
Love
jae
Mar 2010
Before I bought my Tickets to
Before I bought my Tickets to see you guys last night in St Louis I really had only heard a few songs of yours. But man, i started listening to your stuff a few weeks before the concert and last nights concert made me become a huge fan. Definitely gonna buy tickets sooner next time your in St Louis so we don't have to sneak down and sit in some people with backstage passes front row seats.
Mar 2010
I must admit that at the DC
I must admit that at the DC show, my friend and I had no idea who we were enjoying until you guys played Say Hey. All we knew is that we loved your songs and your amazing energy! As soon as Say Hey started we both let out an "OOOOOOOOOH!!!" Well let me just say that we were totally prepared for the Charlottesville show. Of course we were excited to see John, but we were just as excited to see you guys again! We were alllllll the way at the top in DC..literally had the worst seats there... so we couldn't really do much dancing. Charlottesville was a different story. We were in the section right behind the floor seats DIRECTLY in the middle of the stage. We had the time of our lives dancing with you! We even got yelled at by a lady asking us to sit down (sadly, we were the only ones standing/dancing in the entire section) because "the only thing she could see were our butts and they were inappropriate." I kindly gave her a polite NO WAY! and continued dancing! Had an awesome time and can't wait for Sound of Sunshine to come out and see you next time you're in town!
Mar 2010
Truly a fabulous & most
Truly a fabulous & most interactive website! LOVE FRAN-TV! Saw you in Tucson after you came back from the appendix, you really take good care of yourself & healed well!!
Am so excited about the Sound of Sunshine!
Sending this out from AZ where we have so much sunshine we don't have to use "Daylight Savings Time"!
Love the updates!
Keep on rockin!
Joy
Mar 2010
Love your new site. I'm
Love your new site. I'm looking forward to seeing you on Tues. in Denver, CO. The foot of snow should be gone by then... I can't wait until your new album comes out. Peace and love!
Mar 2010
Thank you for sharing
Thank you for sharing yourself with us Micheal.
You are truly a soldier with a gift to unify..
cant wait for the new Album !!
Please visit us in NY again....we love u
this Ethiopian sister will be prepared..this time!
Mar 2010
I gotta admit, I was one of
I gotta admit, I was one of those people who had their "A-ha!" moments when I found out who sang Say Hey! I may be a more recent fan, but I love y'all! :) See you in Seattle!
Mar 2010
I hope you guys are coming
I hope you guys are coming back to the Columbus area this summer!
Mar 2010
I hereby deem you The Peace
I hereby deem you The Peace Poet - at least to me you are. My whole family - including 8 grandchildren - are true fans of you and your music. My wife and I attended the concerts in Jacksonville and Charlottesville (where you knocked the crowd out) and will testify to the fact that you are winning huge numbers of new fans everywhere you go. And I still believe you have helped John Mayer get back to what he does best - play extraordinary guitar and enjoy real music.
Mar 2010
Oh my gosh! I can't wait for
Oh my gosh! I can't wait for the new album! Love the videos from on the road and loved the concert I went to. Your songs are so amazing and inspiring. More dates in the summer? Count me in! I'll be there!!!!!! :)
Feb 2010
Sound of the Sunshine has
Sound of the Sunshine has become one of my new favorite songs...keep singing it in my head! Thanks for bringing sun to Atlanta last night, too. You guys rocked!!! Great to see you outside the arena!
Mar 2010
Man, I cannot WAIT for the
Man, I cannot WAIT for the new album. Gonna be so great. Also looking forward to more concerts! Thank you!
Mar 2010
I recently saw the show in
I recently saw the show in Columbus and definitely appreciated all of your energy as you went into the crowd with your headset! can't wait to hear hey hey hey on the radio!
Mar 2010
I made you a Video Message
I made you a Video Message today, Mr. Franti: Check it out @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCLetHvO_B8
Feb 2010
Michael...huge fan and part
Michael...huge fan and part of the Florida Famalia (rice and beans? :-) But so glad to see Freebird and Music Farm on the venue list! See you in May! Peace!