The Sound of Sunshine

Feb 2, 2014
3 min read

Photo by Soul Full Sanctuary Photography

"The Sound of Sunshine is about wanting to bottle that experience of waking up in the morning, pulling the blinds and seeing that there’s a sunny day in front of us. It’s about finding the sunshine in some cloudy times. There are a lot of people out there waiting for a storm to pass, and I want to try to acknowledge that and bring them a little sunshine."

~ Michael Franti ~

There are many artists that use their creative talents as a vehicle for healing and positive change. One such artist that I admire and enjoy is Michael Franti - a musician, humanitarian and children’s book author.

Along with his band, Spearhead, Michael creates music that champions diversity, individuality, self-expression, authenticity and unity. He recognizes that music is a powerful force in celebrating differences and bringing about connection: "You see all different styles of music, ways of playing it, ways of communing through music. It's amazing that this tiny little vibration that you can't see will tickle our eardrums and inspire us to connect with other people, inspire us to laugh and smile, cry and open up that window to our soul."

On a visit to Iraq in 2004, amidst the chaos in Baghdad, he said, "I felt every second that I was there like something would happen...The only time I didn't feel afraid was when I was playing music because suddenly everyone was happy. So I would play music as much as I could."

Here is why Michael Franti's music speaks to my soul and inspires me:

The intention behind his music "The main thing is that I want people to feel like...they're standing just a little bit taller; their head is held a little higher, there's less weight on their shoulders, there's a smile on their face and they feel like they can face whatever's happening to them"
His life philosophy "We have a saying in my house, my kids and my girlfriend. We say, 'Be your best for the greater good and rock out wherever you are.' What can we do to try to improve our lives, be a better parent, family member, partner? And for the greater good, the world beyond our home. And then to rock out — be in the moment, whatever life brings. Hold that gratitude and spirit of celebration even when times are rough."
His appreciation of nature "You start thinking about things as you’re out there appreciating nature. That goes into my songs. It goes into my message of love—not just love between boyfriend and girlfriend or husband and wife—but among nations and communities and for our planet."
The fact that he's embraced being barefoot for a decade :-) "When it’s cold, I avoid concrete and wear flip-flops to get my feet off the ground. In the winter, I wear snow boots, of course. But your feet are detectors for your whole body, and they have all of these nerve endings that send messages to your whole body. So I like to honor that."
That he prioritizes living mindfully and with an open heart "To me, [staying human] means to hold onto one’s humanity, spirit and open-heartedness in a complex, fast-paced and sometimes crazy world. "
His compassion and belief in the healing power of music In 2013, he founded the non-profit Do It For the Love Foundation, which helps bring people with advanced stages of life-threatening illness, kids with severe challenges and wounded veterans to live concerts. He and his partner, Sara, have "witnessed how moments of joy can bring inspiration and hope to people at times of greatest need."
He appreciates the human need for sanctuary He is co-creator of Soulshine Bali, a retreat oasis nestled between stunning rice field terraces and the Agung River in Bali: "Our goal is to create a place of happiness where you can come relax, play, eat great food and just get back to being yourself."