Interview with Michael Franti

With not one but three inauguration-related performances scheduled during the next two days, Michael Franti is a man in demand. You’ll find the longhaired front man playing at Al Gore’s Green Inaugural Ball, the Rock the Vote Inauguration Party, and the Inaugural Peace Ball. In 2009, he’ll also launch a new yoga-inspired clothing line, write a follow-up to his children’s book, and make documentaries, but first things first; welcoming the era of Obama. VN talks with the musician about his longtime vegetarianism and life on the road.

VegNews: How long have you been vegetarian?
Michael Franti: Since 1997. Since the time that I stopped eating meat, there’s been so much new consciousness in this country about health and sustainability. And everywhere I go, no matter how small the town, there’s always a food co-op or there’s always a Whole Foods or some other larger chain that’s providing organic food. And even Walmart today is providing organic food.

VN: So, on international tours have you found any countries to be different or is it kind of a global awareness?
MF: A lot of the quote unquote developing world has been using plant proteins out of necessity for a long time because people just can’t afford meat. They use tofu or other vegetable proteins, gluten, or just beans and rice, so I don’t find it that difficult in my travels. Backstage in our dressing room we always have hummus and salad, rice, and tofu dogs, which all the guys in the band—even the meat eaters—all love.

VN: Your mother was from European lineage, your father was African American and Native American, and you were raised by two adoptive Finnish parents. How has that shaped the work you do now, and what do you think the direction of our country might be with our new president also having a multi-racial identity?
MF: For a long time when I was a kid, having that type of family was a burden for me. You know, I felt like I was being judged by others all the time, and I wasn’t; I was viewed as a black person by white people but I wasn’t viewed as being black enough by black people, so I felt like an outsider. And what it did is give me a unique opportunity to really understand who I am from the inside out. And in doing that, I learned that I could connect with people of all types, and I think—from what I’ve read—that’s been the experience of Barack Obama, as well. Finding that who I am, who he is, from the inside out, then being able to connect with people of any race, gender, sexual orientation, or religious background. I think that’s truly a great model for a 21st century leader, especially at this time when there’s so much division in the world between race and religion, gender, and sexual preference. We really need somebody who is able to sit down and listen and embrace people for who they are, and the content of their character, not just who they are on the outside.