Michael Franti for Corona beer?
Gotta say I’m confounded by this: FrantiBeerAd??
Michael Franti doing a TV ad for Corona, (Corona LIGHT no less.) Anyone else notice this? Your thoughts?
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Matt. . . just saw the ad and I’m speechless. . . I’m trying to stay true to the philosophy of “Judge Not” and to put myself in his and the bands shoes. . . .I need more info before I jump to conclusions. . . Eg. He doesn’t have full rights to his own music as a result of distribution contracts, record deal etc. I am surprised there isn’t more discussion going on about it. A Google search pulled your page #1 and a missing link to an anouncement from the Franti website. It doesn’t feel right no matter what is at play here. The situation at the very least brought me into you and the sphere of your work and music. We are very in line with our world view and I truly believe that music is our greatest weapon. . . working on my first album right now but heres a link to some celtic/reggae that I was playing around with a few years back. myspace.com/inindirieites . . .the idea was to have a group I N I and The Irieites so as to have the band name always point to the understanding that there was no difference between the one singing the song, playing that song, or the crowd feeling the song. Peace and Blessings and continue the the Good Work.
Michael Patrick Downes
My first thought was: no way, this can’t be happening. Second thought, as I searched for opinions online and saw two search results that were “what is the song in that commercial?”: If this increases Franti’s exposure and leads more people to “Language of Violence” or “The Future” or “Bomb the World” or “Yell Fire”, it’s a win.
I was very very upset to see this commercial. Out of all things for Franti to be pushing it’s gotta be beer? I’m a fan back to his hip hop days and this whole thing stinks of sell out. I know that’s a cliche but in his case it is unfortunately against everything he preaches. I think he lost a fan here.
I couldnt believe it. Ive been a huge michael fan for so long and have been to see him so many times. What I love about him and his music is how anti-establishment and anti-corporation he is. To see his music in a commercial selling Corona Light makes me really upset, as it goes against everything his music stands for, not to mention the fact that it’s a commercial on television and he talks so much about turning of your tv and getting out and enjoying life. Its really a shame. I hope there is a good reason for this. It might have something to do with him not having the right to his music but im pretty sure it isnt. First of all, I remember there being a PSP commercial a few years ago with one of his songs in the background (Hey Na Na maybe). Also, If I remember correctly, the whole reason the band is call Michael Franti and Spearhead and not just Spearhead like it used to be was because they had an issue with their former label regarding rights to their music and had to leave and were forced to change their name, as the former label had rights to the name “Spearhead”.
C’mon guys, you’ve got to be kidding. Let me direct you to Michael’s album Home, track 5 (People in Tha Middle) at 3:05. These words have stayed with me for the past 16 years and make me think twice when I consider judging the success of others. Michael gives more than anyone I know. When I say ‘gives’ I mean his heart, time, support, attention, strength, love and money. He does not deserve this.
Franti’s “People in Tha Middle” lyrics: @ 3:05 it starts with “So tell me-the definition of a sell out…”
I am not a muslim but I read the final call
because within its pages there is something for us all
and I am not professional but I love basketball
the squeaking of the sneakers they echo in the hall
But if I don’t have enemies I’m not doin’ my job
I might throw out a curve ball but I never throw a lob
people criticize me but I know it’s not the end
I try to kick the truth not just to make friends
(chorus)
but hey diddle diddle
to the people in the middle
we got hot wax
and it cookin’ on the griddle
Got the guitar strummin’
the drummer drummin’
the people all hummin’
and the vibe was lovin’
on and on and on
’til the breakadawn
I am not a jerk although sometimes I act like one
and I am deadly serious about us havin’ fun
well I go many places but I know I’m not with you
and I am not a sucker even though I’m stuck on you
each one- should teach one and share with one anotha
so many is out there-that’s livin undercover
your motha your fatha your sista your brotha
your friends and their enemies all have their lovers
(chorus)
So tell me- the definition of a sell-out
cast your first stone-but then get the hell out
people say they know me I can tell you that they don’t
people say they own me I can tell you that they won’t
the left and the right they all try to use me
but I’ll be in they faces before they can abuse me
so roll down ya window and listen what I’m sayin’
relax ya mind and let the band keep playin’
on and on and on ’til the breakadawn
(chorus)
Looks like this to me: pre-bonnaroo, Franti was what we thought we needed, what the music was lacking, what others weren’t saying…. I absolutely love the chocolate supahighway and home records, even the stay human record (if you are a yell fire and later fan, please check those earlier recordings). bonnaroo seeks the underground stuff, and because they source good talent, they launch mainstream careers. I dont think a mainstream career means you have sold out, but I definitely think Mr. Franti has gone “lite”. Or as a good friend put it after seeing him in Detroit a few years ago, “like a GAP ad.” ouch.
I have been a huge fan since someone first gave me a listen to his solo cd Songs from the Front Porch. So many concerts later and here I am posting that I am no longer a fan. The show he put on with Spearhead was really lame. If I closed my eyes I would of sworn I was at a black eyed show (which is a bad thing). Hearing his music in a beer commercial was the final straw.
an Ex fan.
Man, we sure want to impose a lot of narrow conditions on Michael for simply being who he is – a profoundly dedicated man of peace, of understanding, of love and of good music – for everyone.
Beer is bad? Don’t drink it. TV is bad? Don’t watch it. A particular song has lyrics you don’t like? Don’t listen. Michael remains a free spirit with only the best of intentions. The commercial will bring him and his music some new exposure which he deserves and has worked hard for.
Here’s an interesting interview with Michael on NPR. 9/26/10
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=130074835&sc=emaf
“ya sold your soul to the (Corona Light) brew
that’s aw’ight I like the Sprite in you.”
http://www.lyricsmania.com/food_for_the_masses_lyrics_michael_franti_and_spearhead.html
I like the video. Everyone seems to be concerntrating on the beer. I saw many people enjoying each others company. On the beach watching the sun go down and moon come up, enjoying the natural world around them. Beer is not bad, what is bad is the over indulgence in ANYTHING no matter what it is. Wow. Michael Franti is a great humanitarian and artist. Way to go Michael, there are so many that have been blessed by your giving.
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Has Franti made a public comment to his fan’s about the intentions and or motives for the commercial?
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