Singer Michael Franti exudes optimism. In fact, he wants all of his songs to be “uplifting.” One of his albums is even called “The Sound of Sunshine.” And he has that “glass half full” outlook about the streaming industry too. He says it’s a platform for discovery. “Someone who has never known you before used to have to wait for your song to come on the radio and maybe it never would. Maybe they’d never hear you,” Franti told Cheddar’s Jon Steinberg. “[Now] you can find fans in parts of the world that never had access to you before.” While the streaming industry may have replaced the need to buy songs, ruining one revenue stream, Franti thinks it has opened the door to another, leading to more loyal fans who show up for concerts. “I was talking to a friend of mine who goes, ‘I’d rather have 100 fans than a million followers.’ And I really believe that,” said Franti. In the 1990s, Franti was the lead singer for the hip hop band Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy. Then in 2010, his “Say Hey” climbed to the Billboard Top 20. Earlier this week, Franti was awarded the Nelson Mandela Changemaker Award at the PTTOW! conference in Ojai, Calif., which this year attracted the likes of Vans global brands president [Doug Palladini](https://cheddar.com/videos/on-board-with-vans), NBA All-Star [Baron Davis](https://cheddar.com/videos/tech-no-foul), and celeb DJ [Steve Aoki](https://cheddar.com/videos/why-steve-aoki-says-the-streaming-industry-is-great-for-music). For full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/michael-franti-spreads-love-and-optimism-with-his-music).

Share:
More In Culture
'The End is Nye' With Bill Nye the TikTok Guy and His Natural Disasters Streaming Series
Bill Nye the Science Guy is back but on an even smaller screen. America’s favorite science teacher has racked up more than eight million followers on TikTok, and he joined Cheddar News to talk about his success on the platform, having fun but also being serious about scientific topics like tackling climate change, and his newest hosting project "The End is Nye," a streaming show on Peacock that examines disasters — both natural and manmade. "There are six episodes. We have big disasters. Things go terribly wrong, and then we show you how things could have gone right," he explained.
Summer Guide: Skincare & Sunscreen
With the temperature heating up and summer around the corner, we're all enjoying the great outdoors once again. As much as you love a day at the beach, it's important to remember that the beautiful weather can take a toll on your skin if you aren't careful. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry joins Cheddar News to discuss.
In Entertainment: 'Top Gun,' Tea With Paddington and the Queen & MTV Awards
Catching you up on today's entertainment headlines with "Top Gun: Maverick" hitting $500 million at the box office, Queen Elizabeth II celebrating her Platinum Jubilee — with Paddington Bear, Mariah Carey being sued over her hit “All I Want For Christmas Is You," coverage from the MTV Music and Video Awards, and more.
What A Tight Labor Market Means For The Economy
The labor market continues to be hot, with job openings at record highs and jobless claims dropping by the thousands. While that's good news for workers, experts say it can add to inflation risks and make the Fed's job even harder when it comes to cooling inflation. José Torres, Senior Economist at Interactive Brokers, breaks down what a tight labor market means for the economy.
U.S. Stocks Close Near Session Lows, Post Weekly Losses
U.S. stocks closed Friday's session near session to cap off the week in the red. The disappointing end to the day and week follows a lukewarm May jobs report from the Labor Department and comes as investors continue to eye future rate hikes from the Federal Reserve. Callie Cox, U.S. Investment Analyst for eToro, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
Load More