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).
Tech-enabled residential hospitality company Mint House recently raised $35 million in a Series B round led by Mohari Hospitality. Mint House was described by one of its backers as 'the best of a hotel without the worst of a hotel, and the best of an Airbnb without the worst of an Airbnb.' Mint House offers apartment-style lodging across the country. The company claims its spaces combine the comfort of a home with the luxury of a hotel in order to give guests all of the perks and none of the tradeoffs. Will Lucas, Founder and CEO of Mint House, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
Fintech company Acrisure recently raised $725 million in a new funding led by a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, bringing the company's valuation to $23 billion. Acrisure offers financial solutions including insurance, reinsurance, real estate services, cyber services, and asset management. The company says its financial solutions are powered by the best of human and artificial intelligence. Greg Williams, co-founder, CEO and President of Acrisure, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
Jada Pinkett Smith took to her Facebook Watch series, "Red Table Talk" to address the infamous slap by her husband Will Smith on Chris Rock at the past Oscars ceremony. This particular episode centered around her own diagnosis of Alopecia, which became highlighted in the wake of Rock's joke directed at her.
High school seniors are finalizing their college plans for the fall and figuring out their next moves, but experts say the college ranking system can be confusing, and can lead many to make the wrong choice about their futures. John Nader, president of Farmingdale State College, joins Cheddar News to discuss.
We are in the midst of a mental health crisis that needs more attention. New data shows the large toll that the pandemic took on students' mental health with 7 in 10 public schools reporting a rise in the number of students seeking mental health services. Only about half of those schools are able to meet those demands. Dr. Pete Loper, pediatrician and child and adolescent psychiatrist, joins Cheddar News to discuss.
Join Cheddar News as we break down the top headlines this morning including updates on the Tulsa medical center shooting, Johnny Depp V. Amber Heard verdict, and Democrats push for gun control reform.
Caring for one’s emotional well-being is just as important as physical health, but many groups face increased stigmas surrounding mental wellness. Cheddar News looks into the taboos that prevent the AAPI community from seeking help and how one tech company is trying to solve the problem. Plus, explore emerging trends in wellness and learn unique ways to help you get centered.
Queen Elizabeth is celebrating 70 years on the British throne this weekend. The Platinum Jubilee kicks off Thursday. She is the longest-reigning monarch in British history. Cheddar's Shannon LaNiere takes a look back at her remarkable reign.
