Michael Franti
Musician and Hotelier
Oakland, California
About Michael Franti
Michael Franti is a musician and hotelier whose career spans more than four decades in music, travel, and hospitality. He was born in Oakland, California, and raised in a large adoptive family where music, sports, and church were central to daily life. He began performing music at the age of 18 and has spent the last 41 years touring and performing around the world.
After graduating from Davis Senior High School in Davis, California, Franti attended the University of San Francisco, where he played basketball for two years. He later left school to pursue music full time. Before becoming self employed as a musician, he worked as a bike messenger, construction worker, and nightclub doorman. These early roles supported him while he built a career in music.
Franti has written songs consistently throughout his career and considers songwriting his primary creative focus. His work routine includes daily songwriting, regular physical training, and frequent travel connected to live performances. He maintains an active lifestyle that includes basketball, padel, yoga, and weight training.
In 2010, Franti expanded his professional work into hospitality by opening Soulshine Bali, a resort and retreat center in Bali. The resort remains in operation and reflects his ongoing interest in wellness, community, and creative spaces.
Franti is also a co founder of the nonprofit organization Do It For The Love, which he has run with his wife, Sara Franti, for 14 years. The organization brings people with serious illnesses, special needs, and wounded veterans, along with their families, to attend live music events.
Areas of Focus
Career Background
Media
Press
Review | Michael Franti & Spearhead reflect on the power of love in new album ‘Welcome to the Family’
Read the full article ›Charities & Volunteering
Do It For The Love, Co founder and active operator
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Michael Franti do?
Michael Franti is a musician and hotelier who has spent over four decades touring and performing music while also running Soulshine Bali. He is the Founder and Hotelier at Soulshine Bali, a resort and retreat center he opened in 2010.
What is Michael Franti known for?
Franti is known for his decades-long music career with Michael Franti & Spearhead, songwriting as his primary creative focus, and for founding Soulshine Bali, a wellness-focused resort. He is also recognized as co-founder of the nonprofit Do It For The Love, which brings people with serious illnesses, special needs, and wounded veterans to live music events.
Where is Michael Franti based?
Michael Franti is based in Oakland, California, where he was born and raised.
Where did Michael Franti study?
Franti graduated from Davis Senior High School in Davis, California, and later attended the University of San Francisco, where he played basketball for two years before leaving to pursue music full time.
Who does Michael Franti work for?
Michael Franti works for Soulshine Bali, the resort and retreat center he founded in 2010.
Last updated February 20, 2026