Michael Franti Releases Powerful Video for “The System”

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – With the release of his powerful new video for “The System,” acclaimed musician and social activist Michael Franti launches a worldwide initiative to incorporate a host of vital causes into his upcoming Togetherness Tour by harnessing the power of music and community to drive positive change across various social and environmental fronts.

Known for his impassioned performances and unwavering commitment to social justice, Franti has long used his platform to advocate for meaningful causes. With the Togetherness Tour, he is taking this mission to new heights by collaborating with Propeller, a leading advocacy platform, along with select organizations from all over the world to amplify the impact of his message, including Do It For The LoveLast Prisoner ProjectBamboo FoundationHeadCountEverytown For Gun SafetyMoms Demand Action and Conscious Alliance.

Via the $1 a ticket program, every fan who buys a ticket to a Franti & Spearhead show will automatically be supporting Do It For The Love, a wish-granting nonprofit created by Franti and wife Sara 10 years ago that sends people with life threatening illness, wounded veterans or individuals with special needs to concerts worldwide. In addition, the organization and Franti have teamed up with Alltroo to give away an exclusive trip to the Franti’s five-star sound and wellness resort in Indonesia, Soulshine Bali. Fans can enter to win this fully funded trip by donating to Do It For The Love in any increment HERE.

Renowned for its ability to mobilize individuals for social good, Propeller has partnered with Franti to engage fans in advocacy efforts throughout the tour. Together, they will support Last Prisoner Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to criminal justice reform, with a focus on securing the release and reentry of individuals incarcerated for cannabis offenses. Franti is an artist advisory member for LPP. Fans can text ‘FRANTI’ to 99126 to donate via the Propeller platform. Concert attendees who donate from the show will have a chance to win a signed setlist at each show. To kick start this campaign, the Activist Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded by Activist Artists Management, Franti’s management team, has agreed to match up to $10,000 donated.

The tour will also lend support to vital advocacy organizations such as HeadCount, Everytown for Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action and Conscious Alliance at select Togetherness Tour stops. HeadCount volunteers will help register people to vote and inspire participation in democracy, while Conscious Alliance will collect nonperishable goods to fight hunger in exchange for a custom poster as fans enter select venues. Franti and his fans will also join Everytown for Gun Safety to support National Gun Violence Awareness Day and Wear Orange Weekend June 7-9. By standing in solidarity with these organizations, Franti underscores his commitment to promoting civic engagement, addressing food insecurity and gun violence prevention.

Franti’s dedication to environmental sustainability continues in his partnership with REVERB, as the tour will implement a comprehensive carbon offset plan to minimize its environmental footprint. Fans can purchase select merchandise items at shows going towards the offset program. Proceeds from these efforts will be directed to the Bamboo Foundation, supporting reforestation and conservation projects worldwide.

As a culmination of these collective efforts, Franti releases the music video for “The System,” a powerful narrative created through numerous visuals on multiple screens that sheds light on the systemic issues afflicting our society while calling for meaningful action to drive systemic change. “The System” encourages listeners to recognize the flaws and injustices inherent in societal systems while empowering them to work towards creating a more equitable and just world for all. An excerpt from Franti’s explanation of the video follows; his full quote is available at the bottom of this press release:

“Today our dopamine inducing screens often leave us feeling damaged, saddened, sleepless and hopeless about the world and our ability to shape it for good or survive in it at all,” shares Franti. “Machines that were designed ‘to bring us closer together’ end up dividing us from each other and ourselves from our souls.There’s an obvious irony that isn’t lost on me, in making a video about watching less video. I would respond by sharing that this song is a message to myself as much as it is to the world…I believe that there is a very important conversation taking place online about the direction of the world and our personal wellbeing…I also believe in the power and importance of storytelling, music, movie making for enjoyment, to move us to tears, inspire us and make us laugh.

To all of that I would say this…be ever curious of the world outside our screens and pursue connection to it with vigor.

To put it succinctly, the message of ‘The System’ is this: MORE SOUL, LESS SCROLL.”

      Look at the world
      Outside your phone
      Look at the world outside 
      And know you’re not alone, 
      Oh, oh, 
      Don’t let the system get you down. 
             
      Look at the world 
      Standing tall
      Climbing mountains 
      Rising even when we fall
      Oh, oh
      Don’t let the system get you down. 

      Don’t let 
      The f**king system 
      Get you down

Kicking off tonight in Grand Junction, Colorado, the Togetherness Tour isn’t just about music; it’s about coming together as a community to create a better world for all. Through the power of unity, advocacy, and collective action, Franti and his partners are paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future. Join Franti, Propeller, Alltroo and a coalition of change-makers on the Togetherness Tour and be part of the movement for good.

About Michael Franti:
Michael Franti is a globally acclaimed musician, filmmaker, and social activist known for his inspiring music and unwavering commitment to positive change. Through his artistry and advocacy, Franti seeks to unite communities, uplift spirits, and catalyze social transformation. Learn more at www.michaelfranti.com.

The Activist Foundation X Michael Franti:
The Activist Foundation, Inc., started by Activist Artists Management, is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was formed with the purpose of funding advocates and initiatives that protect our vulnerable communities and the environment. More info HERE.

Propeller X Michael Franti X Last Prisoner Project:
Propeller is a leading advocacy platform that empowers individuals to take action on important social and environmental issues. Through campaigns, petitions, and engagement tools, Propeller mobilizes supporters to drive meaningful change and make a difference in the world. Last Prisoner Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to criminal justice reform, with a focus on securing the release and reentry of individuals incarcerated for cannabis offenses. Through advocacy, legal assistance, and reentry support, Last Prisoner Project works to right the wrongs of the past and create a more just and equitable future.

Alltroo X Michael Franti X Do It For The Love:
Alltroo is an innovative social technology platform that harnesses the power of community and collaboration for social good. With its user-friendly interface and robust features, Alltroo enables individuals and organizations to connect, engage, and take action on pressing social and environmental issues. Do It For The Love is a wish granting organization that sends individuals with life threatening illnesses, wounded veterans, or people with special needs to concerts around the world. The mission of Do It For The Love is to inspire hope and healing through the power of music by supporting clinical and community-based music therapy, evidence-based research, and providing live music experiences.

Alltroo X Michael Franti X Do It For The Love campaign info HERE.

About HeadCount:
HeadCount is a nonpartisan organization that promotes participation in democracy through voter registration and engagement. By harnessing the power of music and culture, HeadCount mobilizes young voters and empowers them to make their voices heard in the political process. Learn more at www.headcount.org.

About Everytown for Gun Safety:
Everytown for Gun Safety is a movement of Americans working together to end gun violence and build safer communities. Through advocacy, education, and grassroots mobilization, Everytown advocates for common-sense gun safety measures and supports survivors of gun violence. Learn more at www.everytown.org.

About Conscious Alliance:
Conscious Alliance is a nonprofit organization committed to fighting hunger and poverty in underserved communities. Through food drives, community outreach, and partnerships with artists and musicians, Conscious Alliance provides nutritious meals and essential resources to those in need, fostering a sense of community and empowerment. Learn more at www.consciousalliance.org.