The Paly Voice sat down on Sunday with successful actor, artist, writer and Palo Alto High School alumnus James Franco to discuss how music influenced his Paly experience and career.

Franco, a graduate of the Class of 1996, has since gained success through many roles in mainstream movies such as “Spiderman” and more recently, “The Interview.” However, Franco still remains involved in Palo Alto’s community by mentoring students approximately once a month for a film workshop in Paly’s Media Art Center.

According to Franco, music has been a large part of his life, even when he went to school at Paly. Franco recalls how music surrounded many of his school experiences.

“One of my best friends was in a band called Smiley Face,” Franco said. “There were a lot of battles of the bands.”

Of the various bands that participated in battle of the bands, Franco recalls a female band to be his favorite.

“Raggedy Ann was the only female band,” Franco said. “They were the biggest band to come out of all of them and they actually went on to become The Donnas.”

Franco currently enjoys all types of music, but is especially drawn to alternative music, much like his alternative work displayed in his art and short movies.

“I really enjoy listening to Motown, and I listen to a lot of Rolling Stones,” Franco said. “But I have to admit, I currently really like all three of Justin Bieber’s new singles.”