EVERYDAY SUNSHINE - Final Document

Discussion
Guide
Season 4.0, 2012
“Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone”
(Los Angeles, USA), 56 minutes
Supported by
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Introduction
This guide contains suggested discussion questions to orient viewers and
discussion facilitators on how best to frame conversations about the films
featured in AfroPoP: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange, Season 4 (2012).
First there is a short list of general discussion questions that can be used to
initiate a discussion of all the films after the screening or broadcast. These
general questions provide a solid platform for channeling the immediate
emotional response of the audience into a collective experience or narrative.
After the General Discussion Questions, each of the AfroPoP films contains
content for a discussion guide to frame the historical, aesthetic and emotional
reactions of the viewer in a participatory way.
GENERAL DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Prior to screening the film, remind the audience that there will be a discussion
afterwards (with the filmmaker if s/he is in attendance). It’s generally a good
idea to start the discussion immediately after the film with a few broad
questions.
Following are some suggestions:
• What are your immediate reactions to this film?
• What did you learn from this film?
• Describe a moment in the film that you found particularly moving. What
was it about that scene that was especially compelling to you?
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“Everyday Sunshine: The Story of
Fishbone”
A Film By
Lev Anderson and Chris Metzler, Pale Griot Films
www.fishbonedocumentary.com
TARGET AUDIENCE
• African Americans; Music Aficionados
• Socially Conscious Individuals
• College age+ Individuals
Outline of Topics for Discussion
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Film Summary
Come along with us through this animated documentary journey of the rise, fall and regrouping
of one of America’s foremost alternative rock bands – Fishbone. Unique in every aspect, from
style to performance and sound, the group rose to popularity and influenced the musical
glitterati of the 80’s and 90’s. A truly “democratic” band with all members’ artistic viewpoints
weighted equally, Fishbone skyrocketed in the charts to become distinctive in the punk rock
genre. At the height of their success, they produced a one-of-a-kind blend of funk, rock,
reggae, punk, ska, and rhythm and blues. This eclectic mélange of soulful sound, coupled with
bohemian style and exhilarating stage presence, proved to be a winning combination. Fast
forward to the present, when, after the group struggled with internecine conflicts, several
members defected. Fishbone, after restructuring, currently continues to weather challenges by
forging its exclusive musical brand into the future with new band members, resurgent sound
and this engaging film.
Discussion Questions
Background
Fishbone’s roots in the West Coast music scene stretch back to the migration of
African-Americans, who, to escape the racial hostility that proliferated in the southern states,
sought work and living accommodations to the north and west of the U.S. Many settled in Los
Angeles, California. Blacks remained concentrated in three areas of the city’s urban sprawl South Central L.A., Watts and Compton – all the while maintaining an anti-symbiotic
relationship with the L.A.P.D. Through racially-charged opposition, there was an AfricanAmerican artistic renaissance with Black funk music and culture flourishing – the music lifting
challenged spirits beyond the harsh realities of the struggles for integration. During the era of
court-ordered school desegregation in the 1970’s, South Central students were bused to
suburbia. This integrated school system and blending of cultural groups juxtaposed with the
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furious backlash that evolved in the 1992 riots against systemic racism, helped foster the birth
and longevity of Fishbone.
The Formative Years
Founding the group on democratic principles fostered an interesting intra-band conglomeration
of divergent talents and styles. As the band was being formed and the members where comingof-age, they each honed their vocal talents and mastery of their instruments to birth a brand of
alternative rock that was solely Fishbone’s. The resulting musical concoction broke social
barriers and redefined cross-cultural appreciation and affinity.
How did the integrated environment of their high school influence the music
Fishbone created? What inspired the band to choose punk rock as their style of
performance?
What musical genres and artists influenced the band?
Did the blending of cultures in Los Angeles, California have any influence on the
band’s creation of such a fusion of styles?
What was Mama Fish’s reaction to the band they formed? Discuss her approach to
the band’s establishment and rehearsals held in her home.
What was Mrs. Moore’s response to Fishbone’s music and to Angelo’s participation in
the band?
Norwood took on the roll of Angelo’s protector. What was it about
Angelo’s personality that required Norwood to look out for him in this way?
The band formed as an amalgam of personalities with a varied array of talents and gifts. Their
personalities reflected their diverse perspectives: Fish was a popular guy in an integrated
school; Norwood frightened folks; Kendall was funny and intelligent. “Smiling” Angelo wanted
to connect with the black folk and to join the band so he appealed to Norwood with notes
written in “Bootsey-speak” and “pop”danced his way into acceptance in the hood were they
practiced. As they were coming-of-age at the time, each member defined themselves within
the band.
Do you think that the melding of such diverse personalities ultimately
contributed to their unique sounds and destiny for fame? Was the band’s
organizational and creative strategy to include all members’ perspectives a
founding pillar of Fishbone’s success? For what did they want to be known?
How did Angelo become the lead singer of the group? What was Norwood’s
opinion of him as the group’s lead man?
Their debut gig at Madame Wong’s, the Mecca for punk rock bands, won them
much acclaim. This performance launched the group as the most sought after
band of the times. Did Fishbone set out to crash Los Angeles’ punk rock music
scene? To what do you attribute the blitz of celebrity that resulted?
As high school graduates in the 1980’s, they were forging compositions into a music industry
that had fully embraced white punk rock music and where the genre proliferated. Fishbone
stood out amongst the prolific bands of the times and they fully intended to be the preeminent
band at Los Angeles’ punk rock party. They literally dived into the clubs to be accepted on
their own merits – freefalling into the ever-present club scene mosh pits.
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Roger Perry, their former manager described them as “completely disorganized
and the most fun he had seen in a long time”. Do you think his description is
one that was shared by the majority of Fishbone fans? Was this, in fact, part of
the group’s mass appeal?
On Top of the World
A lead in scene in the film displays a 1992 crowd cheering “Fishbone is red hot”, and indeed
they were. We are given a glimpse in the film of the artistic perspectives of the band’s
celebrity brothers and sisters from across the musical spectrum, some of whom were creatively
inspired in their own careers by Fishbone’s trademark performance and style.
How would you define the composition of the Fishbone audience? Did the band try to
unify their distinct audience through their diverse sounds, panache and lyrics?
How did African-Americans initially react to the band’s sound? How did others react to
it? What was the band’s response to the initial lack of African-American interest and
support of the group? Is there a contradiction between Fishbone’s punk rock sound,
urban-focused lyrics and their classification as Black music?
Columbia Records signed the group to record and mass market their eclectic sounds.
What was the band’s initial reaction to such success as they went into the recording
studio? How did Columbia executives receive Fishbone and ultimately categorize and
market the group?
Who did Fishbone influence with their musical style and branding?
For a time, Fishbone’s music was not played on Black radio while it proliferated on
stations in other markets. What changed with regard to African-American appreciation
of their music? Did their lyrics and sound convey the group’s cultural sentiments? Did
Fishbone ever compromise their African-American heritage?
Tim Robbins described Fishbone’s music as unique; others describe it as a sensory
experience. What impact does the music have on you? Describe your appreciation of
their varied repertoire.
What made Angelo’s stage presence so appealing that he stood out and was a shining
star as the lead singer?
With the release of their second album “Truth and Soul” in 1988, Fishbone catapulted to new
heights of fame and fortune. With tracks like “Question of Life” and “Pouring Rain” the band
appealed to their audience’s spiritual stirrings, lyrically guiding fans beyond the harsh political
realities of the day. Stylistically, the band went many different places in the music yet
remained expressively loyal to the black urban genre. With the release of their third album
“The Reality of My Surroundings” in 1991, Fishbone garnered critical acclaim, commercial
success and continued to impress major crowds. The song “Everyday Sunshine” from the album
is the track after which this film is named.
What was the impetus for Fishbone to seek a more serious image with the release and
marketing of “Truth and Soul”?
Was “The Reality of My Surroundings” album a commercial triumph for the group or did
the release signal significant changes on their horizon?
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Troubled Times and Regrouping for the Future
With Kendall’s challenges and the departures of Chris, Dirty Walt and Fish, Norwood Fisher and
Angelo Moore remained as original members to redefine Fishbone for the future they could
embrace. With the release of the CD “Still Stuck in Your Throat” in 2006, Fishbone sought to
re-establish their claim as America’s alternative rock band. After 25 years on the road the
original members remain focused on music, art, fun and dance.
How was the album “Still Stuck in Your Throat received? What happened to affect its
potential success?
Fishbone experienced a homecoming in welcoming Kendall’s return to jam with the
group for a night’s performance. Do you think the reunion could foster future plans for
the group to reunite, record and tour?
With the tragedy and violence that erupted in 1992 after the acquittal of the offending
police officers in the Rodney King beating, Fishbone joined the public outcry against
injustice. Had Norwood ever experienced the effrontery of racial profiling? Did
Fishbone’s music and their art change after the riot? In what ways did it change? Did
the group express concern that there had been a failure of integration efforts even
with the blurring of cultural lines through music, art and education?
Angelo Moore – “Dr. Mad Vibe” – introduced the use of the Theremin, an electronic
musical instrument as a novelty that would bring a fresh, new sound to their music.
What were the respective group members’ reactions to the intensity with which he
played the instrument? How did Norwood respond to Angelo’s embrace of his role as
“Dr. Mad Vibe”?
The organizational strategy of Fishbone devolved from a democracy to the interlocking
of individual artistic expression and interests. Will the group’s change in approach and
their current reliance on the importance of individual contribution and understanding
propel their future endeavors?
Angelo stated: “Fishbone plays rock that has withstood the ages”. Who is the Fishbone
audience now? He also defined himself as being at a crossroad in his presentation and
compositions. How do you think his introspection will help Fishbone redefine itself?
Will the Grammy’s recent elimination of several culturally-relevant musical categories
adversely affect current and future groups like Fishbone? Discuss how these categorical
changes could impact the future of alternative music.
Fishbone remains California-based and continues to cross cultural boundaries with
Norwood having taken up snowboarding and surfing as pastimes. With the group’s
continued interest in breaking ethnic and racial barriers, how would you define their
promising vision and plan for the future of the group?
Glossary of Terms
Ska Music – a musical genre rooted in reggae, calypso and rhythm and blues. It first appeared
in Jamaica in the 1950’s (source: Wikipedia).
Moshing – a style of dance in which partakers jump, push or slam into one another. It is
popular amongst Punk Rock fans and concert-goers (source: Wikipedia).
Mosh Pit – a dance party or concert fan stage-front gathering in which participants slam into
each other and catch dancers and performers flinging themselves into welcoming arms.
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Punk Rock – a rock music genre that is a part of the California scene (amongst others) that
evolved in the early 1970’s. The sound and lyrics are hard, fast and typically political (source:
Wikipedia).
1992 Los Angeles Riots– the civil unrest that occurred as a result of the verdict in the acquittal
of the L.A.P.D. officers involved in the taped beating of Rodney King during a high-speed car
chase. Far reaching anger, violence and crime ensued culminating in approximately $1 billion in
property damage. King later prevailed in a civil lawsuit which challenged the arrest and
beating. (Source: Wikipedia).
Integration – societal measures to end racial discrimination and bring about cultural
assimilation and equality among diverse groups of people.
Segregation – a social and economic separation of people into racially-defined groups. Often
rooted in legal sanction, segregation was outlawed in the United States as a result of the hardfought battles and victories of civil and human rights leaders and groups, clergy members,
activists, educators, politicians and concerned citizens.
Resources for Further Exploration
Online/Social Media
Program Website - www.fishbonedocumentary.com
Black Rock Coalition Contact Information: brcmembersinfo@gmail.com
Social Networks:
Twitter - @FishboneFilm
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Everyday-Sunshine-The-Story-ofFishbone/120839111267849
YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/user/fishbonedocumentary
Film Trailers:
You Tube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChXk4R0mGNw
Vimeo - http://vimeo.com/19265687
Apple - http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/independent/everydaysunshine/
IMDB - http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi748396057/
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Books
“Right To Rock: The Black Rock Coalition and the Cultural Politics of Race”
by Dr. Maureen Mahon. Duke University Press Books, 2004. ISBN-10:0822333171
and ISBN-13:978-0822333173
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