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 Fishbone was there with the Red Hot Chili Peppers when the foundation of the West Coast funk metal scene was poured in the early 80s, and the funk soul brotherhood born on the City of Angels club scene still runs thicker than water between the two. The Peppers went on to enjoy platinum success, while Fishbone remains largely a secret in the world of pop despite releasing truly innovative genre-mixing albums like "Truth and Soul" and "The Reality of My Surroundings."
Fishbones outspoken singer and saxophonist, Angelo Moore doesnt hold his high-tinsel tongue explaining his theory on why Fishbone are overlooked. "Racism in the music industry. Period. Weve been around 20 years, just as long as the Chili Peppers, Janes Addiction and No Doubt. We hung out with them in the clubs. Partied with them. Ive seen the white boys get the recognition, and the [blacks] dont. Especially if youre not playing hip hop or R&B - holding your crotch with your pants sagging, talking about bitches and money. If Fishbone was straight up hip hop, there wouldnt be a problem, because wed be going along with Americas stereotype of a black person. Of course, if youre black and have dreads, you play reggae. If youre Spanish, you play salsa. If youre white, you play rock and roll. "I aint mad at the bands. Im mad at the industry. Im feeling like Little Richard -
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mad as hell. I thought that kind of racism was gone a long time ago. No it aint." The music industry has a poor record handling black rock bands like Living Color, Bad Brains and Mothers Finest. Rock radio remains tentative about playing rock music created by any black artist whose last name isnt Hendrix. The resulting music, Moore says, is more corporate and less challenging. "We get out there, but we get out there so slow because the industry is thinking about money and not musical and social education. Theyre thinking about money, and light in the ass subjects. They pick people who cant sing, but look good. The majority of listeners today like mediocre music. They dont want to listen to anyone that is going to make them think, or make them turn their head. God forbid a black band who plays rock and roll get heard. Is that forbidden?" Fishbone hasnt achieved super-stardom like the Chili Peppers, but for its part, Fishbone has never made it a priority to create easily digested music. Over the years, its sound has jumped around incorporating ska, jazz, funk, rock, thrash and punk. The band isnt afraid to challenge its fans, when it knows pandering is the surest way to the top of the charts. Maybe Fishbones latest "Psychotic Friends Nuttwerx" ? a bona fide funk soul rave up - will open a few new ears. The album features an all-star cast - George Clinton, Rick James, The Red Hot Chili Peppers (minus singer Anthony Keidis), Rose Stone (Sly and the Family Stone), Gwen Stefani (No Doubt), Perry Farrell (Janes Addiction, Porno for Pyros) and Donny Osmond. |
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