311 – The Psychedelic Alternative Rock Band
311’s psychedelic mix of rock, reggae and funk appeals to fans across the country. They’ve released 14 albums, including 2011’s pithy Universal Pulse and the crowdfunded Stereolithic.
More than 28 years ago, five ganja-toking musicians from Omaha, Nebraska, set out to pursue their dream in Los Angeles. They’ve come a long way since, but 311 still hasn’t caught up to the likes of Cypress Hill and Bad Brains.
Band members
There aren’t many bands that can say they’ve had the same lineup for three decades. 311 is one of them. The band consists of singer/rapper Nick Hexum, guitarists Chad Sexton and Tim Mahoney, bassist P-Nut, and drummer SA Martinez. The group’s unique mix of rock, reggae, dance and hip hop has earned them a loyal following.
The band formed in 1988 in Omaha, Nebraska. Hexum and Mahoney went to Westside High School together, while Sexton and P-Nut attended Bryan High School. They began playing music in a short-lived group called The Ed’s, which ended after Hexum graduated from high school a year early.
The group later renamed itself 311 after a police code in their hometown. In 1989, they recorded their first EP Downstairs in Hexum’s basement. The band then released the 300-cassette album Dammit!, which they sold at shows and through area consignment shops. Later, 311 would produce their first major-label album Music in 1993. The album was produced by Eddy Offord, who had worked with the likes of Yes and Emerson, Lake & Palmer.
Albums
Music is the band’s debut album, and it laid a lot of the groundwork for 311’s unique style. It also features several songs that would make their way onto later releases, including Freak Out, Feels So Good, and Fuck The Bullshit.
This album is a great entry point for new listeners, and it’s full of catchy tunes that showcase the band’s genre-blending skills. It’s also got a more polished production, which makes it more accessible to mainstream audiences.
311 has a hard time fitting into any particular genre, and their diverse sound has earned them a devoted fanbase. Their ’90s-era rap rock, reggae, and funk hybrid has influenced many modern artists. They’ve toured with ska icons The English Beat, rap legends Snoop Dogg and Sublime With Rome, and funk legends Cypress Hill. Their unique blend of genres has made them one of the most popular and entertaining live bands in the world. They’ve racked up more than 2,000 shows, and have an annual summer tour.
Singles
311’s first cd, Music, was released with little fanfare in February of ’93 (now Gold). As they began to tour in support, the band’s touring RV caught fire on the side of the highway, destroying their equipment and all of their possessions.
Despite the setback, the band continued to tour relentlessly. This helped them develop a dedicated following, and their next release, the triple-platinum 1995 self-titled album, catapulted them from underground to mainstream success. Its three singles, Down, Love Song, and All Mixed Up, were hits on college radio and MTV.
Nick Hexum’s vocals are a key component of the band’s sound, and their hookiest songs are also some of their most streamlined. The locked-in 2003 single Creatures is a rare moment for the band where all clocks are in sync, and their riffs and chorus legitimately bang. This was a turning point for the group and their subsequent albums are considered some of their best work.
Tours
The ’90s alternative rock band 311 has sold over eight million albums in the U.S. They are known for their unique sound, combining rock, reggae, and hip-hop to create an eclectic musical cocktail. They’ve appeared on popular late night shows and their energetic concerts have earned them a devoted fan base.
The group has toured extensively, making appearances in nearly every state and country. They also host their own cruise, a floating festival with activities and theme nights for fans.
311 tickets are available for concerts throughout the year, and their live performances are an unforgettable experience. Fans can catch them performing hits like Down, Amber, All Mixed Up, and Beautiful Disaster in arenas and small theaters alike. They’re also known for their dedication to charity, giving a portion of ticket sales to various charitable organizations. TicketSmart is the best place to find 311 tour dates and get tickets for an upcoming performance. The band’s current lineup includes Nick Hexum (vocals/guitar), Tim Mahoney (guitar), SA Martinez (singer, DJ), Chad Sexton (drums), and P-Nut (bass). For exclusive pre-sale codes, special content, contests, and more, join the official 311 Nation fan club.