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Where can I start? Well I must admit that, despite what most people think, I have not been a fan of 311 for a very long time. In fact, their single, "Come Original." in 1999 was the song that introduced me to them. Then I heard "Down." being played on the radio a few times, and I had to admit that they were musically unique. What caught me the most was SA Martinez - he was the most noticeable to me, for his ryhmes and his voice. Since then, I've had a minor thing for them. I had no idea who they were, but I was learning to appreciate their music more and more. To my knowledge, as with most bands that I see on TV, I figured, "They must be new, because I've never heard them before." But come to find out, they've been around since the early 90's.
Well, I liked "Down" and "Come Original" a whole lot, and I burnt them to a CD and started listening to them constantly. I liked the rock melody in Down, and the island/reggae of Come Original. This was unique to me, because I've never heard rock, hip hop, and reggae put together like that before. All the stuff I've heard is either metal (Metallica), Alternative (Pearl Jam), or pop/rock (Goo Goo Dolls).
Anyways, I began listening to the radio a whole lot, and I heard them on the radio show called "Rock Line", as they were introducing their 1999 album - Soundsystem. I came to know the likes of Nick Hexum, I believe. So now, Nick Hexum and SA Martinez were the two most recognizable people in that band. It was good, because I had no idea who the other members of the band were, so at least now I was able to establish some sort of recognition.
I continued to hear them on the radio, and saw their music video for, "Down." The video itself may not be mind-blowing, but there was something about it that made me look and go, "Dude, this is pretty sweet stuff here!" So now, I knew what the band looked like, and that there were 5 members total. But as for their names, I still had no clue. Anyways, I listen to all the stuff they put out on the radio, but I couldn't get too into them because they only played 2 of their songs.
So I drifted onto other things, thinking, "They're great, but there are others who are starting to break big." So I all but forgot about 311. However, in 2001, I saw their latest video on MTV2. It was called, "You wouldn't believe." I watched it, and it was extremely catchy to me. As soon as I was able to, I went out and bought my very first 311 CD, "From Chaos." I got that, along with a variety of other albums. However, the more I listened to "From Chaos", the more it stayed in my CD player. I was really starting to enjoy their sounds and styles, and I was really curious because they referred to remaining true to their original styles. That made me want to check them out a little more.
So, being that I had over 700 dollars from my graduation, I was able to go and pick up their CD's. One by one, I got them all. - "Soundsystem.", "Transistor", "Grassroots.", "311" and then finally, "Music." I was going to get their, "Live" album, but I still didn't know quite what they were about, and I still was skeptical about them. Anyways, I was slow getting into the new albums, and I found myself going back to "From Chaos" very often.
However, while I was browsing around the tracks on the "Music" album, I hit track number 9, and it was one of those kinds of songs that I swore had to be a single released for radio play, but it wasn't. The title of the song was called, "Plain." Even to this day, I'll never forget the classic line - "Nod your head to this!" That to me was just incredibly cool, and it was backed by a really interesting riff, which only made me get into it more.
I thought that was cool, but that album was the least favorite at that point. However, Grassroots was growing on me, and I often listened to that on long car trips and stuff like that. "Homebrew" was fast becoming a favorite of mine. I also liked "Omaha Stylee." So I thought the album was ok, overall.
Next, I started jamming to the likes of Transistor, and I browsed around the tracks and found that I really liked stuff such as, "Beautiful Disaster.", "Galaxy.", and "Use of Time." I noticed it was almost entirely mellow too, and I liked that. It became my favorite, and it still is to this day.
"311" and "Soundsystem" were the last two I got around to listening to. I only liked "Down" and "Come original" on the "311" and "Soundsystem" albums, at first. However, I listened to "Soundsystem" a bit more, and I enjoyed the tracks, "Freeze Time.", "Large in the margin", and "Flowing." They were great, but this album only really came alive for me when I heard the last track, "Livin' & Rockin'." That's an awesome track, I must say.
"311" came alive for me when I heard such tracks as, "All mixed up.", "Jackolatern's Weather.", and "Misdirected Hostility." That one, I'm still developing a taste for, but all in good time!
After listening to all of the albums a lot, I went out and bought the Live one, and I suddenly realized how awesome they played at live shows. It was pretty shocking, because most bands can't play a good live show... but I found that most of the tracks on that album were more energy-packed than on the album itself! That takes some doing, in my opinion. But anyways....
I like all the 311 albums a lot, but after doing much consideration, and despite the fact that it pains me to have to rank my most-favorite band's albums on a scale (because Lord knows if I could, I'd give them all a #1slot), I've rated my favorites on a scale from 1 to 6.
1 - Transistor
2 - Music
3 - From Chaos
4 - Grassroots
5 - 311
6 - Soundsystem
Ok, so you're probably wondering who and what these guys look like, right? No? Not even close? I apologize, but nonetheless! Hopefully these next few shots will give you a better idea of who is who and who does what and what does who do... Confused? No? You're a tough nut to crack. Ahem, anyways!
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| Timothy Mahoney; guitarist |
Born on: February 17th, 1970.
What I like about this guitarist is that at first glance, it seems like he plays all the easy stuff, and then he'll break out into a fancy solo and make you go, "Wow!" Versatile, and full of surprises, I think he's got a lot of stage presence - almost as much as P-nut, in my opinion!
One interesting fact: "Greased lightnin'!" - Tim's response when he was asked how he'd describe the kind of music 311 puts out.
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| Nicholas Hexum; vocals and guitar |
Born on: April 12th, 1970
Nick tends to lead the band for the most part. He adds in his own clever little riffs and solos when he's playing guitar and the time is right, but the staple in his bag of tricks is his knack for songwriting and lyrics. I'd say that he's probably considered the poster child for the band. For instance, go up to a group of girls and say, "Tim Mahoney is one badass guitarist, eh?" And they'll look at you as if you're talking about a total stranger. (Sad, really.) But say, "Nick Hexum rocks." and you'll usually get a response like, "Ohh, doesn't he do that Amber song?"
One interesting fact: In junior high, Nick played in a band called The Right Profile. They got their band name from a song by The Clash. In tenth grade, Nick played in a band called The Extras. Nick and Chad played together in the Westside High School Jazz Band. Nick and Tim played in The Eds, an Omaha band also featuring Ward Bones, Andy Gray and Ed Birmingham from 1986-87. The band got their name because their drummer's name was Ed. In 1988-89, Nick (bass, vocals), Chad (drums), Tim (guitar), and Ward Bones (keyboards) played in a band called UNITY. Unity broke up in 1990 when Nick moved to Germany.
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| Aaron Wills; bass guitar |
Born on: June 5th, 1974
P-nut is a definitive force in the 311 ranks. With a bass playing style, that I think should be considered to be all his own, he keeps the melody pumping for any type of song. Whether it's slowed down, or funky and psychodelic, you can always tell that it's P-nut. The way he moves on stage is hilarious, too. He's got all sorts of neat dances and a stage presence that's totally unique for him.
One interesting fact: How P-nut.... Er, I mean Aaron Wills got his nickname - "I was playing bass and rockin' out. My already long head was elongated in an illusion. My friend said, "go p-nut, go!", because my head looked like a big peanut. From then on, the name just stuck."
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| Douglas Martinez; vocals and turntables |
Born on: October 29th, 1970
SA Martinez backs up Nick on vocals, and also adds his own turntable scratches in some parts of their songs. Once again, his stage presence is very unique for his energy and his voice. In my opinion, 311 would be a lot less of a band without him thrown in to make 311 stand out. And he can throw out ryhmes like a mad man, too! Go SA!
One interesting fact: SA has a gift with words, not just lyrics...check out his short stories on the official 311 website. Besides playing some percussion and working the turntables for 311, SA dj's at clubs around Los Angeles.
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| Chad Sexton; drums |
Born on: September 7th, 1970
Chad is one wicked drummer, and if you don't believe me, perhaps you should be listening to more 311 and picking out the beats this man is putting out. I think he's one of the best out there, and I think he's just another crucial part of 311. Without him, 311 would be just another band. If you need a reference, check out, "Applied Science." on the Live album! Ya won't be disappointed... unless you're stuck up, that is. :D
One interesting fact: Chad comments on how he was inspired to become a musician - " Ive always loved music and had always hoped for it to be my career. I decided after my first year in college to move to California and put all of my energy into making a career in music."
A history of 311
Alright, well over the years I've heard some interesting stuff from people when I've asked them if they know who 311 is. Mostly, it's, "Oooh, Amber is the color of your energy!", or "Are they from Australia?", or, "Never have heard of them." Keep in mind, that last one is mostly the people who aren't hip to early 90's rock and roll, either that are they don't watch MTV. :D But no, surprising or not all of the members hail from a place called Omaha, Nebraska.
Tim, Nick and Chad all lived on the west side and went to high school together. P-nut and SA lived on the south side and they too went to high school together. Many of them were in rotation with several other bands before they came together and formed 311. Chad and Nick played together in a Jazz band, and Tim and Nick played in a band called "The Ed's."
Later on, when Nick returned for his high school reunion, Tim, Chad and Nick jammed together and found that they had a unique sound. They recruited a keyboardist named Ward Bones and they formed a band called, "Unity." They made an attempt at a record contract in late 1988 when they moved to LA, but unfortunately they weren't able to land a deal.
Chad came back home to Omaha, slightly bitter, but not beaten. He found a bassist nicknamed P-nut and a guitarist named Jim Watson and started jamming with them, and after some consideration managed to convince Nick to come back over to Omaha so that he could be a part of this band. On June 10th, they played their first opening gig for Fugazi. Sadly, in 1991 they parted with Jim Watson, but they managed to find a replacement guitarist by the name of Tim Mahoney. An up and coming member, in a way, also started making guest appearances with this band. Enter the scene: SA Martinez. Eventually, he was adopted into the band and became a full-time member. Thus 311, as it's known today, was born.
It was still quite a struggle from there though. You don't get it made by signing a contract, or finally settling with a group of members for a band. They still had much to do - including recording albums and playing live shows. This all came naturally to them, though. Eventually they released 3 records on their own label called, "What have you records." "Dammit", "Hydroponic", and "Unity" were the names of these albums. Eventually, they had quite a following of fans on the local scene.
Eventually, right before it seemed they'd never make it big, Capricorn slapped down a recording contract and signed 311 to their label. Eventually, the album "Music" made its way onto the shelves... But it went all but unnoticed. And in the midst of touring and promoting the album, their makeshift tour bus/RV caught fire and all their equipment was lost. That kind of sucks, when you're getting ready to hit the road and you find you no longer have a ride... or cash, or even worse - no instruments! But thankfully, fans donated money to them and the band only had to cancel 1 show before returning to the pre-planned schedule.
Grassroots was released in 1994, and 311 put all their energy into touring the states and establishing a following of more loyal fans. There were no noted causualties though, so thank goodness for that! In 1995, 311 released "311" - their 3rd album, also called, "The Blue album." This could be considered the record that made 311 known to the general public. Media was paying them more attention, and the "Down" and "All mixed up" singles went to #1 and #2 on the charts. The fan base was growing, as if there were any doubt!
Eventually, 311 decided to put together a DVD called, "Enlarged to show detail." Essentially a long home video of them on the road, with lots of concert footage, interviews, and all the stuff that makes the business of a rock star *business.*
311, soon after that, released Transistor - their fourth album. It sailed to # 4 on the charts and became a huge success. The live shows became packed with an average of 10,000 per night.
Every band has its unreleased tracks, so after awhile 311 gave us The Omaha Sessions - a 9 song EP from back in their days as "What have you records." It contains tracks from all 3 of their self-label albums.
Then, the band put together a compilation of their live shows, for the "Live" album. This album showcased their live sounds, and in my opinion is one of the best live albums out there. Soon after, "Soundsystem" was released in 1999.
311 purchased a recording studio in North Hollywood at around this time, renovating and adding their own equipment for their convinience. This studio was active during the 70's and 80's, and the band christened it, "The Hive."
In 2001, 311 brought us "From Chaos." Definitely a good album, and worth it to anyone willing to pick it up. So now I think I've basically covered all that there is on this band up to this point. If you're looking for any new albums, stay tuned for the summer of 2003... I hear that's when they come back with another album. Stay tuned!
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