The UNUSUAL RISE of 311 & Overcoming CRITICS, DEATH & LIES

Summary

311, a band originating from Omaha, Nebraska, faced numerous challenges on their rise to fame, including near-death experiences, harsh critics, and rumors. Despite these obstacles, they remained true to their roots and delivered a positive message through their music. Frontman Nick Hexum’s diverse musical influences shaped their unique sound, blending genres like punk, funk, and hip-hop. The band’s perseverance paid off, as they gained national attention with their third album, eventually achieving mainstream success while staying grounded in their identity as five friends making music together.

Takeaways

• 🎸 311 emerged from Omaha, Nebraska, not the typical coastal music hotspots.
• 🔥 The band overcame many obstacles, including harsh critics, personal challenges, and near-death experiences.
• 🎤 Nick Hexum, the lead vocalist, grew up in a musically-inclined family with a pharmacologist father and a psychologist mother.
• 🎶 Hexum's early musical influences included punk, reggae, and alternative rock, heavily inspired by Bob Marley.
• 🏫 The Omaha music scene was eclectic but lacked a distinct sound, with punk and hard rock bands dominating.
• 🌍 311’s unique style blended rock, funk, punk, and hip-hop, influenced by bands like Red Hot Chili Peppers and Fishbone.
• 🚐 Early touring was tough, including a disastrous fire in their RV that destroyed their equipment, but they persisted.
• 📈 Their third album, known as the 'Blue Album,' marked a commercial breakthrough with hits like 'Down' and 'All Mixed Up.'
• 📺 311's rise to mainstream success included heavy MTV airplay, appearances on late-night shows, and extensive touring.
• 🔥 Controversy surrounded the band when rumors falsely linked their name to the Ku Klux Klan, which they strongly denied.

Q & A

What challenges did 311 face in their early career?

311 faced numerous challenges, including a near-death experience from a fire on their RV, harsh critics, a nefarious producer, and lies about the band. They also struggled with getting traction in Los Angeles before returning to Omaha.

How did Nick Hexum's family background influence his musical journey?

Nick Hexum's parents were musically inclined, with his dad playing trumpet and his mom recording a jazz album in the 60s. This musical influence, along with early piano lessons and exposure to genres like punk and hip-hop, shaped his musical style.

How did the Omaha music scene shape 311's sound?

The Omaha music scene lacked a specific sound, but 311 was influenced by a blend of punk, hard rock, and alternative rock. The band blended genres like hip-hop, funk, and punk, which later became their signature style.

Why did Nick Hexum return to Omaha after initially moving to Los Angeles?

Nick Hexum returned to Omaha after feeling disillusioned with the Los Angeles music scene. He struggled to relate to the musicians there and faced challenges, including drug use and partying, which led him to regroup with friends in Omaha.

How did the band come up with the name '311'?

The band chose the name '311' after a friend was arrested for skinny dipping, with '311' being the police code for indecent exposure. The band also provided humorous alternate explanations for the name in interviews.

What role did college radio play in 311's early success?

College radio played a crucial role in 311's early success. The band sent their demo tape to college stations along with postcards asking for feedback. Many stations responded positively and started playing their music, helping them gain exposure.

What was the significance of 311's first album 'Music'?

311's first album 'Music' was significant as it marked their entry into the music industry with a unique sound blending punk, funk, and hip-hop. It received airplay on MTV and local radio stations, helping them build a fanbase.

How did the band's touring schedule impact their success?

311's relentless touring schedule, including playing over 250 shows a year, helped them build a dedicated fanbase. Despite setbacks like an RV fire, they continued to tour, gaining new fans across the country.

What controversy surrounded 311 in 1996, and how did they respond?

In 1996, rumors falsely claimed that the band's name '311' was a reference to the Ku Klux Klan. The band denied the accusations, stating it referred to indecent exposure. They dismissed the controversy, emphasizing their support for racial harmony.

How did 311's third album 'The Blue Album' impact their career?

311's third album, often referred to as 'The Blue Album,' became their commercial breakthrough, going triple platinum. It featured hit singles like 'Down' and 'All Mixed Up,' which gained significant radio play and MTV airplay, propelling them into mainstream success.