Long before the current rap-metal genre became part of mainstream rock, there were already many bands who were playing this hybrid music. One such band is 311 who have been fusing hip-hop, funk, reggae and hard rock since 1990.
Formed in Omaha, Nebraska, 311 almost broke up after a couple of years because they were broke and their brand of music wasn't very popular yet. Fortunately, they were signed up by Capricorn Records and released their debut album "Music" in 1993. Touring became second nature to this very hard working band and their second album "Grassroots" was released in July '94.
All the touring and energetic live shows paid off as their fan base kept growing. 311 finally made a breakthrough with their self-titled third album in 1995 which gave them two hits, "Down" and "All Mixed Up," on Billboard Modern Rock Chart and MTV. "311" sold over three million copies and the band began drawing huge crowds to its shows. Two more studio albums -- "Transistor" (1997) and "Soundsystem" (1999) -- proved that 311's success was no flash in the pan.
After fighting a legal battle with their record company, the band is back with their sixth album called "From Chaos." 311 frontman Nick Hexum talks to MTVAsia's Patrick Chng about the new album, the state of rock music, Napster and keeping things fresh.
How do you think the rock music scene has evolved since you guys were formed in 1990?
One of the biggest things is when we started out in 1990, there was really no genre of rap-rock, you know. When we first started out, we didn't really have that bit much of a chance of getting on radio because radio at that time was dominated by grunge and Nirvana, Pearl Jam... you know. Then when we finally had a hit with "Down," we were one of the first rap-rock groups to do that. It's been a really big change.
One thing that sets 311 apart is that you guys have a very positive vibe as opposed to just angst and whining. Do you agree that this is one of the things that make you guys different?
Yeah I think that that's something that is definitely kind of unique for us but we just kinda happen to grow into that. But we feel in this day and age with all the blessings that we've been given and the chance to do this, that probably the last people who should be complaining about how tough life is, is the people in modern rock who are complaining about life sucks... whatever. To me, I would feel embarrassed to be saying that because these people who are saying it usually have every advantage in the world, so I just feel it's our duty to balance all that stuff out by spreading more positive messages.
You guys came up before those bands who are now bigger than you guys. They're selling more records than 311. How do you feel?
I would say that... we feel that we have sort of a comeback to make but I don't feel any spite or jealousy of bands who are maybe influenced by us and are bigger than us now because, if anything, they've helped get the genre of hybrid music acknowledged. If people are sort of acknowledging it, then rap-rock is a force to be reckon with and that's only going to help us in the long run.
What's the mood like in the band right now with the impending release of "From Chaos?" What are your hopes for this record?
Very optimistic. It's like we know that we're feeling the calm before the storm because it's going to be a very big time for us. We're trying to tell our fans who are with us now -- 'cause some of our fans are scared and saying "311 is going to be so big soon" and you know there's going to be more mainstream "trendy" people into the band -- we try to assure them that we're just going to stay the same and be making the music that we love to make and just ignore all the business side of it.
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