Evolving on Drums (Modern Drummer)

Way before rap-metal infiltrated rock's mainstream,
the LA-by-way-of-Nebraska quintet 311 laid the
groundwork for that hybrid genre. In fact, their
fusion of hip-hop, funk, reggae, and hard rock has
been very infuential since the band formed in 1990.
Through innumerable musical fads, 311 has stayed true
to a signature sound, while members continue to push
themselves creatively. Nowhere is 311?s staying power
and commitment to innovation more evident than on its
seventh release, appropriately titled Evolver.

"People sometimes get into bands for reasons other
than the love of music, whether it's to make money,
get women, or because they want to be on TV," says
drummer Chad Sexton. "We put 311 together because
we?re music fans and musicians at heart. We see the
trends that go on, but we like to think they don?t
affect us. Our band just tries to stay true to music
we have fun playing, while also keeping our audience
in mind. We want to write songs that will be exciting
for our fans and affect people in a positive way. So
far, that?s worked for us."

With the band's heavy Beatles influence apparent on
tracks like "Seems Uncertain," Evolver has a warmth
largely missing from albums recorded since the ?70s.
Sexton says that's due to 311's "natural" approach to
recording. "The warm sound you hear is very much an
analog byproduct," he says. "We've always recorded our
albums to tape instead of digitally, and we'll
continue to do so as long as they make tape. Pro
Tooled tracks don't even compare to analog."

Chad is happy with his performance on Evolver, but
admits he doesn't find the recording process all that
enjoyable. "The whole experience is very challenging
for me," he admits. "But that?s a good thing. I never
want to go into recording an album and have it be so
easy that I feel like I didn't challenge myself."