SunFest New Music Night with 311 (Miami New Times)

Well, the first day of SunFest '09 is in the can. What can I say? I love a good festival. The imposing overabundance of food. Alcohol in greater supply still. Drunks and hippies, co-mingling and celebrating good music and good times. And you'd be hard pressed to find a better locale than the WePalm Intercoastal for such an event, where the sweet Atlantic breeze comes rolling in gently off the sea, over the floating Captain Morgan's Oases, where Jeremiah's Weed-Ade was flowing like, well...weed-ade, and onto the rolling lawn in front of the stages. In short, the feel-good vibes were in the air (both literally and figuratively).

I missed opening punk acts Wavves and The Mae Shi, and sadly never even made it to the Tire Kingdom Stage, where Spam Allstars opened. But I did get to see Solillaquists of Sound, a rather different hip-hop group, blending rapper Swamburger's fast-paced lyrics and Alexandrah and Tonya Combs' dulcet vocals with anything but the standard fare in beats. Thanks to aptly named music man DaViNCci, who conjures the bulk of the groups sounds from a full array of what looked like SP808's and other, freakier equipment, Solillaquists assault the crowd with a barrage of breakbeat, drum and bass and other miscellaneous forms of electronica driving their unique sound. As Swamburger so eloquently put it, they're the "modern day Fleetwood Mac for yo' ass."

Then, of course, the masses gathered before the main stage, trampling my hippie blanket to get a good view for the main event--311. If you already read this, then you know mine isn't exactly an impartial view. I'm a fan of the band, and seeing them live only makes it more so. Simply put: they friggin' kick ass live, always drawing gems from throughout their catalog, both hard rockers and mellow reggae riffs; alternately whipping the crowd into frenzy and coaxing them to sing and sway in time.

Last night's show was no exception. The boys from Omaha started strong with guitars churning out "Beautiful Disaster," "Freeze Time," and "Prisoner." Two tracks from '97's Transistor and one from 99's Soundsystem to open the show let fans they've come to kick out the jams. And jam they do, following with "All Mixed Up," off the popular self-titled '95 release. A few songs into the set they slow it down with their cover of The Cure's "Love Song," to the delight of the throng in attendance, who began to howl along.

But the lull wouldn't last long. They ripped right into "Applied Science," complete with drummer Chad Sexton's minute-and-a-half drum solo before the rest of the band congregated stage-center for their signature drumline breakdown. Fan fav "Come Original" followed, with "Hey You", the new single off their upcoming release Uplifter, quick on its heels. Another mainstay in the band's setlist, "Beyond the Grey Sky" made an appearance, and they closed the show with sing-along favorite "Amber" and the ever-popular "Down," which vocalist Nick Hexum dedicated to old school fans, a fitting thank you delivered as he sported an old school 311 Music t-shirt.

And the band's encores never disappoint. They stomped out on stage to give the crowd "Creatures For Awhile," before breaking into P-Nut's sick bass solo, then saying goodnight with "Feels So Good," off the '93 debut, Music.

Though my head may not this morning, it definitely did feel so good last night.

311 Kicks Night Off, Sets Mood For Sunfest (Palm Beach Post)

“If you ask me, this is a kick-(butt) place to put a concert,” 311 singer Nick Hexum said, his heartthrob smile beaming in the wind coming off the Intracoastal past SunFest’s pbpulse.com Stage tonight.

Why, thank you, man! We think so, too! That’s why we do it every year around this time!

The Omaha-bred reggae/rock/punk band was the headliner of the annual waterfront festival’s second New Music Night.

While they aren’t the least bit new, the fusion hitmakers (“All Mixed Up,” “Love Song,” “Come Original,” “Yellow”) certainly set the tone for the younger bands of the evening with their laid-back, cross-genre groove.


No matter what the mixture of styles, most bands today inspired that patented jam band audience dance, that’s sort of a foot-planted cha-cha, with optional head bop.

“We had a couple of days off at the beach, and we are officially recharged,” Hexum explained, which covers how the five-man band had the juice to jump straight up in the air, like musical human pogo sticks.

Among the standouts among the actually new or newish acts: Kinky, who are what Duran Duran had been had they been born in 1980s in Mexico and been huge Psychedelic Furs fans; Miami’s sublime old school hip-hop folkies Solillaquists of Sound and the oddly compelling Awesome New Republic, who are what Prince had been if he’d grown up with Talking Heads’ David Byrne and been into Steely Dan.

311 swings by south Flordia (University Press)

With a new album in stores called "Uplifter," the boys of 311 hope to have huge crowd at SunFest this year in West Palm Beach.

Their new hit single "Hey You" is now blasting on radio stations across the nation.

311's reggae-rock-sounds will kick off the SunFest festival in downtown West Palm Beach on Wednesday April 29 as they take the stage at 8:30 p.m. along with various other new bands.

"I'm really looking forward to this year's SunFest," says Kevin King, a graduate economics major. "I think it's going to have a really chill vibe, especially since 311 is playing. They've been my favorite band ever since they released their first album in 1990. Everyone should go check out their latest music."

The festival will last five days, ending on Sunday, May 3, and will also include bands such as Citizen Cope, Slightly Stoopid, Pepper, Cold War Kids, The Steve Miller Band, and G.Love & Special Sauce.

Along with various types of music, there will be other SunFest-ivities. Art shows will go on all throughout the weekend presenting works from artists all over the country.

There will also be three Captain Morgan Floating Oasis Barges on the water; one strictly serving Captain Morgan products, another featuring DJs and dance music, and a third with a southern theme highlighting dueling pianos.

At the closing of the festival on Sunday night, a firework show will be put on by Verizon Wireless. It will be one of the largest firework shows in the east coast.

Check out this local music festival next week. It should be five days filled with music, food, big crowds and great ocean views.

311, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus play St. Augustine on Thursday (Jacksonville)

311 has a new single out, a new CD coming out soon and they're on the road. Time marches on for one of rock's most popular bands. And consider this: The lineup - Nick Hexum, S. A. Martinez, Tim Mahoney, Chad Sexton and Aaron Wills - hasn't changed since 1991.

Thursday, the band plays the St. Augustine Amphitheatre with Middleburg's own Red Jumpsuit Apparatus opening.

311 came out of Nebraska, throwing white boy hip-hop in with its rock. Over the years, they've tossed bits of reggae and funk into the mix. But they've been a consistent Top 10 band for more than a decade.

The band's new album, "Uplifter," is being released Tuesday, June 2, the first new work from the band since 2005's "Don't Tread on Me." The first single, "Hey You," came out earlier this month.

It's the first time they've worked with producer Bob Rock, who has a long list of credits, including Metallica, Motley Crue, Bon Jovi and Aerosmith. Willis, who plays bass and goes by the name P-Nut, called him "the illustrious Bob Rock," and said he brought a different energy to the studio.

"I never had a producer tell me that I wasn't listening to the music when I recorded new bass lines," he said. "He's an amazing taskmaster."

And Willis is more than happy with the result.

"There wasn't that much throwing rhymes on 'Don't Tread on Me,' " Willis said. "But we're doing that more. And I think we're more comfortable with a few darker songs.

"On the radio," he said, "we can come across as a rock band who plays pop songs. But if you go to the show, there's a little more to it than that."

The funky, positive vibes of 311 (St. Augustine)

It's been nearly two decades since five guys from Omaha, Neb. came together to form a hybrid band of rock, reggae and hip-hop. 311, named after the Nebraska police code for indecent exposure, consists of singer/guitarist Nick Hexum, singer/DJ SA Martinez, lead guitarist Tim Mahoney, drummer Chad Sexton and bassist P-Nut. Friends since high school, the multi-platinum quintet's success and longevity can be attributed to a slow-growth, grassroots development including constant touring and a no-defeat attitude.

The Omaha-natives have sold more than 8.3 million albums (in the U.S. alone) and had numerous Top 10 Billboard singles like "Down," "Love Song" and "Don't Tread On Me." The guys are currently on a U.S. tour in support of their ninth studio album, Uplifter, set for a late spring release via Volcano/Jive Records.


Five Quick Questions with 311 bassist, P-Nut:

Compass: How's the tour going?

P-Nut: Great. We're on our fifth show I believe, so hitting our stride I hope.

Compass: What's the best part of playing music for a living?

P-Nut: That's hard. I mean there would be many many things. I met my wife while I was on the road, so that's one.

Compass: The band celebrates 311 day (March 11th). How was it this year?

P-Nut: We celebrate 311 day on every even number year, so this year we just did a bunch of interviews and just got mentally prepared for going out on the road this time.

Compass: When you helped form the band, did you ever think this would be a 20-year-long gig?

P-Nut No. I don't think anybody could've thought that. I'm sure we all hoped it just because we all enjoyed and still do enjoy being around each other so much and playing songs and seeing what the next step will take us.

Compass: 311 is a hybrid of multiple genres. Are there any sounds you would like the band to explore that you haven't?

P-Nut: Um, I don't think so. I don't know if there's a style that I think we haven't hit that I would enjoy. I mean it would be fun to play with an orchestra some time.

5 Quick Facts About 311 (Palm Beach Post)

After 21 years together, 311 can hardly be called new.

Yet the Omaha, Neb., reggae/punk/hip-hop/alternative band, which headlines SunFest’s opening New Music Night on Wednesday, is very much an influence on the fusion-friendly style heard at festivals across the country.

And it’s very much in the spirit of a lot of the younger bands appearing at SunFest. Here are five things you need to know about them, courtesy of bassist Aaron Wills, also known as P-Nut.

1. They’re aware that Nebraska doesn’t scream “hotbed of reggae”: “On paper, it comes off, ‘Here are these five guys from Omaha, mostly European guys, genetically speaking.’ But what was cool was that our touring crowd was generally a college crowd, getting their first taste of freedom, staying out late and seeing what this band was about. Those people are in a place of freedom, and more ready to accept a multifaceted band faster than the general public. We can draw 10,000 people a night in the larger cities, but we still have yet to hit the ball out of the park, make it a slam dunk. We still have room to grow.”

2. Most bands would love growth just like 311: They’ve had several albums in the Top 15 of Billboard’s Hot 200 chart, and five Top 5 hits on Billboard’s Modern Rock Tracks chart, including Down, All Mixed Up and their cover of The Cure’s Love Song.

3. Their new album, Uplifter, is their first in four years: It follows 2005′s Don’t Tread On Me and was recorded at Burbank, Calif.’s Ocean Studio, where the band recorded its first album. “It was great coming back to it after 18 years of success,” P-Nut says. “When we were first there, we were hoping the experiment would work. We were happy to come back.”

4. They’re about to embark on yet another of their summer “Unity” tours, featuring bands that have influenced them, as well as those they’ve influenced: “We really love the opportunity of having such a long career, and we have the fan base (that makes it possible) to play around with these bands and this attitude. It’s always gonna feel really good.”

5. Their next goal is international domination: “We see this as a worldwide market. We want to reach out to more people in general, more Canadians, more Argentinians, more Asians. And I want a plaque from another country,” P-Nut says. “A Canadian gold record would be so cool.”

311 is Underrated! (Miami Times)

For the better part of two decades, 311 has been cranking out album after album and trotting almost nonstop around the globe. Of the band's eight previous albums, four went gold, one went platinum, and one triple-platinum. And oh yeah, it had seven singles that hit the Top 10 on Billboard's Modern Rock charts.

So why isn't 311 a household name?

It doesn't seem like all that long ago that I was a hyper middle-schooler jamming to "Down" and "All Mixed Up" in a friend's garage. Now, as 311 releases a new album and sets off on a new tour, the older, wiser version of myself has to say... not much has changed.

Fuck it. I'll come out and declare it: 311 is one of the greatest bands gigging today. Period. They pretty much define the word underrated.

The five-piece band was born of humble beginnings in 1990. Their hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, had been a hub for black jazz musicians in the 1920s, but during the post-metal, pre-Conor Oberst era, before Bruce Springsteen had named an album after the Cornhusker State, the sonic landscape was bleak. 311's sound — a psychedelic rock/reggae/funk hybrid, full of crunchy guitars but embellished with positive lyrics, a neo-hippie vibe, and sounds from a DJ who is a core part of the band — didn't exactly set Nebraska on fire.

So in 1992, the band stored all of its belongings and pursued a life on the road, garnering... well, almost no recognition from media and the record industry. Not until nearly a year after putting out their third album — titled 311 — did guitarist/ singer Nick Hexum, DJ/singer SA Martinez, guitarist Tim Mahoney, drummer Chad Sexton, and bassist P-Nut finally see their band climb the sales and airplay charts.

Nowadays, that's ancient history. Once the band bit down on success with its self-titled chart topper, it didn't let go, following up with one album after another of mixed feel-good grooves and hard rockers. There was the '97 release, Transistor. There was the last studio album in 2005, Don't Tread on Me. And there were gems such as From Chaos and Evolver in the middle. So what if not all of them got played nonstop on the Buzz?

On June 2, 311 will release its ninth studio album, Uplifter, which comes after a four-year break in recording.

"It's been a few years since we've had any new material, but the time was right," says S.A. Martinez, checking in by phone from the road. "It was a decision to not put anything out for several reasons, but chiefly just to recharge the creative juices. And I think the result was that this release is packed with the best material we've come up with in a really long time."

That's a bold statement, considering that the band's last offering, Don't Tread, became the favorite record among many of the band's hard-core fans — even though it didn't go gold or platinum like earlier releases. Instant cult hits included the Top 10 title track, plus "Frolic Room," "Solar Flare," and "Thank Your Lucky Stars."

But Martinez says 311 won't disappoint fans with the new disc. In fact, as the title implies, it'll be an uplifter.

Sending a positive message is "something that we're known for," Martinez says proudly, explaining the name. "I think there's a little overcast on the American soul right now. And music is something very special that makes everything seem all right. Music is such an ethereal vibe. You can't hold it, it's just vibrations. But it touches our core and that's important. Music is that charge to our life."

Bob Rock, known for his work with acts such as Metallica, Bon Jovi, Mötley Crüe, and Offspring, produced the album. It marks a departure for the group, which has long worked with producer Ron Saint Germain.

Rock "brought a new cohesion, I think, to the band," Martinez says. "He really got more ideas from everyone, more nuances, all the little things that make for that extra mojo. We've never worked with anyone quite like him."

But the influence of a new producer need not intimidate purists. The band's signature style is alive and well, Martinez promises. "It's got our 311 sound, without question, but they're new songs. It's hard to talk about what's different from the last [record] because inherently it's the same group of guys working together again. But just as every moment is different, so is every song you put out. They're new songs that I think are really going to appeal to our base and a wider audience as well."

The fan base is intact largely because the bandmates tour ridiculously. They venture on the road every summer, whether or not they have an album to promote. And although they might not have the noodly sound of, say, Widespread Panic or Phish, they do have a jam-band-style tendency to improvise onstage. Sometimes they launch into a cappella versions of their songs. Other times, they throw in some random covers. In the past, they've created a drum line — with each band member on steel drums. The surprises make every show a unique event. "Touring's been the bread and butter for our band," Martinez says. "That's where it counts. It's a natural extension of what we are."

Every other year, the touring culminates in "3-11 Day," held in New Orleans — when else? — March 11. Thousands of fans from around the country and the globe unite for a three-day celebration that emphasizes unity, positivity, and tearing up the stage. Last year's show turned into a five-hour event with a 63-song set list. Even the mayor officially proclaimed it 3-11 Day.

This year, 311's spring tour has already kicked off and will keep the band members on the road until mid-May, when they take a two-week break before embarking on their legendary summer run. South Florida fans will get a chance to partake of some 311 goodness April 29, when the guys come to West Palm to headline the first day of SunFest.

The Summer Unity Tour then kicks off in June. In past years, the band's supporting acts have included the Wailers, the Roots, Papa Roach, O.A.R., Matisyahu, and Snoop Dogg. This year, Ziggy Marley is coming along.

"Our music, I think, lends itself to a wide variety of styles and genres," Martinez says. "The live show has always been something that people really got into once they experienced it. That's always kinda been our MO, you know — just a great live show."

In the end, it's all about that constant underlying message. As singer Nick Hexum is known for saying at the close of shows: "Stay positive and love your life."

311 ready to uplift the stage with new songs for Charleston crowd (The Post and Courier)

Their music has been described as a fusion of hip-hop, reggae and funk all rooted in alternative rock.

Nick Hexum, Doug "S.A." Martinez, Tim Mahoney, Aaron "P-Nut" Willis and Chad Sexton make up the band, 311.

So it may seem like an odd pairing for the five Omaha, Neb., natives to work with record producer Bob Rock, whose catalog of material includes albums from bands such as Metallica and Motley Crue, Bon Jovi, The Cult, Veruca Salt and Simple Plan.

"Uplifter," the band's ninth studio album, is the heaviest of its career. However, the members all seem equally enchanted by the experience of having worked with the veteran producer.

The band cited Rock's knowledge and ideas as staggering. They also referred to the Canadian-born producer as a "walking encyclopedia."

"He's brilliant," Hexum said about Rock. "He's a good listener. His work with so many other bands has taught him how to cooperate well, and it's been a good influence on us."

"We've really grown as a band," Mahoney added, "and, hopefully, it shows on this album."

Willis also added that it was working with Rock that allowed 311 to actualize "the best album we are capable of."

"Uplifter," due to be released June 2, is a collection of 11 songs that inspires power.

"This album will crush," said Willis, after spending the better part of the last 12 months preparing the album, stopping only for last summer's Unity Tour.

Although it might be a sonic departure from previous efforts, "Uplifter" reflects the state of mind its members were in while they made it. Along with themes that deal with personal struggle, there is resolution.

It's been three years since their last studio release, but one constant has been their relentless touring schedule, which longtime fans have come to appreciate.

"On the touring front," said Martinez, "well, you know how we do. We're going to bring it and rock and continue to refine. Transforming as always with substance and style because it is real and there is no way to stop it."

"Music is our constant companion," Hexum said.

311 is Underrated! (Broward / Palm Beach)

For the better part of two decades, 311 has been cranking out album after album and trotting almost nonstop around the globe. Of the band's eight albums, four went gold, one went platinum and one triple platinum. And oh yeah, it had seven singles that hit the Top 10 on Billboard's Modern Rock charts.

It doesn't seem like all that long ago that I was a hyper middle-schooler jamming to "Down" and "All Mixed Up" in a friend's garage. Now, as 311 releases a new album and sets off on a new tour, the older, wiser version of myself has to say... not much has changed.

Fuck it. I'll come out and declare it: 311 is one of the greatest bands gigging today. Period. It pretty much defines the word underrated.

The five-piece band was born of humble beginnings in 1990. Its hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, had been a hub for black jazz musicians in the 1920s, but during the post-metal, pre-Conor Oberst era, before Bruce Springsteen had named an album after the Cornhusker state, the sonic landscape was bleak. 311's sound — a psychedelic rock/reggae/funk hybrid, full of crunchy guitars but embellished with positive lyrics, a neohippie vibe, and sounds from a DJ who is a core part of the band — didn't exactly set Nebraska on fire.

So in 1992, the band stored all its belongings and pursued a life on the road, garnering... well, almost no recognition from media and the record industry. It wasn't until nearly a year after putting out its third album — titled 311 — that guitarist/ singer Nick Hexum, DJ/singer S.A. Martinez, guitarist Tim Mahoney, drummer Chad Sexton, and bassist P-Nut finally saw their band climb the sales and airplay charts.

Nowadays, that's ancient history. Once the band bit down on success with its self-titled chart-topper, it didn't let go, following up with one album after another of mixed feel-good grooves and hard rockers. There was the '97 release, Transistor. There was the last studio album in 2005, Don't Tread on Me. And there were gems like From Chaos and Evolver in the middle. So what if not all of them got played nonstop on the Buzz?

On June 2, 311 will release its ninth studio album, Uplifter, which comes after a four-year break in recording.

"It has been a few years since we've had any new material, but the time was right," says Martinez, checking in by phone from the road. "It was a decision to not put anything out for several reasons but chiefly just to recharge the creative juices. And I think the result was that this release is packed with the best material we've come up with in a really long time."

That's a bold statement, considering that Don't Tread became the favorite record of many of the band's hardcore fans — even though it didn't go gold or platinum like earlier releases. Instant cult hits included the Top 10 title track, plus "Frolic Room," "Solar Flare," and "Thank Your Lucky Stars."

But Martinez says 311 won't disappoint fans with the new disc. In fact, as the title implies, it'll be an Uplifter.

Sending a positive message is "something that we're known for," Martinez says proudly, explaining the name. "I think there's a little overcast on the American soul right now. And music is something very special that makes everything seem all right. Music is such an ethereal vibe. You can't hold it; it's just vibrations. But it touches our core, and that's important. Music is that charge to our life."

The album was produced by Bob Rock, known for his work with Metallica, Bon Jovi, Mötley Crüe, and the Offspring. It marks a departure for the group, which has long worked with producer Ron Saint Germain.

Rock "brought a new cohesion, I think, to the band," says Martinez. "He really got more ideas from everyone, more nuances, all the little things that make for that extra mojo. We've never worked with anyone quite like him."

But the influence of a new producer need not intimidate purists. The band's signature style is alive and well, Martinez promises. "It's got our 311 sound without question, but they're new songs. It's hard to talk about what's different from the last [record] because inherently it's the same group of guys working together again. But just as every moment is different, so is every song you put out. They're new songs that I think are really going to appeal to our base and a wider audience as well."

The fan base is intact largely because 311 tours ridiculously. It ventures on the road every summer, whether or not it has an album to promote. And although it may not have the noodly sound of, say, Widespread Panic or Phish, the band has a jam-band-style tendency to improvise on stage. Sometimes, the guys launch into a cappella versions of their songs. Other times, they'll throw in some random covers. In the past, they've created a drum line — with each band member on steel drums. The surprises make every show unique. "Touring's been the bread and butter for our band," says Martinez. "That's where it counts. It's a natural extension of what we are."

Every other year, the touring culminates in "3-11 Day," held in New Orleans on — when else? — March 11. Thousands of fans from around the country and the globe unite for a three-day celebration that empathizes unity, positivity, and tearing up the stage. Last year turned into a five-hour event with a 63-song set list. Even the mayor officially proclaimed it "3-11 Day. "

This year, 311's spring tour has already kicked off and will keep the band on the road until mid-May, when it takes a two-week break before embarking on its legendary summer run. South Florida fans will get a chance to partake of some 311 goodness on April 29, when the guys come to West Palm to headline the first day of SunFest.

The Summer Unity Tour then kicks off in June. In past years, the band's supporting acts have included the Wailers, the Roots, Papa Roach, O.A.R., Matisyahu, and Snoop Dogg. This year, Ziggy Marley is coming along.

"Our music, I think, lends itself to a wide variety of styles and genres," says Martinez. "The live show's always been something that people really got into once they experienced it. That's always kinda been our M.O. — you know, just a great live show."

In the end, it's all about that constant underlying message. As singer Hexum is known for saying at the close of shows, "Stay positive, and love your life."

Not by the numbers: 311's upcoming album marks a new attitude for the band

The world might not have expected 311 to have lasted for nearly 20 years, but it isn't a surprise to the band members.

"We've focused on longevity for most of our career," says 311 bassist Aaron Wills, better known as P-Nut. "We've taken a record budget and we've put it into real estate and made our own studio where we rehearse and store our equipment. We have meetings there. We can write songs there and we've recorded our albums there for at least 10 years. Why spend all of your record budget on things that won't last?" The Nebraska-born band became college favorites in the early 1990s with an eclectic blend of rock, pop, rap and reggae. The group was one of the successes of the newly revived Capricorn Records, which had also signed Col. Bruce Hampton and the Aquarium Rescue Unit, Widespread Panic, Cake and an aspiring country artist named Kenny Chesney.


The roots of the band stretch back to two Omaha high schools. Future 311 members Nick Hexum, Tim Mahoney and Chad Sexton all went to Westside High School, and Wills and Doug "SA" Martinez knew each other from attending Bryan High School. Hexum, Mahoney and Sexton played together in Westside's jazz band and Hexum and Mahoney also played together in a rock band called the Ed's, and later the three performed in a group called Unity.

After most of Unity returned from an unsuccessful bid at making it in Los Angeles, members began jamming with Wills and guitarist Jim Watson. On June 10, 1990, the group opened for Fugazi. It was Watson who was responsible for the group's name: He had been arrested for skinny dipping, and the Omaha police code for indecent exposure was 311.

When Watson left the group in 1991, Mahoney was brought in on lead guitar and Martinez was added on vocals and turntables.

The group created produced self-released albums before signing with Capricorn in 1992. It was the group's third disc (self-titled) with Capricorn that made 311 college-radio stars. The song "Down" began a string of modern-rock hits that continued through the decade. The group also began touring incessantly, although in the past few years 311 has cut back.

"We've done it enough times so that it feels like home to be on the road to a certain degree," says Wills. "We've made it a very comfortable situation. We're not loading up our own equipment. We're not struggling just to get chicken and light beer, which we were probably doing the first time we came to Knoxville. Then it was like, 'It would be nice to get a good meal, but we'll go for chicken and light beer, because that's what they're offering' or 'It would be nice to put some money in our pockets, but we've got to put gas in the van.' It makes for iron-clad memories and we'll never forget how we came up as a touring band." The group will release a new album in June. Wills says it's the product of a band with a new attitude.

"The last two albums, we had just gotten into a routine and we weren't always thrilled with how things were going. We sort of said, 'Well this is as good as it's going to get.' " Producer Bob Rock helped the band communicate better, and Wills says the result can be heard on the album.

"Even in a positive band things can be tough," says Wills. "In the present tense we're just thrilled about working together and what we came up with. ... This album is called 'Uplifter,' and we're going to take everyone along with us."

311's Chad Sexton Switches to Pearl (DrummerTalk)

In a victory for drumming purists everywhere, Pearl has announced that 311′s Chad Sexton has left his former company (Orange County Drums and Percussion) for greener pastures. Having endorsed Pearl’s hardware for awhile, he finally saw the light and wisely left ODCP. No brainer to me. Go Chad!


Pearl Drums is very proud to announce their newest addition to their artist roster, Chad Sexton of 311. As we all know, 311 is one of the premier acts of our time with a career spanning over 19 years and receiving multiple platinum and gold albums worldwide. 311 is set to release their latest installment to their legendary career with their new album “Uplifter” whose deluxe version includes an 80 minute documentary titled, “The Road to 311 Day”. Uplifter, which was produced by Bob Rock (Metallica, Bon Jovi, Motley Crue, Aerosmith), is scheduled to drop on June 2nd and their first single off the album, “Hey You” hits the airwaves on April 17th.

Chad Sexton is no stranger to the Pearl family. Being a long time Pearl Hardware endorsee, Chad recognized the company for its service and support of its artists, as well as the quality and dependability of Pearl Drums. Drumming in a major International act can put a heavy strain, and much demand, on your equipment each night. Being the leader in innovation and technology, Pearl has found a way to not only provide fantastic sounding drums, but also to make those drums durable and dependable every time you sit down behind them. Chad recognizes this, the same way 311 fans and drummers around the world recognize Chad’s unforgettable snare tone that he has obtained from his Pearl Free-Floating snare used throughout his tenure with 311. Those same renowned tones that have backed 311 for years are still prominent today with the upcoming release of “Uplifter”.

311 is starting back up where they left off, dominating the charts, traveling the world, and selling out amphitheatres on a nightly basis. The band is gearing up to embark on their spring tour from April 15-May 16, and their annual Summer Unity Tour which runs from June 3-July 12. Tickets and other information about the upcoming tours, and more information about “Uplifter” can be found at www.311.com or www.myspace.com/311. “Uplifter” hits stores on June 2nd so be sure to go out and pick up a copy wherever music is sold.

Song Review 311, "Hey You" (Spin)

Remember 311? Those five dudes from Omaha, NE, who blasted onto the charts in the mid-'90s with their stoner-friendly, reggae-meets-rap-rock tunes like "Down" and "Beautiful Disaster"? Well, a decade later they're still at it, and (thanks be to Jah!) they haven't changed a bit -- just check out their brand new tune "Hey You" below!

The lead single from their ninth studio album, Uplifter (out June 2), "Hey You" draws from 311's characteristic sound: a wall of electric guitars taper off into a reggae staccato, raps from Douglas "SA" Martinez, and a verse buoyed by Nick Hexum's dreamy, upbeat croon that praises his lifelong companion, music.

But there's an important addition to the formula: Go-to rock/metal producer Bob Rock (Metallica, the Offspring), who toughens the track's hardest rockin' sections while keeping its smooth, Caribbean influences warm and mellow. Irie, indeed!


Catch 311 on tour this summer. See all dates below.

311 tour dates:
4/15, Tucson, AZ (Rialto Theatre)
4/16, Albuquerque, NM (Sunshine Theatre)
4/18, Iowa City, IA (Univ. of Iowa Field House)
4/19, Wichita, KS (The Cotillion)
4/21, Knoxville, TN (Valarium)
4/22, Myrtle Beach, SC (House of Blues)
4/23, Charleston, SC (Music Farm)
4/25, Orlando, FL (Earth Day Festival)
4/26, Clearwater, FL (Ruth Eckerd Hall)
4/29, West Palm Beach, FL (Sunfest)
4/30, St. Augustine, FL (St. Augustine Amphitheatre)
5/1, Birmingham, AL (Crawfish Festival)
5/3, Memphis, TN (Beale Street Music Fest)
5/4, Asheville, NC (Orange Peel)
5/5, Asheville, NC (Orange Peel)
5/7, Bossier City, LA (Riverdome at Harrah’s Casino)
5/8, Orange Beach, AL (Amphitheatre at the Wharf)
5/12, Austin, TX (Music Hall)
5/14, Tulsa, OK (Cains Ballroom)
5/15, Springfield, MO (Shrine Mosque)

Summer tour w/ Ziggy Marley
6/5, Santa Barbara, CA (Santa Barbara Bowl)
6/7, Eugene, OR (Cuthbert Ampitheatre)
6/8, Seattle, WA (WaMu Theatre)
6/11, Salt Lake City, UT (Usana Amphitheatre)
6/12, Denver, CO (Red Rocks Amphitheatre)
6/14, Chicago, IL (Charter One Pavilion)
6/16, Cleveland, OH (Time Warner Amphitheatre)
6/17, Columbus, OH (Lifestyles Communities Pavilion)
6/19, Detroit, MI (Freedom Hill)
6/20, Cincinnati, OH (Riverbend Amphitheatre)
6/21, Indianapolis, IN (The Lawns)
6/23, Saratoga, NY (SPAC)
6/24, Boston, MA (Comcast Center)
6/25, New York, NY (Central Park Summerstage)
6/27, Holmdel, NJ (PNC Bank Art Center)
6/28, Washington DC (Nissan Pavilion)
6/30, Philadelphia, PA (Penns Landing)
7/1, Virginia Beach, VA (Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre)
7/3, Charlotte, NC Verizon (Wireless Amphitheatre)
7/4, Atlanta, GA (Lakewood Amphitheatre)
7/5, Raleigh, NC (Walnut Creek Amphitheatre)
7/7, St. Louis, MO (Verizon Amphitheatre)
7/10, Phoenix, AZ (Dodge Theatre)
7/11, San Diego, CA (Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre)
7/12, Irvine, CA (Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre)

Nick With the Manno Brothers (Q101, Chicago)