311 are a long way from Omaha, Nebraska.
The hugely popular reggae rock quintet of: Nick Hexum - vocals, Doug “S.A.” Martinez - vocals / DJ, Aaron “P-Nut” Wills - bass, Tim Mahoney - guitar, and Chad Sexton - drums, have become synonymous with summer parties since they left the farm to re-plant their roots firmly into California soil and beaches back in ‘92.
Returning to rock Bakersfield on Wednesday, June 3, at the Bakersfield Fox, at 8 p.m., the band is primed for a big return to radio and more importantly - house parties across the country.
Most fans might recall an introduction to 311’s music with the band’s self-titled ‘95 breakout CD, aka the “Blue” album and hits like “Down” and “All Mixed Up.” That disc would open the floodgates for the endless 311 summer.
Consistently kicking out hit after hit for loyal audiences from Cali to Maine, 331 is a “fan’s band”, staying on the radar with original music, plus the occasional cover tune. Their version of The Cure’s “Love Song” recorded for the Adam Sandler ‘04 comedy, “50 First Dates,” became an instant hit on both radio and MTV.
Now celebrating more than 20 years together, and an impressive recording catalog (9 studio albums, one live recording,) the band is ready to unleash their 11th full-length CD on June 2. Titled, “Uplifter,” the band is confident about another big year.
Bakotopia spoke with 311’s Martinez, 39, via-telephone from his SoCal home for a look back at the band’s early days, and the importance of staying true to your roots.
When I first discovered 311 with “Grassroots” in ‘94, I immediately assumed you were a California band stylistically, not from Nebraska. What’s the Omaha music scene like?
M: When we were starting in Omaha, in the early ‘90s, there was a really vibrant scene happening. We were one of about a dozen bands making some local waves. There was a friendly atmosphere of “one-upmanship,” trying to have the best show possible and bringing in the most people.
Back then, the Internet really wasn’t around, and there weren’t any social networking sites around. I’m sure there were a lot of scenes happening like that around the country, but Omaha was cool, and had great places to play at. We even created spaces to play at - there’s a lot of farms in Nebraska where you can set-up and have a nice party.
What were those early days like - moving to LA, the struggles, and then the fame - 311 is one of the hottest band’s around?
M: It was an interesting process. After we had just moved to LA in ‘92, we started going to the clubs there and got exposed to a lot of the cool dancehall (reggae music’) and hip-hop that was coming out and really taking to that.
We moved into one house, having never lived together up to that point, then we’re thrust all together into one space.
We had a ritual everyday where we were practicing at noon for an hour everyday. We got gigs around LA. At the same time, we were nurturing this relationship we were having with a few labels to get signed. We landed our record deal in February of ‘92, and our record came out in ‘93. So there was a lot going on at that point.
Looking back, we didn't “blow-up” or have a huge single at all from the first record. So that really allowed us to tour around and just gather a following based off of the live show. People wanted to see us through word of mouth and not through something that they’d been hearing on the radio a billion times. So, we were lucky in that sense - it was a real natural growth period for a new band.
311’s music embodies the whole “California” vibe, laid back, attitude.
M: Yeah, especially when you look back at all of our early influences - Fishbone, the Chili Peppers, and a lot of the punk bands from SoCal, went into the aesthetic of what made 311. Moving here definitely shaped us in different ways, then had we stayed in Omaha or have gone east. Different sensibilities, musically, it just feels better. I’ll take Southern California any day over Omaha. (laughs)
What’s a 311 writing session like?
M: There’s some collaboration, and individual songwriting. But at the end of the day, everyone adds their own element to a song. Everyone’s got an unmistakably distinct flavor, and that’s what really makes great bands. It’s a combination of great talent and trying things out and common ground to agree - great communication.
How has the band adjusted to a different music industry & economy, compared to the “Blue” album period of ‘95?
M: For us, over time it’s only gotten better. We have a new album coming out, and it’s deepening our catalog right there. Our catalog is deep to begin with.
In ‘96, ‘97, I remember listening to some radio shows online and I though that was cool. That was a different time period - before big Internet impact on sales of records and just presence online anyway. Literally baby stages, there wasn’t YouTube, etc…
Even with travelling. Just today we were talking about, “What would life be without our laptops, and cell phones, on the road?”
Back then, once you got to the venue, you immediately went to the production office because they had the phone there. We used to cram around the phone. cell phones were around, but they were prevalent. Now, they’re everywhere. There’s so much that has blown up. It’s a whole new world.
Tell us about the new 311 album coming out on June 2?
M: Working with producer Bob Rock (Metallica, The Offspring), has given new life to the band.
The other day I was listening to some of the other records. I hadn’t listened to ‘93s “Music” in awhile. Production on that is freaking awesome. Our first producer Eddie Offord, did the classic YES albums and what not, but it was like old school ways of doing things in the studio.
Fast forward from ‘92-93 to now, and here we have Bob Rock, esteemed producer in his own right, and what he’s done with us is to me some of our best work on record since ‘93-’93! (laughs)
I think “Music” is our best sounding record. I love all of our albums, but that one to me has always set the bar. Before, when you mixed records, you weren’t mixing for your iPod. It's a different era. Overtime music has gotten squashed - the files … there was different compression used back then and records sounded different. In this era, Bob Rock has really made this music just pop, big time.
Do you prefer analog recording over digital?
M: I love the way analog albums sound, but if someone in this day and age can make records sound great using production methods that are now prevalent, then great.
There’s definitely the signature 311 sound on this record, but it just might be our level of ease or comfort with one another. There is a difference in sound for sure, but I can’t seem to put it into words.
Our fans are not going to be disappointed. If this album is not included in top-3 fan favorites of all-time, I’ll be surprised. It’s a strong record.
What are the forces that keep 311 going?
M: What keeps a band like us together is that it’s about the music. There are a lot of great things in life that I love, but music is probably at the top in my book. And that’s the way it is in the band. Music is a big part of our lives, and that’s why we love it, and that why people come to see us and why we love going to shows and the music we like hearing. It has that kind of impact on our lives - those vibrations, those sounds. It's nothing you can hold tangibly, but it does touch your soul in a deep, deep, way. If it comes to a point where it's not about the music, then the band's over (laughs.)
Some bands just aren’t working at this level anymore. We’ve been blessed with a great fan base that supports us and we have a great time doing what we do and understand the meaning behind it, and why it’s important.
We got music and we got Mexican food. That’s me man. That’s my life and I love it like that. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I have a funny “small world” moment to tell you about. I sat right next to you and your guitarist Tim Mahoney at the Jane's Addiction “Relapse Tour” show, at the Olympic in LA in ‘97.
M: No way! I totally remember that show!
What can Bakersfield fans expect from your show on June 3?
M: We’re gonna bring it like we always bring it, playing the songs people have come to hear, and it’s gonna be a big party. Everyone who comes out in Bakersfield is gonna enjoy it too.
BAKOTOPIA welcomes...
311 - Live!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Fox Theater, 2001 H St.
8pm / $35 - SPECIAL $20 SEATS AVAILABLE!
www.vallitix.com
661-322-5200
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