311 releasing new album, Universal Pulse, July 14th (Rock It Out!)

The summer unofficially kicks off this weekend and 311 has heard the call. Which is why, on July 14th, they’re releasing their newest album, Universal Pulse. Up top is the album cover which is a bit…ambitious? Absurd? Trippy! That’s the word I’m looking for because apparently, according to this Omaha band, the universal pulse involves a ram’s head.

The first single, “Sunset in July,” will be available to download on June 14th. And then, of course, you’ve got the Unity tour which features 311 touring North America with Sublime With Rome from July 6 to August 27. All the dates can be found at 311′s website along with ticket info.

311 debut cover are for July 19th release Universal Pulse (KikAxeMusic)

311 have just revealed the cover artwork for their new album UNIVERSAL PULSE. Set for release on July 19th, the band will celebrate the new record by joining forces with SUBLIME w/Rome for the 2011 Unity Tour which will run July-August. Get the dates for that right here, and check out the new cover artwork below. The band promises more details and pre-order options will hit the net in the very near future.

311 announces new album, Universal Pulse (Consquence of Sound)

We’re still waiting on word of the lineup for 311’s Pow Wow Festival (The Dirty Heads and future 311 tourmates Sublime with Rome have been announced), but the reggae-fused rockers have already given fans something else to look forward to this summer. Their tenth studio album, Universal Pulse, will drop July 19th via ATO Records. The band just revealed the above Photoshop-fiasco album art via their Facebook page.

Not much is known about the album, save that it will be produced by the same man who took the title on their last effort, Bob Rock. Only 8 tracks made the final list, making Universal Pulse the band’s shortest record to date. No full tracklist has been confirmed yet, though “Timebomb” and “Wild Nights” were previewed on the band’s Caribbean Cruise back in March. The first single, “Sunset in July,” has been announced for a June 14th debut.

Keep it here for that track and the full listing as it becomes available. For now, put a note on July 19th in your iCal, and check out 311 on tour beginning July 6th.

The Summer of 311 (Digital Hippos)

It's going to be a busy summer for the boys of 311. The Omaha natives will be spreading themselves very thin with not only a new album but with a new tour AND a new festival. According to the band's website, the latest album, entitled Universal Pulse, the group's 10th studio album, is getting the finishing touches and is scheduled for a July 19 release. The -- we're going to call it "interesting" -- cover art is courtesy of visual artist Sonny Kay and can also be seen in a 12-page booklet included in the CD package. Information on pre-orders are coming soon and can be purchased via the 311 website.

In addition to the new album, 311 will be assisting you in feeling that summer vibe with the start of the Unity Tour 2011, sharing the stage with Sublime with Rome. The tour will kick off July 6 in Wichita, Kansas and will be making its way across the country with stops in Chicago, Omaha and Denver. For a complete list of tour dates and ticket sale information for the Unity Tour, visit 311.com

In case you don't think the new album and tour will be enough to satisfy your 311 craving, the band has joined the long list of "artists who started a festival" group with the announcement of the Pow Wow Festival. The three day event of "music, camping and community" will take place on August 4, 5 and 6 in northern Florida and is set to feature two stages with great bands, along with other outdoor activities (whatever that means). The best part? Aside from a guaranteed contact high, 311 will be playing a total of four sets throughout the duration of the festival, one of which is promised to be the band performing their 1997 album Transistor in it's entirety.

For all your Pow Wow information head on over to Powwowfest.com and to Livenation.com for tickets.

New 311 Release Date! (The Pier)

311 has announced that they will be releasing their twelfth studio album on ATO Records on July 19th, 2011. The band has said that the name of their next release will be called Universal Pulse. The album was produced by Bob Rock, (Metallica, Aerosmith, Mötley Crüe,The Offspring) and it was recorded at 311′s own personal studio, The Hive, in North Hollywood, CA.

The albums first single will be released on June 14th, titled Sunset in July. Other confirmed track titles for the new album are Timebomb & Wild Nights, which they debuted on their Caribbean Cruise earlier this year. It is said that this will be the shortest album yet, only having 8 songs and no b-sides. Nick Hexum said that the new album will have a more “focused” approach with a heavier sound featuring distorted guitars on every song.

On Universal Pulse, Nick Hexum says, The title is a nod to the ideology of unity through music and its collective energy. P-Nut adds, We are interconnected, music is our bridge.

This is 311′s first release since 2009′s Uplifter. Be a part of the Universal Pulse…..

You can catch 311 on their Summer Unity Tour playing alongside Sublime with Rome and that tour starts July 8th. Both 311 & Sublime with Rome will be promoting their new releases as Sublime with Rome plans on releasing their new album Yours Truly on July 12th.

311 & Sublime with Rome Tour
July 8 – Bonner Springs, KS @ Capitol Federal Park at Sandstone
July 9 – St. Louis, MO @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
July 12 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
July 13 – Detroit, MI @ DTE Energy Music Theater
July 14 – Chicago, IL @ Charter One Pavilion at Northerly Island
July 16 – Cincinnati, OH @ Riverbend Music Center
July 17 – Columbus, OH @ Lifestyles Community Pavilion
July 21 – Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Art Center
July 22 – Wantagh, NY @ Nikon at Jones Beach Amphitheatre
July 23 – Boston, MA @ Comcast Center
July 25 – Bethel, NY @ Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
July 26 – Philadelphia, PA @ Penn’s Landing
July 28 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Farm Bureau Live at VA Beach
July 29 – Washington, DC @ Jiffy Lube Live (Nissan Pavilion)
July 30 – Atlanta, GA @ Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood
Aug 1 – Charlotte, NC @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Aug 2 – Raleigh, NC @ Time Warner Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek
Aug 4 – Live Oak, FL @ Pow Wow Festival / Suwannee Music Park
Aug 5 – Live Oak, FL @ Pow Wow Festival / Suwannee Music Park
Aug 6 – Live Oak, FL @ Pow Wow Festival / Suwannee Music Park
Aug 11 – Lake Charles, LA @ L’Auberge Du Lac Casino
Aug 12 – Houston, TX @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Aug 13 – Dallas, TX @ GEXA Energy Pavilion
Aug 14 – Austin, TX @ The Backyard
Aug 16 – Denver, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Aug 17 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Usana Amphitheatre
Aug 19 - San Diego, CA @ Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre
Aug 20 – Irvine, CA @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Aug 21 – Santa Barbara, CA @ Santa Barbara Bowl
Aug 23 – San Francisco, CA @ Shoreline Amphitheatre at Mountain View
Aug 25 – Eugene, OR @ Cuthbert Amphitheatre
Aug 26 – Seattle, WA @ Marymoor Amphitheatre

311 Reveals New Album Cover (The Pier)

Taken from the groups Facebook page, 311 debuted the captivating album cover for their new album, Universal Pulse, out July 19th! Visual artist Sonny Kay designed the cover and cd package, featuring a 12 page booklet! SA chimes in, “I absolutely LOVE the artwork!!! Dopest cover we’ve ever had.”

Get ready for some great summer jams! Stay tuned for Pre Order options (including special contest prizes!). CD, Digital, Vinyl & Combo packages will be available.

311 – Universal Pulse out July 19…the countdown is on!

What are your thoughts on 311′s new album cover? Love it? Hate it? Let us know your thoughts by posting freely inside our very own custom Pier Forum where you can network with other fans from the community!

311 - Sunset in July (Music Remedy)

It will definitely be a "Sunset In July" for 311's fans. The twelfth album 'Universal Pulse' is set to be released on July 19th. Already two songs, "Timebomb" and "Wild Nights", were announced and now the first single "Sunset In July".

As of yet the song is not available for streaming, sorry for the confusion.

Rock artist 311 will release the new single "Sunset In July" on June 14, 2011. Dude, we are enjoying "Sunset In July" (a Thumbs Up)! Wait a minute, this song has not even been released yet and we already have it on our 'must'-list! Wow, this song has not even been released yet. It won't be long before everyone is talking about it. So don't wait and be the first.

I give it 4½ of 5 stars.

Interview with Nick Hexum of 311 (Hard Rock Reviews)

"Stay positive and love your life."

These words, which are spoken at the end of each 311 concert by lead singer/guitarist Nick Hexum, exemplify what the band is all about. For the past 21 years, their music hasn't belonged to any genre or type, it's merely been what it was always intended to be, 311 music. 8.5 million units sold in the U.S., six albums reaching the Top 10 on Billboard's Top 200 Sales Chart and 8 singles reaching the Top 10 on Billboard's U.S. Alternative Chart, it seems fans have gotten their message loud and clear. Hard Rock Review's Aaron Manogue sat down with lead singer/guitarist Nick Hexum to talk about their upcoming Summerfest appearance, what Summerfest has been like for them over the years, and the upcoming 12th studio album "Universal Pulse."

Manogue: 311 has been touring for the better part of 20 years now and been around the world. What is it that makes Summerfest such a great place to perform?
Nick Hexum: There is a special vibe at Summerfest. I like the way it caters to all kinds of different tastes in music and culture. There is such a wide mix of ages and types of people partying together. It's a pretty unique happening.

Manogue: You guys have played Summerfest multiple times in the past, your first time being in 2003 I believe. How has Summerfest evolved or changed since you played there for the first time?
Hexum: It just keeps getting bigger and better!

Manogue: What are some of your best or even worst memories of Summerfest?
Hexum: I walked next door to see the Jonas Brothers a couple years ago. I knew it would be really weird for me and that's exactly what it was. The sound of fifteen thousand tweens screaming at once is something that stays with ya!

Manogue: Your twelfth studio album "Universal Pulse" is due out later this year. What can fans expect from the much anticipated release?
Hexum: It's a fun, upbeat album. I feel like we were in a really good place during the writing and recording of it and it really shows. They are songs that will be a blast to play live.

Manogue: Can fans expect the world-renowned 311 sound or have you gone a different direction with "Universal Pulse"?
Hexum: It's always hard to sum up a direction of an album until you've lived with it for a long time. We placed quality over quantity and put forth just the very best ideas that we had. All killer, no filler.

Manogue: Anything else you'd like to promote or say to your fans?
Hexum: As we enter our twenty-first year, we are so grateful for the life that our fans have given us by supporting our music. It really is a dream come true. So, thanks!

Santa Barbara Kids Go Nuts for P-Nut (Seymour Duncan)

Notes for Notes is Seymour Duncan’s favorite local non-profit. Founded here in Santa Barbara, it provides kids with a real working music studio to hang out in after school. There, the kids not only learn how to play instruments, but they learn the fundamentals of making records including using recording software, mixing, mastering, duplicating and even promotion. Having a safe place to make music and having an outlet for their creative expression enables these at-risk kids to be productive with their after-school time and not fall in with the “wrong crowd.”

Last week, 311 bassist P-Nut stopped by Notes for Notes and spent time with the kids. In the weeks before his arrival, they learned some 311 songs and got a chance to jam on them with P-Nut holding down the bottom end. How cool is that? In addition to making music, P-Nut spent a lot of time talking with the kids, answering questions, and telling them about the importance of focusing on a creative outlet. If you’d like to learn more about P-Nut’s visit to Notes for Notes, click here for some local press.

This isn’t the first time an A-List artist stopped by Notes for Notes. A few months ago Jack Johnson did the same thing. For some of these kids, hanging out and jamming with a world class rock star will be the biggest thing they ever do with music. And for a lot of them, this is the catalyst moment that propels a life long love of music-making.

P-Nut Jams at Notes for Notes (Santa Barbara Independent)

For the elementary-school-aged members of Notes for Notes’ after-school music programs, jamming on a fender in a professional music studio can be an almost daily experience. But jamming with a real rock star? That only happens once in awhile — like last Friday, May 6, when Aaron “P-Nut” Wills, bassist for the band 311, stopped by two Notes for Notes studios to jam with the kids.

P-Nut visited the Westside Boys & Girls Club first, where Notes for Notes runs the MusicBox, a room filled with professional-grade recording equipment and instruments that kids can use every day after school. Surrounded by a small pack of the most devoted young musicians, he sat down to talk about music and hitting it big.

“You can do [music] the rest of your life,” he said. “I don’t know if people realize how important it is to have something you can do forever.”

The group then jammed to 311 hits like their rendition of “Love Song,” with Notes for Notes kids playing acoustic and electric guitar, bass, and drums. P-Nut got more than a few questions about the origins of his nickname, which he humorously explained came from the shape of his head as a kid.

After signing instruments and posters, P-Nut headed over to the MusicBox at the Eastside Boys & Girls Club, where the room was packed with fans both young and old. Their jam session included Eric Clapton’s “Crossroads,” and ended with P-Nut listening to tracks recorded by some of Notes for Notes’ older participants.

“It’s not about playing at the Hollywood Bowl; it’s about building a rich life for yourself,” said P-Nut to the group.

This isn’t the first time Notes for Notes has brought a famous musician in for some hands-on rocking at their studios—Jack Johnson paid a visit in October. The poster he signed sits in a frame above a rack of guitars. Now, on the table next to it, rests the 311 poster P-Nut signed.


311 will play at the Santa Barbara Bowl on August 21, and their new album, Universal Pulse, comes out this summer.

Glendale Tradition (Quill)

Originally from Omaha, Neb., 311 has been around for 22 years, making its name one to be acknowledged throughout the United States. First a small local band, 311 has kept reaching and climbing to achieve its goal of fame by making records such as “Unity,” “Hydroponic,” and many more. Each album produced a style so unique that eventually the songs started to play on the radio due to the originality. 311 in turn made its live shows so epic that it became the talk of the town, appearing at the Shrine Mosque located in downtown Springfield almost every year.

Students at Glendale eventually joined the 311 train, making it a tradition to go to concerts and find out that 311 concerts are an experience they will never forget.

Many of 311’s phenomenal concerts have pushed students to do things they never thought that they would.

“It was life changing,” said Ann Millington, junior. “I went crowd surfing for the very first time. It was like the trust fall times 50 because you feel like you’re just floating. It was exhilarating.”

Not only did Millington find herself crowd surfing, Johnny Nehmer, sophomore, found peer pressure leading him to do the same.

“Jared (Hood), Will (Rogers), and Brad (Dishman) told me to go crowd surfing, so I got on Jared’s back. I thought I was going to break his legs ... Everybody pretty much lifted my legs up. I was suspended in air for about two seconds and I went about 10 yards until they dropped me on the ground. It was fun though,” Nehmer said.
311’s show has inexplicably brought audiences together, leading them to follow each other’s lead and act out of the norm. Students found out through first-hand experience that their concerts tend to get wild.

“Blake and I were about to be thrown into a mosh pit,” said John Chalender, junior. “We were on the edge trying to stay out of it. We didn’t want elbows in the jaw.”

Emily Mendel, junior, found herself in an intimidating position similar to Chalender’s.

“I was scared because there were guys

fighting around me and I didn’t want to

get hurt. There was also a mosh pit right next to me,” Mendel said. “It was funny to people watch.”

Along with the rough environment, the Shrine was over-crowded, creating a sauna.

“It was … hot in the Shrine. There were a bunch of people. Our shirts were soaked,” Chalender said.

Chris Nutt, junior, agrees with Chalender on the state of the Shrine during concerts.

“It was very smoky and hot inside,” Nutt said. “There was a lot of pushing, shoving, jumping and yelling.”

Although some students found the conduct of the performance a little too out of hand, others soaked up the energy of the show.

“The atmosphere was really intense and everybody was just jumping up and down. It’s pretty exciting actually,” Austin Garrett, sophomore, said. “It was the best concert I’ve ever been to. I tried to get closer, but I couldn’t. I met a lot of new people just by running into them.”

However, it isn’t only the audience that makes the shows exhilarating; 311 puts in an abundance of effort, sometimes at its own expense, to keep the audience pleased, making it easy to enjoy the show.

With a mix of old music, it’s true that the majority of the audience was pleased with the set list.

“They played a good variety of old to new music. ‘Transistor’ was my favorite song because they played that right after ‘Freak Out,’ and everybody shifted and it turned into a really fun environment,” Mendel said.

Everyone tends to have a favorite song, but when Nutt’s favorite song played, he was thrilled to see them live at both 311 concerts that he has attended.

“‘Come Original,’ both times was my favorite song live. They were so energetic. That’s just one of my favorite songs, and I always love to see it played live,” Nutt said.

Not only was its set list satisfying, but Mendel believes that 311 has come close to perfecting the music.

“I think they did really well. They

sounded just as good, if not better than their recordings. Most artists have good music and are awful live, but 311 wasn’t,” Mendel said.

Each individual of the band 311 is vital to making it what it is. The solos, however, are only a fraction of what drives the crowd crazy.

“I thought the drum solo was amazing, they sounded really good,” Garrett said.

On the other hand, Maddy Salisbury, sophomore, didn’t find the music as satisfying.

“I thought the sound wasn’t up to par, and the voices couldn’t really be heard,” Salisbury said.

Students leave 311 concerts feeling content about the night they had.

“I rocked and rolled all night. I had a fabulous night meeting new people…” Salisbury said.

311’s concerts will continue to keep fans happy, along with gaining many on the journey. Millington leaves a few words of advice to those planning on going to one of their concerts.

“If you just go with the crowd instead of fighting it, you have more fun. Embrace the experience for what it is because you will have a blast,” Millington said.

311 has “come original” for years, making itself a name, and capturing the love of many students at Glendale.

Red Sky Music Festival (The River)

The Red Sky Music Festival opens its headling announcements with a nod to Omaha. 311 has sold more than eight million albums around the world, and it all began here. The five members went to Westside and Bryan High Schools and started with gigs at the Ranch Bowl and other local spots. Now they return to take the main stage for the inaugural year of the Red Sky Music Festival Tuesday, July 19th.

More than 25 national acts on the B and C stages on the Festival Grounds will start to be released over the next couple of weeks. The next announcement for the main stage will be coming Monday, May 9th.

The Festival Grounds gates will open at 11 a.m. each day, with the music starting at noon. Festival Grounds passes will be sold through Ticketmaster and at the Qwest Center Omaha Box Office. A 1-Day passs is $15, a 3-day pass is $30 dollars and a 6-day pass is $60. Re-entry wristbands will be available, and guests may leave and re-enter once prior to 6 p.m.

Keeping it local, the Red Sky Music Festival will offer 24 bands from the area the chance to share the B and C stages on the Festival Grounds with popular national acts. So far, more than 75 regional bands have shown interest. Bands can get their opportunity to join the Festival through the Battle of the Local Bands, led by the Reader in conjucntion with the Mteropolitian Entertainment & Convention Authority and Live Nation. More information is available at sonicbirds.com.

The Red Sky Music Festival is a partnership between the Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority and Live Nation, the world's leading live entertainment company annually connecting more than 67 million fans with their favorite performers at over 36,000 events.

More information is avaialble at redskyfestival.com.

All week long you can score tickets by listening for a double shot of 311 followed by Sublime. Be caller 10 at 712 328 8970 and win them before you can buy them all week long!

Visit the Concert Page for all your ticket information.

Bands Sublime with Rome, 311 play at the Bee Hive (Community Inpact)

The Backyard at Bee Cave is set to host Unity Tour 2011 on August 14 featuring ska-punk bands 311 and Sublime with Rome—a collaboration between former Sublime members and singer and guitarist Rome Ramirez.

The bands promise the nationwide tour to be the ultimate summer party show with popular hits and new songs from each band's latest releases.

"311 and Sublime with Rome seems like the perfect outdoor summer party," 311 vocalist Nick Hexum said.

311, which is lauded for energetic live shows and hit songs such as "All Mixed Up," "Amber," "Come Original," "Beautiful Disaster," and "Love Song", will promote their upcoming, yet-to-be-named album, due out this summer. Sublime reached commercial success with the songs "Wrong Way," "What I Got" and "Santeria" from their self-titled album in 1996, which left a lasting impact on alternative rock.

"We'll have our album out and will be playing new original songs alongside the fan favorites," said Ramirez, who joined the band in 2009 to fill the shoes of Sublime founder and frontman Bradley Nowell, who died of a drug overdose in 1996 at the peak of the band's popularity. "This will be an epic tour that will forever be remembered."

A presale will last from 10 a.m.–10 p.m. April 14. Regular ticket sales begin April 15 at 10 a.m. and cost $45 in advance or $49.50 on the day of the concert. Tickets can be purchased at livenation.com, thebackyard.net or by calling 1-888-695-0888.

311 first headliner announced for Omaha's Red Sky Music Festival (Lincoln Journal Star)

311 coming back to Omaha is no big news. The rap-reggae outfit comes home or to Council Bluffs on each of its tours. But the 311 concert announcement delivered Monday is of particular note.

311 will be the first headliner at the first Red Sky Music Festival, a six-day affair at TD Ameritrade Park, the new downtown baseball stadium. Sublime and 311 have been announced as the headliners for July 19, so that appears to mean there will be 12 mainstage headliners for the week. The next mainstage announcements are slated for Monday.

More than 25 national acts who will perform on the "B and C stages" will be announced in the next couple of weeks. Twenty-four local and regional bands also will be on the two auxiliary stages.

My shaky math brings the total number of bands to at least 61 -- which is plenty.

More basic info: The festival grounds gates will open at 11 a.m. each day, with the music starting at noon. Festival grounds passes will be sold through Ticketmaster and at the Qwest Center Omaha box office. A 1-Day Pass is $15, a 3-Day Pass is $30, and a 6-Day Pass is $60. Re-entry wristbands will be available, and guests may leave and re-enter once before 6 p.m.