Denver Paper (1995)

It's been three, maybe four years since "Funky Drummer" K. James put me up on 311 and I've been jamming to them ever since. It's nice, I think, to realize that I am not the exception but the rule to the base of 311's fandom; they like to meet people and make new friends everywhere, they also like that people come to them through the advice of others. Once you hear the positive vibes and the searing musical energies of these fellas- born of the grassroots of Omaha, Nebraska- you'll understand why so many people recommend them. And, if you've ever seen them live you know why folks keep coming back! I had a talk with lead vocalist Nicholas Hexum about the strong new album, the upcoming tours and the group's GRASSROOTS appeal.

CR: How's it going and what's the group been up too?

Nick: Pretty good. We've been recording non-stop. We've finally finished the album and then, like tomorrow we're going back into the studio to do a song for this (project) called the HEMPILATION...

CR: When is the new album expected to be out?

Nick: July 25th is the release date.

CR: Are there any changes on the new album as far as the style and the music that's going to be on it?

Nick: As far as the style it is very similar (to the former albums), but it's a lot stronger statement. We took a lot more time to prepare and we got the producer we wanted. We're really happy with this one- so we're going to call it 311. Before we'd tour every year, but this time we're gonna stay out a little longer because we feel really satisfied.

CR: Yea, I hear you guys really like to do the live shows, what kinds of places are you going to be touring to?

Nick: We're gonna be doing a West Coast thing, until May. Then, after about two weeks we're gonna come back (and get ready). In June, we'll be going over to Europe. We're gonna play a lot of festivals and stuff. After that we're gonna come back (in mid-July) and tour the States indefinitely through the fall.

CR: (Speaking of touring) What's the groupie thing like?

Nick: There's definitely that element around us, and its different in different cities, but we don't get into groupies. We do get into meeting people and making friends where we go...

CR: Tell me about the Grassroots, word of mouth policy and staying in touch with your audience.

Nick: Its the best way to do it. Radio play and Press really don't affect us. I like to read about bands and stuff, so I'll do interviews. But, we really like to downplay the whole image thing and be ourselves. Let the music speak for itself. That's the way we feel comfortable in relaying it...Initially, we really didn't have a choice in it, that's the only way we could do it, but I'm glad it happened that way.

CR: Cool. I know that you guys have been to Denver a few times, what can Denverites expect from you at the Big Adventure?

Nick: Denver is like one of our favorite places to play. We have had a really good, long standing relationship with the Fox Theatre and some really great shows in Denver and we're really looking forward to playing Fiddler's Green. (They can expect) Sweaty. Moshing. Stage Dives. Envergy. Loud. It's not all high energy, (though). We start out hard, then we'll go into some jams. Mellow out a little- take you on a little trip... But mostly we're gonna ROCK THE HOUSE!