311 Joins ATO / Universal Pulse Available 7/19 (ATO Records)

ATO Records and 311 are set to release their highly anticipated new studio album, Universal Pulse on Tuesday, July 19th. Produced by Bob Rock (Aerosmith, Metallica) and mixed by 311 drummer Chad Sexton at the band’s own Hive Studio in North Hollywood, Universal Pulse is the band’s tenth studio album and the first to be released via their own imprint, 311 Records through an exclusive partnership with ATO Records.

311 will celebrate the album’s release—and their 21st year together as a band—with a headlining amphitheater tour set to kick off July 8th at the Capitol Federal Park at Sandstone in Bonner Springs, KS. The Unity Tour 2011 will run through August 26th, and includes Sublime with Rome and special guests DJ Soulman & DJ Trichrome. Visit 311.com for ticket information and details.

The album’s first single, “’Sunset In July’ is a song about what this band loves doing most: playing live and watching fans dancing in the aisles and having the time of their lives. There’s no bigger inspiration” says Nick Hexum. About the album, Hexum says, “Everyone really stepped up during the making of this record. The tempos are faster, there are more guitars, and the whole thing feels like it has a certain swagger.” “It’s a musical journey with a burst of good energy,” adds drummer Chad Sexton. “It’s about making happiness available during tough times.”

Explaining the title Universal Pulse, Hexum says, “It’s a nod to the ideology of unity through music and its connective energy. Music’s ability to help people bond and communicate is really powerful. The fact that we’re still going strong 20-plus years later is proof positive.”

This year will also see the launch of the 311 Pow Wow Festival, a three-day, two-stage music extravaganza taking place August 4-6 at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL. The 500-acre park and campground will be home to the band’s first-ever multi-day camping and music festival. Confirmed artists include Deftones, Sublime with Rome and The Dirty Heads with many more to come. Festival-goers can look forward to a four-set performance from 311, which will include 1997’s acclaimed album Transistor in its entirety.