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311

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Band Timeline

1988

Formation of 311 in Omaha, Nebraska

311 was formed in 1988 in Omaha, Nebraska by vocalist/guitarist Nick Hexum, lead guitarist Jim Watson, bassist Aaron "P-Nut" Wills, and drummer Chad Sexton. The band started by playing local shows and developing their unique blend of rock, reggae, hip-hop, and funk that would come to define their sound. This marked the beginning of their long career in the music industry.
1990

Lineup change and second independent release

In 1990, guitarist Jim Watson left the band and was replaced by Tim Mahoney. The band released their second independent album, Dammit!, on cassette. This period helped them refine their style and build a growing fan base through energetic live performances in local venues.
1991

Release of third independent album Unity

311 continued to gain momentum with the release of their third independent album, Unity, recorded at Rainbow Recording Studios in Omaha. The album was distributed through consignment and sold at shows, showcasing the band's evolving sound and increasing popularity within the local music scene. This set the stage for future breakthroughs.
1992

Addition of Doug "SA" Martinez and signing with Capricorn Records

Doug "SA" Martinez officially joined the band as a second vocalist and turntablist, adding a new dynamic element to their sound. In the same year, 311 recorded a six-track demo called Hydroponic and relocated to Los Angeles. Their efforts paid off when they were signed to Capricorn Records, marking their transition from independent artists to professionally signed musicians.
1993

Release of debut major-label album Music

311 released Music, their first major label album produced by Eddy Offord, known for working with progressive rock bands. The album received moderate attention, featuring the single "Do You Right" which reached No. 27 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. The band financed their own tour during which an RV fire caused the loss of all their equipment, but they persevered and continued touring with borrowed gear.
1994

Second major-label album Grassroots released

The band released Grassroots, their second studio album under Capricorn Records. It further established their reputation for energetic live performances and genre blending music. The album contributed to building a stronger fan base and paved the way for the band's breakthrough success.
1995

Breakthrough with self-titled album 311

311 released their third studio album, the self-titled 311 (also known as the Blue Album), which became their best-selling record, certified triple platinum. The album included hit singles "Down" and "All Mixed Up," with "Down" reaching number one on Billboard's Alternative Songs chart. The album featured a live-recorded approach and broadened their national popularity significantly.
1997

Release of Transistor, achieving platinum status

Their fourth studio album, Transistor, was released to positive reviews and commercial success, reaching number four on the Billboard 200 and being certified platinum. The album continued their signature mix of rock, reggae, and funk, and solidified their position in the 1990s rock landscape.
1999

Soundsystem marks end of Capricorn Records era

Soundsystem, 311's fifth studio album, was released and certified gold. It was the last album under Capricorn Records before the band switched to Volcano Records. The album showcased the band's experimentation with fusion and diverse musical elements, though critical reception was mixed. It maintained the band's presence in the alternative rock scene.
2001

From Chaos continues commercial success

In 2001, 311 released From Chaos, their sixth studio album. It continued the band's streak of successful releases, reaching the top 10 in the Billboard charts and being certified gold. The album further demonstrated their ability to sustain relevance and connect with fans through their eclectic sound.
2003

Evolver released as seventh studio album

311 released Evolver, their seventh studio album. The band maintained their prolific output, mixing elements of rock, reggae, and hip-hop. Though not achieving the commercial peaks of some previous albums, Evolver contributed to the band's extensive catalog and ongoing musical exploration.
2004

Greatest Hits '93–'03 compilation released

The band celebrated over a decade of music with the release of Greatest Hits '93–'03, a compilation album that achieved platinum certification. Featuring fan favorites and hits like "Love Song," which topped the Alternative Songs chart, the album underscored the band's enduring appeal and success over their career thus far.
2005-2014

Continued success with multiple top 10 albums

Between 2005 and 2014, 311 released several studio albums including Don't Tread on Me (2005), Uplifter (2009), Universal Pulse (2011), and Stereolithic (2014). All these releases reached the top 10 of the Billboard 200 chart, with Uplifter achieving their highest chart position at number three. During this period, the band maintained a strong touring schedule and loyal fan base.
2024

Release of Full Bloom, latest studio album

In 2024, 311 released Full Bloom, their fourteenth studio album. This latest work continues the band's tradition of blending various genres to create a distinct sound. By this time, 311 had sold over 10 million records in the United States, reflecting their longevity and influence in the rock scene.

Albums

311_1st_album
Dammit!
11 tracks
1990
311_2nd_album
Unity
11 tracks
1991
311_3rd_album
Music
12 tracks
1993
311_4th_album
Grassroots
14 tracks
1994
311_5th_album
311
14 tracks
1995
311_6th_album
Transistor
21 tracks
1997
311_7th_album
Soundsystem
13 tracks
1999
311_8th_album
From Chaos
15 tracks
2001
311_9th_album
Evolver
11 tracks
2003
311_10th_album
Don’t Tread on Me
11 tracks
2005
311_11th_album
Uplifter
8 tracks
2009
311_12th_album
Universal Pulse
8 tracks
2011
311_13th_album
Stereolithic
16 tracks
2014
311_14th_album
MOSAIC
17 tracks
2017
311_15th_album
Voyager
13 tracks
2019
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

S.A. Martinez

1992

Chad Sexton

1988

Tim Mahoney

1991

Nick Hexum

1988

P-Nut

1988

Story of 311

311: A Rock Band Story

Hailing from Omaha, Nebraska, 311 (pronounced "three eleven") has been a cornerstone of the American rock scene since their formation in 1988. The band's core lineup, vocalist and guitarist Nick Hexum, lead guitarist Jim Watson, bassist Aaron "P-Nut" Wills, and drummer Chad Sexton, quickly established themselves as a dynamic force. While Watson departed in 1990, he was replaced by Tim Mahoney, adding another layer of talent to their sound.

The band's journey took a pivotal turn in 1992 with the arrival of Doug "SA" Martinez, who joined as a second vocalist and turntablist. This addition brought a unique blend of hip-hop and reggae influences into their already diverse sonic palette.

Over the years, 311 has built an impressive discography, boasting 13 studio albums, 2 live albums, 4 compilation albums, 4 EPs, and 4 DVDs. After a period of independent releases, they signed with Capricorn Records in 1992, releasing their albums "Music" (1993) and "Grassroots" (1994) to moderate success.

Their self-titled album in 1995, however, propelled them to new heights. Achieving triple-platinum status, it reached number 12 on the Billboard 200 charts, fueled by the iconic singles "Down" and "All Mixed Up." The latter, particularly, climbed to the top of the Billboard Hot Modern Rock Tracks in 1996.

311 continued their streak of success with their next three albums – "Transistor" (1997), "Soundsystem" (1999), and "From Chaos" (2001) – achieving platinum and gold certifications respectively. Their 2004 compilation album, "Greatest Hits '93-'03," also secured platinum status, showcasing the enduring power of their music.

The band's most recent studio album, "Voyager," was released in 2019, solidifying their legacy as a vibrant and innovative force in the rock world. 311's ability to blend rock, reggae, funk, and hip-hop elements has captivated audiences for over three decades, making them one of the most influential and enduring bands of their generation.

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