311

311
Name	311
Caption	311 performing in 2019
Origin	Los Angeles, California
Genres	Alternative rock; Reggae rock; Rap rock; Funk rock; Alternative metal
Years active	1988–present
Labels	Capricorn Records; Volcano Entertainment; BMG Rights Management
Associated acts	The Urge; P.O.D.; Sublime; 311 Day

311 is an American rock band formed in Los Angeles, California in 1988. The group achieved mainstream success in the 1990s with a hybrid sound that blends elements of alternative rock, reggae, rap, funk, and metal, gaining radio airplay, platinum-selling albums, and a dedicated touring following. Over decades they have released multiple studio albums, headlined major festivals, and cultivated a fan community notable for recurring events and anniversary shows.

History

311 originated in the late 1980s in Los Angeles, though key early development occurred after relocation to Omaha, Nebraska. Founding members cultivated a local following by performing alongside acts such as Sublime and 311 Day-style events before signing to Capricorn Records. Breakthroughs included albums that charted on the Billboard 200 and singles that received rotation on MTV and KROQ; the band toured with contemporaries like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dave Matthews Band, and Sugar Ray. In the 2000s and 2010s the group navigated changing industry landscapes by partnering with labels including Volcano Entertainment and BMG Rights Management, while maintaining visibility through festival appearances at Lollapalooza, Warped Tour, and international dates in Japan and Australia.

Musical Style and Influences

311's sound synthesizes influences from The Police, Beastie Boys, Bob Marley, Led Zeppelin, and Prince, combining reggae grooves, rap delivery, funk bass lines, and hard rock guitar riffs. Critics and peers note echoes of Faith No More, Living Colour, Public Enemy, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Jane's Addiction in their arrangements and production choices. Production collaborators and mixers who worked on their records include engineers associated with Rick Rubin-produced acts and studios frequented by artists like Foo Fighters and Nirvana, contributing to a polished fusion that spans alternative rock, Alternative metal, and reggae rock traditions. The band has cited influences ranging from Jimmy Page-era blues rock to hip hop pioneers such as Run-D.M.C. and Beastie Boys.

Band Members

Core members of the band include lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Nick Hexum, lead vocalist and DJ SA Martinez, lead guitarist Tim Mahoney, bassist P-Nut (Aaron Wills), and drummer Chad Sexton. Over time the lineup achieved stability compared with many contemporaries, allowing extended creative partnerships similar to long-running groups like Pearl Jam and Metallica. Collaborations and guest appearances on studio recordings and live shows have involved musicians linked to The Urge, 311 Day specials, and artists featured at festivals such as Bonnaroo and Summerfest.

Discography

311's catalog comprises studio albums, live recordings, and compilations released on labels including Capricorn Records and Volcano Entertainment. Notable studio releases charted on the Billboard 200 and spawned singles that appeared on Billboard Alternative Songs and mainstream rock charts. Their output has been promoted through music videos broadcast on MTV and song placements alongside artists from the 1990s alternative scene such as Alanis Morissette, No Doubt, and Smashing Pumpkins. The band has produced anniversary editions, rarities collections, and live album releases tied to headline festival performances at venues like Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Hollywood Bowl.

Tours and Live Performances

311 has maintained an extensive touring schedule, supporting albums with headlining tours and festival slots at Lollapalooza, Warped Tour, Bonnaroo, and regional summer circuits alongside acts such as Sublime with Rome, 311 Day anniversary events, and co-billings with P.O.D. and The Roots. Signature live moments include multi-set anniversary shows, collaborations at benefit concerts affiliated with artists like Dave Matthews Band, and performances at landmark venues including Madison Square Garden and Red Rocks Amphitheatre. The band's touring model emphasizes fan engagement through VIP packages, meet-and-greets, and recurring themed events that echo the festival culture of the 1990s and 2000s.

Awards and Recognition

Commercially, 311 achieved platinum-certified sales and mainstream chart success recognized on Billboard and in year-end lists alongside peers such as Creed and Matchbox Twenty. They have received nominations and acknowledgments from industry outlets and radio stations including MTV and KROQ for their singles and videos. The band's longevity and influence on fusion genres like reggae rock and rap rock have been noted in retrospectives comparing them to artists such as Sublime, P.O.D., and No Doubt; they have been cited in genre surveys, music documentaries, and anniversary articles celebrating alternative rock of the 1990s and 2000s.

Category:American rock bands Category:Musical groups from Los Angeles