Latest news with #311
Newsweek
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
'Come Original': 311 Reflect on 35 Years of Music and Human Connection
For 35 years, genre-breaking jam band 311 have forged their own path. The Nebraska natives have always "come original" with their fluid approach to music, drawing inspiration from an array of genres to forge their distinct sound. In 1995, 311 released their third, self-titled album, lovingly referred to as "The Blue Album," which included breakout hits "All Mixed Up" and "Down," produced by legendary producer and engineer Ron Saint Germain. Thirty years later, fans count the Blue Album as one of the band's seminal works. Newsweek sat with the iconic band during a show at the Graceland Soundstage in Memphis, Tennessee, to reflect on their smash album, connecting with their fans, and how they continue to tour after 35 years on the road together. The members of rock band 311 from left to right, Aaron "P-Nut" Wills, Tim Mahoney, Nick Hexum, Chad Sexton, Doug "SA" Martinez. The members of rock band 311 from left to right, Aaron "P-Nut" Wills, Tim Mahoney, Nick Hexum, Chad Sexton, Doug "SA" Martinez. Big Picture Media/Brian Bowen Smith Building Up and Breaking Through Comprised of vocalist and guitarist Nick Hexum, vocalist Doug "SA" Martinez, drummer Chad Sexton, lead guitarist Tim Mahoney, and bassist Aaron "P-Nut" Wills, the band has endeared themselves to millions of fans since their genesis in 1988s. Their rigorous touring schedule has taken them across the world, and even to the high seas with their Caribbean Festival Cruise. Following their debut album Music in 1993, the band took to the road to tour and hone their performance skills. "On our second album, Grassroots, we just lived on the road," said Hexum. "We didn't even have a home. We put our stuff in storage, and we just lived on the road and did hundreds of shows, and we just said we're gonna stay out on the road. And so that's where we put in that magical 10,000 hours." When crafting their breakthrough third album, the self-titled 311, the band found the tipping point and began to shine through. "I think there's just no substitute for the history that we have together and as one of the longest running original lineup bands out there, we just know that there's some magic that we kind of stumbled onto, so we try and take really good care of it," lead vocalist Hexum said, reflecting on how 311 captured its magic. "Thinking back about our breakthrough record, on the Blue Album, a lot of people had been saying you guys are incredible live, but you haven't captured that yet on an album. So that was part of the Blue Album process, like we're going to get in the room and rock together a bunch of times until we really capture that energy." Guitarist Mahoney added, "The momentum kind of came into focus there. The previous record was pretty eclectic. By the time the Blue record hit, it just kind of was more stripped down and focused." The Graceland crowd sings along with 311 and lead vocalist Nick Hexum. The Graceland crowd sings along with 311 and lead vocalist Nick Hexum. William Wittmann/311 It Comes Down to Connection Channeling the live energy in the studio was key for the band and was one of the major reasons why the album resonates with fans worldwide, "SA" Martinez said. "I think just the energy that the record had," he explained. "For example, when we played 'Down' like the first time, that had such a reaction, and it wasn't even a single, right? It hadn't broken us through yet, but once we played it the first time, it was like it was mayhem. So, there's something about the energy of and the build that we had been constructing up to that point. Just this relentless touring, this word-of-mouth thing happening." Those early days on the road were integral to not only building their fan base, but it also helped to cement the lasting brotherhood that has made them one of the longest original member touring bands. How did they build that bond? Gaming, of course. "Lots of 007 GoldenEye, you gotta compete with these people a little bit," bassist "P-Nut" Wills reflected. "That's when the marriage began and we were having a lot of fun in those like, you know, whatever the salad days of getting success, understanding who we were, for the first time, having an audience support it really in a completely open-minded way." Over three decades, the band has built a devoted fan base buoyed by the group's consistent tour schedule. For Hexum and the group, live music hearkens back to the primal need for community. "I think that concerts are such an essential part of the human experience. Like music has probably existed for like, 100,000 years," the vocalist said. "In first 50,000 years, it was like rhythmic and drums, and then the melody came in 50,000 years ago…The recorded part has only existed for a tiny, less than half a percent of musical history. So, it's like it's a bonding thing that's in us to enjoy music together. And when you're at a concert, it's just a communal thing of one person making music and other people dancing to it. And it's just like a bonding thing." That bond has permeated their fan base as well, forming what may be one of the most dedicated followings in the music industry, which drummer Sexton said stems from the group's love of life. "It's more of like a party atmosphere and celebrating life. I think that's contagious," he said. "It's hard to explain if you're not there, but it's a really cool community, and I think it was built…from our music and the message in the music and now people get it and they keep coming back and having a blast." "I think that's the thing that the audience really understands and takes away. When they see us play. They can see that we're them and they're us, if they would have picked up instruments, and ran into people that could help them channel their demons and challenge their sensibilities, and it could be in a similar position just with the turn of the dice. It's just passion and love and authenticity that kind of makes it all work," Wills added. Hexum shared a similar sentiment. "When people come to our shows, they feel like they're getting into some kind of a family, that community. They just feel it," he explained. "People say to us, like, 'I don't really have a religion, but part of this community provides that for me,' so it's, it's a really cool thing to be part of." While the band has played stages from the shores to the seas, some venues still hold an extra meaning from the group, with Hexum saying, "I am particularly excited to be at Graceland, just because my very first love was that early my dad's stack of 45 from the 50s that was like Buddy Holly and Elvis and I used to put on little pretend concerts and as a little kid. So, Elvis was just a really important thing to me." Bespoke Beats As the group embarks on their Unity Tour this summer, they're prepared to offer the fans a bespoke experience, tailoring the set list to the city at every stop. "We kind of, after doing it so long, know, the different vibes of different cities and which ones have more new to the 311, or more of a lot of hardcore people, so we custom make the set list each night and then we also have kind of a meet and greet where certain fans will come and meet us, like it right before the show," Hexum added. "And that really, for me, gives me a lot of energy because they're so excited. And then it brings you into like, 'Oh yeah, this is something that people have really been looking forward to.' And it just gives you a natural caffeine buzz from meeting the fans right before the show." Crafting that set list can be as daunting as it is fulfilling for the group, with Wills noting the delicate balancing act of juggling the variety of genres. "You got to touch all the corners—the jam aspect, the rock, the reggae and the funk, the experimental, the whatever you know, mash up, of all of it. If and when that happens, that's a damn good set list. There's no such thing as perfection, I guess. But we're trying." 311's Nick Hexum playing guitar at Graceland. 311's Nick Hexum playing guitar at Graceland. William Wittmann /311 Third Time's the Charm Being in tune with the fans is a driving force of what makes the group so beloved by their fans. "We just have such a broad catalog that, you know, finding different ones that connect. We want to make sure there's some surprises. And there are songs that were never a single that are like fan favorites," Hexum explained. "You take a song like 'Applied Science,' which is the one where Chad does the drum solo, and then we bring out the big drums and do a drum line that was never a single at all, but it's such an important part of our show, it's like a fan hit. So there's that. And then just knowing that a song like 'Amber' was the song that so many people maybe had as their wedding song, and just a very important part of people's lives. So we know that it's not only about our enjoyment, it's about thinking of what these songs mean to other people." What would the band tell themselves from 30 years ago? Hexum says the third time's the charm, musing, "What a magical time to see. You know, our dreams [were] just coming true. What I do remember is that we were really bad at picking singles, because our whenever we had a successful song, it was our third single, it was like, 'OK, we'll just put one more out,' before we give up on this album, and few different times that turned out to be the successful one, like with 'Down' or 'Beautiful Disaster' or 'Amber.' Those were all third singles, and like, three of our biggest songs. So maybe if we could talk to ourselves—'pick the third single.'"
![MARKET PULSE PM JUNE 10, 2025 [WATCH]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fassets%2FNST-Logo%402x.png%3Fid%3Db37a17055cb1ffea01f5&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
New Straits Times
10 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
MARKET PULSE PM JUNE 10, 2025 [WATCH]
KUALA LUMPUR: News on stock, crypto and ringgit moves. Bursa Malaysia closed lower today, reversing earlier gains as selling pressure emerged in the final hour of trading. The weakness in the broader index was largely attributed to cautious investor positioning ahead of further developments in the ongoing US-China trade negotiations, now entering their second day. Market participants are adopting a wait-and-see approach, with risk appetite tempered by uncertainty over the outcome and timeline of any potential tariff relief. Meanwhile, the ringgit strengthened against the US dollar to 4.2350. In the crypto market, Bitcoin traded higher at RM460,771. Ethereum rose to RM11,311 while Solana was up at RM667. That wraps up today's Market Pulse.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Business Solutions Center to help small businesses launched
( — The new resource hub, Business Solution Center, was launched by the City of Sacramento in an effort to help local small businesses succeed. Video Above: Local business in Old Sacramento focused on Eco-Friendly products Officials said the City's Office of Innovation and Economic Development developed the hub, while the American Rescue Plan Act and the U.S. Small Business Administration funded it. The Business Solutions Center aims to unite multiple small business services into a 'single, streamlined program.' The hub offers personalized, one-on-one support for entrepreneurs who want to build a business plan, expand operations or navigate permitting and licensing. 'We know small businesses are the backbone of Sacramento's economy, and the Business Solutions Center is about meeting them where they are with the support they need to succeed,' said Denise Malvetti, Deputy Director of the Office of Innovation and Economic Development. 'Whether it's funding, permits, or someone to help navigate your next steps, this Center puts real, tangible resources within reach.' 13th measles case of 2025 in the state confirmed in Woodland The center helps business access: Up to $5,000 in microgrant funding to invest in equipment. One-on-one consultations with counselors in partnership with California Capital Financial Development Corporation. Up to $2,500 in city fee credits to help cover permitting, licensing or inspection costs SizeUp Sacramento: a data tool offering insights on business performance, competitors and customers 'From day one, we've designed the Business Solutions Center with equity, accessibility, and long-term impact in mind,' Malvetti said. 'This isn't just about recovery—it's about building a stronger, more inclusive local economy for years to come.' Officials said the center was built with an emphasis on 'equity, accountability, and measurable results.' The city is able to evaluate the program's impact through a customer relationship management system that tracks service requests. Based on the evolving needs of Sacramento's business community, adjustments are made. Those who want to participate can: Visit the 311 portal and register for an account. Add your business to your 311 account Submit a 'Business Resources' request through the dashboard Officials said those who already have a 311 account can: Login and select 'My Profile' Then click on 'Add Business' Select 'Request Service' and make sure to click the 'Business Case' request. More information can be found on the city's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBC
7 days ago
- General
- CBC
Raccoons invaded her walls amid a neighbour's reno weeks ago. Now this Toronto woman says she's fed up
For the past few weeks, Ariel Lukaniuk says she and her partner have been sleeping in their second bedroom. That's because her row house in Toronto's east end is connected to a building going under renovations two doors down, where raccoons have infiltrated the walls and made their way over to her bedroom wall. She says a family of them has been living there ever since, scratching and screaming through the night. On top of that, her dog is frightened by the noise and barks at the walls through the wee hours. "It sounds like a horror movie," Lukaniuk said. "It's psychotic, the sounds all night, and I can't sleep." Lukaniuk says she's been trying to get the city and the neighbouring building owner to remove the animals for weeks, but they haven't shown any urgency. WATCH | Raccoons making racket in Toronto woman's walls: Video shows raccoons in Toronto woman's bedroom wall 16 hours ago Duration 0:26 Ariel Lukaniuk says she and her partner haven't been able to sleep for weeks since a reno project down the road, connected to the row housing in which she lives, allowed raccoons to infest her bedroom wall. The city and building owner say they're working to remove the animals, but Lukaniuk says they're not moving quickly enough. She says she contacted the city through 311 about three weeks ago, asking them to remove the animals and ensure her neighbours — a housing non-profit — cut off access to the walls at the renovation site. Despite assurances that the problem is being addressed and multiple emails, she says the raccoons are still there. And she's fed up. "Every time you think they're helping, it's just like, snail pace," she said. "I'm just really tired." Lukaniuk says she first contacted the city about the problem on May 13 and was told staff would look into it. After emailing back and forth over the next 10 days, she says her caseworker told her the city still hadn't contacted the building owner. So Lukaniuk says she called them herself to ask what they could do. Building owners trying to trap raccoons The building under renovation, located on Main Street near Gerrard Street E., is owned by Community Circle LandTrust (CCLT), a non-profit housing provider. CCLT took over the building from Toronto Community Housing Corporation in 2022 to turn it into affordable housing. During renovations this spring, the back wall on the ground level was completely removed for several days, allowing raccoons access to the inner walls of the row housing, Lukaniuk says. CCLT CEO Alia Abaya says both the city and Lukaniuk contacted the non-profit on May 23. On May 24, the back wall was sealed and a pest control company was contracted to install a trap on the property, which was done on May 26. On May 27, Abaya says the trap was still empty and CCLT had a roofer check for other entry points. The roofer installed a one-way door at a possible entry to keep the raccoons from coming back. Two days later, the trap hadn't caught any raccoons and it was removed, she says. CCLT then issued a work order on June 2 to set a new trap and install one-way doors in between the attics of the properties, which Abaya expected to be completed that day. "While we can appreciate that it's challenging for our neighbours that we have not had success in catching the raccoons yet, we are working diligently to address the situation," Abaya said in an email. 'It's super frustrating and super exhausting' Lukaniuk says nothing's changed and the noise is beginning to impact her work as well as her sleep. She's worried the one-way door installed by the roofer has trapped the raccoons in the walls, saying she hasn't seen them leave since it was put in and the scratching and screaming has intensified. She's worried the raccoons could die in her walls, or chew a wire and start a fire. But the city won't adequately respond to her concerns, she says, or allow her to hire her own pest control since the problem originates on another private property. "They just keep saying the same thing: the situation is being addressed by [Circle Community LandTrust]. It's not being addressed," she said. "They're just like a robot.
CTV News
29-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Street sweeping, parking ban ends Friday evening
Trucks are seen in an Edmonton neighbourhood cleaning the streets. (Supplied) The City of Edmonton says spring street sweeping and the residential parking ban will come to an end Friday at 5 p.m. Crews cleaned more than 6,200 kilometres of roadways, bike lanes and major pathways since starting the sweep on April 14. 'Due to an increase in the number of snow events and freeze/thaw cycles in the region during the winter season, 230 per cent more traction material was applied to roadways and active pathways,' said the city in a Thursday statement. 'This resulted in a larger amount of debris on the roadways, requiring more passes and slower speeds during spring street sweeping.' Crews will continue to respond to notifications in areas requiring further sweeping. Residents are encouraged to call 311 to report areas with heightened levels of debris. Regular weekly sweeps will be conducted in business improvement areas and other high-speed roadways throughout the season.
