Latest news with #NickHexum
Newsweek
10-06-2025
- 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.'"
Forbes
28-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
In Music's Fragmented World, Artists Launch Path Forward
The music industry is at a turning point, according to MIDiA Research. The company recently reported that while success remains near guaranteed for top musicians, newcomers on the scene are increasingly facing a different reality. MIDiA's Bifurcation theory points to current industry challenges that are forming a new business defined by two parallel consumer worlds, "listen" and "play." Concurrently, AI is evolving music technology, changing how artists and fans interact. In today's fragmented music space, streaming is less than profitable for most artists, and few consider it the destination for connecting with fans. More artists are also forgoing traditional record label deals that typically take the greatest cut of earnings, opting instead for social and UGC platforms where they can forge direct connections with consumers and younger fans. According to MIDiA, traditional streaming is expected to become a passive consumption space focused on record label artists while social apps will fuel more fandom, discovery, creation and play. Paving a new path for musicians is Nick Hexum, lead vocalist of multi-platinum rock band 311, who recently founded his own digital music platform, SKP. The new business connects artists and their managers with a vast array of key services including project management, marketing, payments and distribution. Users of the platform can gain an integrated view of their business and leverage data insights to make more informed investment decisions. Hexum is also focused on helping artists maximize their earnings and retain ownership of all their music. "SKP is an idea that's overdue, I don't think the old model will hold much longer," Hexum says. "We want to be the ones offering disruption in favor of the artist, because music is such an essential part of our lives, and it can do so much for your mental well-being." SKP's vision is to scale through network effects and word of mouth. Hexum says that he is not seeking to sell to a record label, though they are his main competition. His goal is to operate as a grassroots organization integrating new AI and technology solutions over time. Analyzing the music business, SKP identifies gaps in social and streaming spaces to give artists a boost across leading platforms. "We realized we wanted to disrupt the label grift. Some people blame streaming as the villain, but the record industry is back at all-time highs," Hexum explains. "There are little tweaks we can make in the (streaming) payout system, but overall it's been a good thing for artists. It's really been the labels that have been taking too big of a cut." Recalling 311's record deal signed in 1992, Hexum says it included a provision that, regardless of expenses, any new format or technology would pay artists less. That memory inspired Hexum to design his network "for artists by artists" in which clients become business owners. Many other artists are also championing more equitable music careers. That's Love Records co-founders Alex Garcia and Max Shrager established their label in 2024 after years of recording music together in Los Angeles. Garcia says, 'Coming from my own experience working with an independent label with my band Thee Sacred Souls, I wanted to keep that same ethos of a family-style label and pass the torch on to others. Ultimately, the goal is to share honest music that we genuinely like with the world.' Love Records explores an artist's cultural heritage, artistic vision and aspects of their musicianship to present their music in the most unique, compelling fashion. The result is successful distribution, shipping 45s across the globe to every continent except Antarctica so far. "It's exciting to see that the appeal is global. It's about helping each of our artists identify what makes them compelling and unique, and then creating music and visuals that showcase those qualities," Shrager says. Most recently, Hexum dropped a solo EP, Waxing Nostalgic. Expanding his creativity, the release blends classic sounds of the mandolin, pedal steel and fiddle.
Forbes
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Hacking The Music Industry With Tech, Independence And A DIY Ethos
Nick Hexum stands at the intersection of music and innovation, blending decades of creative ... More evolution with a bold new vision for artist empowerment in the digital age. Some people talk about disrupting the system. Nick Hexum and 311 are actually doing it. 311 recently came through Houston on tour and played at the 713 Music Hall. I had the privilege of showing up a few hours before the band took the stage to sit down with the band's founder and lead singer Nick Hexum. We spent an hour or so talking about a wide range of topics. I was impressed with Hexum but left the interview feeling a little inadequate. Hexum and I are the same age (I have him beat by just a few months), but he has accomplished much more than I in his time on this planet. As the frontman of 311, Hexum has spent over three decades pushing musical boundaries—from funk-rock and reggae-punk hybrids to chill ballads that defy easy labels. But it's not just the band's sound that's evolved. Hexum is also challenging the music industry's outdated business models by using technology and taking a more independent approach. Today, Hexum isn't just continuing to make his own music—he's helping other artists do the same. With his new startup label platform called SKP, he's giving musicians an alternative to traditional record deals. SKP provides digital distribution, promotional support and a way to stay independent—all without demanding ownership of an artist's music. Hexum and I talked about the sometimes contentious relationship between artists and labels, and the traditional revenue model. This fresh model flips the typical record label arrangement upside down. 'Now, with this label platform we're doing, we've been able to flip that in the opposite where the distributor and label services platform would take 12% and give the artist 88%,' Hexum told me. 'Completely flipping it.' It's a response to decades of experience where artists signed away their rights for small royalty checks, often without clear accounting or control. Now, Hexum wants to put power back in the hands of creators. Hexum's journey has adapted over the years with the evolution of technology. He started on a four-track cassette recorder, moved to eight-track tape and later recorded in iconic LA studios. But now? He writes and records from a laptop with a MIDI controller and a pair of headphones—often while flying. 'That has been super helpful—the convenience that the new technology can give you,' he said. This shift has given Hexum more freedom to create, no matter where he is. And more importantly, it's given artists everywhere the chance to make professional music without needing expensive gear or studio time. Hexum uses Apple Music to stream lossless-quality tracks and manage demos. He values the convenience—but he hasn't given up on physical music either. He and his band still release music on vinyl, recognizing how fans appreciate something they can see, hold and collect. Instead of focusing only on one-off singles, Hexum prefers releasing four-song EPs. These smaller collections give fans a more complete experience, including both catchy singles and deeper tracks that show a broader range of creativity. Hexum is also watching blockchain closely. He believes it can solve long-standing issues in music—like delayed royalty payments and ticket scalping. Through SKP, his team is developing 'clever contracts'—a simpler alternative to Ethereum smart contracts. These digital agreements allow for automatic, transparent payments to artists without middlemen taking a cut. He also sees potential for blockchain to reduce scalping by tying tickets to verified identities, making resale more controlled and fair for fans. While some bands only tour with a new album to promote, 311 has toured every summer—no matter what. That consistency, Hexum said, helped them stay strong even when CD sales collapsed and streaming changed everything. Their audience now includes both longtime fans and a younger crowd discovering songs like 'Amber' and 'Champagne.' Hexum said the band's mix of rock, reggae, hip hop and pop has helped them stay relevant across decades. 'We keep finding new eclectic ingredients to try sticking together and see how they fit,' he said. Hexum wants artists to think like owners, not employees. That mindset shift is key to building careers that last. When pop artist Chapel Roan recently said record labels should offer healthcare, Hexum saw it differently. 'Why would you want to be an employee when you can be an owner?' Rather than rely on labels for support, Hexum believes in helping artists build their own businesses. His approach combines fair compensation, creative freedom and a model that rewards long-term thinking over short-term fame. For decades, going platinum was the goal. But in today's music world, the dream has changed. Artists want control over their music, their money and their message. And thanks to technology, they don't need a major label to make it happen. Technology empowers freedom for artists. Today, the smartest move an artist can make is owning the path they're on.
