311 Biography, Top Songs,Discography, Albums & Awards

311 (pronounced “three eleven”) is an American rock band formed in 1988 in Omaha, Nebraska. The band was founded with members: vocalist and guitarist Nick Hexum, guitarist Jim Watson, bassist Aaron “P-Nut” Wills, and drummer Chad Sexton. 311’s hallmark sound consisted of a mixture of punk, funk, reggae, and hip hop, which began to evolve during this time. In 1990, Jim Watson was replaced by Tim Mahoney. Doug “SA” Martinez joined later in 1992 as the group’s second vocalist and turntablist. This final addition solidified the quintet and a new era of 311 began.
During 311’s formative years, they self-released independent EPs such as Downstairs in 1989, Dammit! in 1990, and Unity in 1991. These releases tremendously aided in building their local fanbase and getting regular gigs. This led to them catching the attention of major labels. In 1992, their 6-track demo Hydroponic helped secure a record deal with Capricorn Records. After relocating to Los Angeles, their debut major label album, Music, was released in 1993. It was followed by Grassroots in 1994. Both albums achieved moderate success, but laid the groundwork for the band’s breakout.

Truly transformative was their self-titled third album 311 (1995), or as fans refer to it, “The Blue Album.” It marked a milestone for the band as they gained mainstream attention following the triple platinum success of the album in conjunction with “Down” and “All Mixed Up.” “Down” dominated Billboards Modern Rock Tracks and the 311 band made TV appearances on Late Night with Conan O’Brien and Late Show with David Letterman.

For the next few years 311 continued to release hit albums starting with Transistor (1997) which debuted at number four on the Billboard 200 chart and later went platinum. Soundsystem (1999) featuring “Come Original.” From Chaos (2001) which had “You Wouldn’t Believe” and was the first album produced at their own Hive Studios in Los Angeles.

The band maintained their momentum with Evolver (2003) and Don’t Tread on Me (2005). 311 also began hosting annual Unity Tours which became staples in the summer, featuring acts from hip-hop to alternative rock. In 2004, their cover “Love Song” by The Cure featured on the film 50 First Dates and later on the band’s Greatest Hits ’93–’03 exposed them to new audiences.

From 2007 and on, the band released Uplifter (2009), Universal Pulse (2011), Stereolithic (2014), and Mosaic (2017) with each album highlighting a musical progression while continuing to keep their reggae-rock roots. Mosaic peaked at number 6 on the Billboard 200, marking their 10th consecutive top 10 album. In 2019 they came out with Voyager, and in 2024, released Full Bloom which the band describes as “311 on steroids.”

311 also became known for their fan-centric events, most notably “311 Day” celebrated each year on March 11 (3/11). The celebration became synonymous with the band and often includes concerts of marathon length and ultra-rare deep cuts. The band’s identity was further bolstered by the previously mentioned Caribbean cruise festival which 311 hosted along with the Pow Wow Festival in 2011.

Outside of music, the band engaged in entrepreneurial efforts such as releasing 311 Amber Ale and launching a cigar vapor pen dubbed Grassroots Uplifter. Other than some speculated tension internally and rumors of lineup changes over the years, the original five piece lineup has remained untouched which is incredibly rare in the industry.

With more than 10 million records in the United States alone, alongside a loyal fan base, 311 is still revered in America for their rock music. They are known for their positive messages, community-engaging live performances, and genre-blending tunes.

311 Top Songs

• Down – Their top anthem that celebrated their mainstream breakthrough in ’96.
• All Mixed Up – One of the most notable blend of reggae and alt rock that is alongside the best track from the band.
• Amber – A mellow ballad from From Chaos that demonstrates the band’s softer competencies and fan favorites.
• Love Song – A crossover classic by 311 that gained them success in the 2000s, originally performed by The Cure.
• Beautiful Disaster – Part of 311’s live sets where the song is described catchy riffs and profound lyrics which is labeled to be a masterpiece of the band.
• Come Original – A defining track that showcased band’s eclectic fusion sound during the late 90s outmost remembered for its released late of the decade.
• Creatures (For a While) – Synecdochical to the broad relations and artist we can best describe it as one of the most unique singles with existential lyrics paired rhythmic and complex beats.
• You Wouldn’t Believe – A lively energetic number featuring Shaquille O’Neal in the Music Video thus giving it more presence.
• Too Much to Think – Featuring dreamy themes, this spund mosaic track has more to it with buoyant and eclectic sounds elevating us to another realm.
• 2024 – You’re Gonna Get It is the new single released on that date which granted the band a return to former glory.

311 Discography

Full Bloom (2024)
Voyager (2019)
Mosaic (2017)
Stereolithic (2014)
Universal Pulse (2011)
Uplifter (2009)
Don’t Tread on Me (2005)
Evolver (2003)
From Chaos (2001)
Soundsystem (1999)
Transistor (1997)
311 (1995)
Grassroots (1994)
Music (1993)

OTHER NOTABLE RELEASES:
311 Live (1998)
Greatest Hits ’93–’03 (2004)
311 Archive (2015)

311 TOP ALBUMS

• 311 (1995) – Triple platinum, includes “Down” and “All Mixed Up.” A mainstream success that cemented their status.
• Transistor (1997) – Platinum-certified and praised for its ambitious 21-track runtime.
• From Chaos (2001) – Gold-certified with hits like “Amber” and “You Wouldn’t Believe.”
• Mosaic (2017) – A fan-driven album that returned them to the Billboard Top 10.
• Full Bloom (2024) – The latest release, hailed for its energy and reinvention of their sound.

Awards and Achievements

RIAA Certifications:

• 311 – Triple Platinum
• Transistor – Platinum
• Music, Grassroots, From Chaos, Greatest Hits ‘93–’03 – Gold/Platinum

Billboard Achievements:

• “Down” – No. 1 on Modern Rock Tracks (1996)
• Transistor – Debuted at No. 4 on Billboard 200
• Uplifter – Debuted at No. 3 on Billboard 200
• Mosaic – Debuted at No. 6 on Billboard 200

Major Media Features:

• Contributed to soundtracks such as 50 First Dates
• Featured on major national television broadcasts
• Headlined multiple major tours and festivals

Legacy Events:

• 311 Day (annual event for fans)
• 311 Caribbean Cruise
• Pow Wow Festival (2011)

311 Singles List

From Music (1993)

• Do You Right

From Grassroots (1994)

• Homebrew
• 8:16 A.M.

From 311 (“The Blue Album”, 1995)

• Don’t Stay Home
• Down
• All Mixed Up

From Transistor (1997)

• Transistor
• Prisoner
• Beautiful Disaster
• Come Original (Note: This was sometimes bundled with Soundsystem era songs but often associated with Transistor sessions)

From Soundsystem (1999)

• Come Original
• Flowing
• Large in the Margin (promotional)

From From Chaos (2001)

• You Wouldn’t Believe
• Amber
• I’ll Be Here Awhile

From Evolver (2003)

• Creatures (For a While)
• Beyond the Gray Sky
• Love Song (cover of The Cure – featured on 50 First Dates soundtrack and Greatest Hits ’93–’03)

From Don’t Tread on Me (2005)

• Don’t Tread on Me
• Speak Easy
• Frolic Room

From Uplifter (2009)

• Hey You
• It’s Alright
• Mix It Up (promotional)

From Universal Pulse (2011)

• Sunset in July
• Count Me In

From Stereolithic (2014)

• Five of Everything
• Showdown
• Boom Shanka (digital promo)

From Mosaic (2017)

• Too Much to Think
• Too Late
• Perfect Mistake
• ’Til the City’s on Fire (radio single)

From Voyager (2019)

• Good Feeling
• Don’t You Worry
• What The?!
• Crossfire
• Stainless

From Full Bloom (2024)

• You’re Gonna Get It
• Need Somebody

Other Notable Singles / Soundtrack Appearances

• Love Song (The Cure cover – 50 First Dates OST)
• Reggae Got Soul (Toots & The Maytals cover – Surf’s Up OST)
• Do You Right (2023 acoustic version)
• Self Esteem (Offspring cover – released alongside Offspring’s cover of “Down” for the Never-Ending Summer Tour)