311 is an American rock band formed in Omaha, Nebraska in 1988, blending alternative rock with reggae, funk, and hip hop behind the dual vocals of Nick Hexum and SA Martinez. The triple-platinum 1995 self-titled album — home of Down and All Mixed Up — is the classic entry; Transistor (1997) rewards a second spin. Dig into 311 vinyl and CD reissues at Wax Trax Records.
311 (pronounced three-eleven) formed in Omaha, Nebraska in 1988 by vocalist and guitarist Nick Hexum, original lead guitarist Jim Watson, bassist Aaron P-Nut Wills, and drummer Chad Sexton. Watson was replaced by Tim Mahoney in 1990, and Doug SA Martinez joined as a second vocalist and turntablist in 1992, completing the long-running lineup. The band released three independent albums on their own What Have You Records imprint before signing with Capricorn Records in 1992.
311's sound blends alternative rock with reggae, funk, rap rock, and hip-hop. The band's recordings typically feature dual vocals from Hexum and Martinez, with reggae-influenced rhythm guitar and groove-based bass. Their breakthrough self-titled 1995 album reached number 12 on the Billboard 200 and produced the hit singles Down and All Mixed Up.
Original Capricorn pressings of the 1995 self-titled album and Transistor remain in circulation. The band has issued multiple vinyl reissues and color variants in recent years across both Capricorn-era catalog and newer releases on their own 311 label.
Listeners new to 311 most often start with the 1995 self-titled album, the band's commercial breakthrough containing Down and All Mixed Up. Transistor (1997) is a common second entry point.
