The best music requires repeated listenings to understand its true essence. This may be due to the fact that the harmonies might be complex or that the instrumental arrangement might be agitated with eccentric frills. It might also be that the piece is long or that it does not summon you to dance.
The band 311 originated in Omaha, Nebraska. The members consisted of vocalist Nick Hexum, guitarist Jim Watson, bassist Aaron “P-Nut” Wills and drummer Chad Sexton. Later, Doug “SA” Martinez joined the group as a vocalist and turntablist.
The debut album, Music, released in 1993 was a big hit for the band. They followed it up with Grassroots in 1994 and Transistor in 1997.
Band members
The band incorporated their name into the title of their first album, and it has since become a tagline for their musical style. 311’s music is more laid back than the spastic 1980s punk-funk tradition they came out of and less suffocatingly serious than the angsty bro scene that would rub elbows with them in the 90s. That slipperiness would keep them popular long after peers in either genre found their pop culture stock falling.
In 1991, 311 released a second independent release called Unity through their own independent record label, What Have You? Records. They printed 1000 CDs and 500 cassettes of the album, distributing them through consignment and selling them at shows. Jim Watson left the band at this time and was replaced by Tim Mahoney.
During the recording of this album, the band recorded a cover of Toots & the Maytals’ song “Reggae Got Soul” for the soundtrack to the movie Remember The Daze. It was the only time that a non-album track appeared on an official 311 release, but it has since become one of the band’s signature songs.
Albums
311 has released thirteen studio albums, two live albums, four compilations, and four EPs. They are known for their hybrid sound of reggae, hip hop and rock fusion. Their first album, Music, was released on Capricorn Records in 1993 and was a hit on modern rock radio stations. Their next album, Grassroots, was also successful. It was around this time that the band added drummer Chad Sexton and guitarist Nick Hexum. Hexum also tapped Tim Mahoney to replace Jim Watson on guitar and Doug “SA” Martinez joined as a full-time member.
In 1994, 311 bought their own recording studio in North Hollywood. They named it The Hive, and they used the facility to record their albums and tour. The Hive also houses the band’s merch table, VIP area and rehearsal space. 311’s most recent album, Transistor, was released in 1997. The band currently tours with a set list that is determined night-to-night by the band.
Tours
Music 311 is one of the most popular ’90s rock bands, and they still thrill audiences when they hit the road. Taking their name from the Nebraska police code for streaking, the Omaha-based band mixes hip-hop, reggae and funk to create a rock dance party. They’ve toured with acts like Sublime and Dirty Heads and have a devoted fan base to match.
Fans can catch the funk-rock veterans on their upcoming Fall Tour, which begins September 2nd in Columbus and ends November 12th in Los Angeles. They’ll play 27 shows, including special album-themed performances in New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles. These shows will dedicate two nights to each of the band’s first six albums: Music and Grassroots in NYC, Blue and Transistor in Chicago and Soundsystem and From Chaos in LA.
Nick Hexum says the band hasn’t slowed down yet and that their creativity hasn’t peaked. They’ll have plenty to celebrate if they keep producing hits like “Purpose,” which features a hooky melody and intergalactic guitar leads.
Awards
With all the talk about how the band had gone a bit too EDM on some of their later albums, it was nice to hear that 311 hadn’t lost that rootsie feel. They kept their funk-rock roots intact with this song and they made it work.
This is one of those rare 311 songs that has a legible melody that never lapses into the kind of chugging distortion that’s so common to their sound. And it’s done with style and panache, too.
This is the first song of the night to feature a tribute to Chuck Berry, who died earlier that day. It’s a great moment and it really gets the crowd going. 311 then goes back to the groove with a song called Down. It’s a great song that shows how much these guys love to play the music they make. They don’t take it for granted, even after playing it for a long time.
E Isso Ai is a remarkable song that conveys the complexities of love and longing. Originally performed by Damien Rice, it has been covered by many different artists, including Brazilian musician Ana Carolina. Her interpretation of this remarkable song adds a distinct flavor and touches listeners in a profound way.
The Blower’s Daughter
The Blower’s Daughter is a song by Irish musician Damien Rice. It was first released in Ireland on 21 September 2001 through 14th Floor Records, and was included on his debut studio album O. The track is notable for its melancholic vulnerability and delicate vocals, which have earned it international acclaim. It also gained popularity in the United States after it was featured in the 2004 film Closer.
Ana Carolina was inspired to cover the song because of its beauty and emotional depth. Her soulful interpretation adds a layer of authenticity and vulnerability to the lyrics, which allows listeners to fully immerse themselves in the meaning of the song.
The Blower’s Daughter is a timeless song that speaks to the complexities of love and longing. Its powerful lyrics and emotive delivery have touched the hearts of many people worldwide, making it one of the most beloved songs ever recorded. This track is definitely worth adding to your music collection!
E Isso Ai
E Isso Ai, which was originally performed by Damien Rice, is a remarkable song that conveys the beauty of life’s simplicity and the diversity of people’s beliefs and actions. It also evokes emotions of longing and desire, capturing the intricacies of a passionate love story. Ana Carolina’s soulful rendition of this song has gained widespread acclaim, touching the hearts of many listeners.
In her rendition, she adds a personal touch to the lyrics, creating a unique flavor that is accentuated by her powerful vocals and emotional delivery. She takes listeners on a journey through the stages of a loving relationship, from the excitement and initial connection to the fluctuation of desire and doubt and finally to the bittersweet pain of separation.
Ana Carolina
Ana Carolina is a skilled singer-songwriter who draws inspiration from a wide variety of musical icons. Her songs evoke a range of emotions including love, longing, and desire. They are often inspired by personal experiences and are emotionally intense, capturing the raw emotions of life. The evocative beauty of her voice and lyrics leave listeners deeply moved, creating an emotional experience that is difficult to forget.
E Isso Ai is a beautiful song that speaks to the beauty of life’s simplicity and the diversity of people’s beliefs and actions. It also reflects on the allure of someone whose gaze is impossible to resist. It is a perfect song for anyone who has experienced the joys and struggles of love. Ana Carolina’s powerful and emotional rendition of this timeless classic has earned her critical acclaim from both industry professionals and fans.
Seu Jorge
Known to most non-Brazilians for his work as a musician in Wes Anderson’s The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, singer-songwriter Seu Jorge is an accomplished acoustic performer. He’s a master at blending different musical styles into one unified whole and has earned himself a large and dedicated fan base.
His songs are influenced by traditional Brazilian music and the samba schools where he trained, as well as the American soul music of Stevie Wonder. The result is a unique sound that has garnered critical acclaim from fellow musicians and audiences alike.
The heart-warming track “Bem Querer” is a favorite among couples and has a gentle composition that evokes feelings of love and romance. It’s also a great song to dance along with, with its funky rhythm and catchy chorus. With a sound like this, it’s no wonder that Seu Jorge is a crowd-pleaser at all his live performances. He and his band Almaz have the feel of a private jam session with each member having a distinct and important role to play.
Through highly competitive auditions, music studios induct talented children as idols. After years of intensive training, they debut in a group, establishing a skeleton for a career.
LE SSERAFIM’s “Fearless” refreshes old cultural touchstones like fan dancing, pairing future bass with traditional Korean instrumentals and aesthetics. It’s a prime example of K-pop’s maximalist aesthetic.
1. Lisa
The first generation of K-pop idols paved the way for diversity in the industry with sincere love odes constructed to appeal to the widest possible audience. Psy’s sardonic “Gangnam Style” and its easily imitated horse-riding dance move was an outlier, but the quintet (G)I-DLE) proved girls can curse and sneer convention with the ferocious pop-punk hit “Tomboy.”
Taemin opened doors for androgynous expression in K-pop with 2017’s “Move,” a track that combined Eighties New Wave synths with sensual R&B melodies. The pulsating track’s genderless choreography showcasing elegant gestures and subtle gazes resonated with fans.
Originally named Pranpriya Manoban, Lisa became the maknae – or youngest – member of Blackpink in 2016. She’s multilingual, speaking fluent Thai, Korean, and Japanese, and she loves western food and culture. In addition to her musical talents, Lisa is also a model and brand ambassador for French luxury brand Celine. She is a role model for young women, and she is adored by her millions of fans.
2. Suga
Min Yoon-gi, also known as Suga and Agust D, is a rapper, songwriter and record producer under Big Hit Entertainment. He debuted as a member of the boy band BTS in 2013 and is best known for his rapping skills and charismatic stage presence.
Suga also performs under his solo alias Agust D and has released two mixtapes. He also has a number of collaborations with artists such as Halsey, Psy, Lee So-ra, MAX and Juice WRLD.
Suga has donated a considerable amount of money to help patients with COVID-19 and is an avid supporter of the LGBTQ+ community. He has also been generous in his efforts to aid local residents in times of disaster. As an Enneagram Five, Suga is innovative and reflective and often mulls over his thoughts on a deeper level. This trait can be seen in the lyrics of his songs. He is also very curious and loves learning about new things.
3. Hyukoh
Hyukoh was founded in Hongdae, Seoul and rose quickly through the underground scene. With a fresh sound that even talks about youth and it’s problems the band found quick success, especially after their appearance on the variety show Infinite Challenge. Their debut EP 20 made them a name to be reckoned with and they even topped music charts like Melon, Genie and Naver.
The group consists of four members; leader Oh Hyuk who was born in Korea but lived almost his whole life in cities across China because of his parents job, guitarist Lim Hyunjae, bassist Im Dongeon and drummer Lee Inwoo. They are now signed with Highgrnd, a sub-label of YG Entertainment and have become hugely popular in Asia, where one of their songs, Citizen Kane, was used on the Apple iPhone X’s Animoji commercial.
With their piercings, tattoos and don’t give a fuck attitude, the quartet is unlike anything else in a K-pop landscape filled with cookie-cutter idol bands. Despite their rebellious aesthetic, they are very well behaved on and off the stage.
4. Kathy Yaeji Lee
With a career as illustrious as her enviable hair, Kathy Yaeji Lee is the definition of an idol. She’s a powerhouse singer with a lissome voice that can’t help but soar on the groovy, squelching centrepiece of “Done (Let’s Get It),” an anthem that refreshes old cultural touchstones like fan dancing in new ways.
R&B artist Yoonmirae is the embodiment of a new generation of Korean music, one that embraces its own multiracial identity. Her eponymous debut single is an ode to her biracial heritage over dreamy Rhodes piano and swelling strings, while “Black Happiness” embodies her honeyed croon and steel-eyed raps.
Psy’s virality with his easily mimicked horse-riding dance move might have grabbed the spotlight, but he’s merely one among many to redefine K-pop. The first wave of ’90s co-ed groups paved the way for today’s all-female rosters, and the genre’s maximalist aesthetic often pulls from experimental sounds around the globe. –R.K.