Nick Hexum

Last updated
Nick Hexum
Nick Hexum of 311.jpg
Hexum performing in 2023
Background information
Birth nameNicholas Lofton Hexum
Also known asDJ Lofton
Born (1970-04-12) April 12, 1970 (age 54)
Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.
Origin Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • rapper
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
  • keyboard
  • bass
  • programming
Years active1985–present
Labels
Member of
  • 311
  • The Nick Hexum Quintet
Children3
Website www.311.com

Nicholas Lofton Hexum (born April 12, 1970) is an American singer, songwriter and rapper, currently the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the multi-platinum alternative rock band 311 and The Nick Hexum Quintet.

Contents

Early life

Born in Madison, Wisconsin, to father Dr. Terry Hexum, a professor of pharmacology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and cardiovascular and neuroscience researcher, and mother Pat, [1] Hexum went to Westside High School in Omaha, Nebraska. School led Hexum to music programs, such as Westside Jazz Band, where he met Chad Sexton. Hexum views his first rock 'n' roll performance as a junior high talent show under the name The Clash. [2]

In 1985, Hexum also started a band with school friends. This is the first group where he had another member of 311 as a bandmate. Tim Mahoney was the lead guitarist in the group. Other members included Ward Bones, Andy Gray, Lon Breslow, and Ed Birmingham. Their band was called The Eds after their drummer. They performed at school functions, even winning local battle of the bands. The group played together for a few years before disbanding. [3]

In 1988, Hexum linked with Mahoney and jazz band friend Chad Sexton to form a band named Unity. The line-up changed when they graduated highschool. Mahoney and Sexton decided to head to college. Chad Sexton returned from a short stint at University of Nebraska and Unity was revived without Mahoney. Hexum, Sexton, Ward Bones, and Marcus Watkins formed this new line-up and moved to Los Angeles to make an effort for recognition. However, this group soon parted ways.

Hexum moved to Germany for a brief stint in 1990. After a few months, he got a call from Sexton. He had linked up with Aaron Wills and Jim Watson. [4] Their band, Fish Hippos, had a gig with Fugazi on June 10, 1990 at Sokol Auditorium in their hometown on Omaha, NE and he invited Hexum to join the band. Hexum agreed, but said they needed to change the band's name. They settled on 311 and announced that from stage. The band views this show as their birth.

311

311's birth is viewed as their first show together at Sokol Auditorium on June 10, 1990. At that time, they were entirely independent and Hexum served as the band's manager and distributor. He took out a student loan and used the money to record in a local, professional studio and 311 released three independent albums, Dammit! , Unity , and Hydroponic on Hexum's own independent label What Have You Records.

In 1992, the band felt they'd done all they could on the local scene and moved out to Los Angeles to pursue a record deal. Since Hexum had been proactive on the business end, demo tapes had been sent to many record labels. One made its way to producer Eddy Offord, who took interest in working with the band. All of this culminated in 311 signing a record deal with Capricorn Records. In 1993, 311 released their first major label album, titled Music.

311 has released 14 major label records without a change in the band's line-up. [5] They have performed over 2,000 shows in 29 countries and all 50 U.S. states. Hits include "Down", "Love Song", "Amber", "All Mixed Up", "You Wouldn't Believe", "Creatures (For a While)", and many more. [6]

Outside Ventures

From his own clothing line [7] to his non-profit awareness group, [8] [9] Hexum has held many interests outside of music. The two worlds combined in the early 2022 when Hexum became a Chief Artist at a start-up tech company called SKP. [10]

SKP (a play on the word 'escapee') was designed to help music artists bypass the major label network and find the tools they need without sacrificing their rights. To do this, they've created a network where young artists can get the help a major label would provide, such as distribution and marketing, without the need to sign a major label contract. The upcoming artists can retain their own equity and control over their own music and direction. [11] [12]

Hexum is also part owner of Union Omaha, a soccer team in his hometown on Omaha, NE. [13] [14]

Personal life

Hexum in 2007 Nick Hexum of 311 (828287219).jpg
Hexum in 2007

Hexum is a middle child. His siblings are Angela, Zack, and Patrick.

Zack is a songwriter and musician in his own right, with album releases and scoring credits. [15] He has toured with his brother for the Hexum Brothers Rock For Kerry (2005) and for the Nick Hexum Quintet (2014) and has recorded and wrote for 311 on "Reggae Got Soul" (recorded horns) and "Forever Now" (songwriting credits).

Patrick passed away fighting an opioid addiction. [16]

Hexum married his wife Nikki on New Year's Eve 2008. They have three daughters, Echo, Maxine and Harlow.

Their oldest daughter, Echo, was born in a home birth on August 29, 2009. [17] Echo has taken up piano, even performing live with her father at 311 Day 2020. [18]

Their second daughter, Maxine, was born May 1, 2011, which happened to occur on Nikki's birthday. Due to the absence of the family's midwife, Hexum performed the delivery. [19]

Their third daughter, Harlow, was born September 16, 2014. [20] Harlow has numerous acting credits, including in the TV series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. as Alya Fitz. [21]

Hexum has been known to support numerous charities, such as MusiCares, [22] ChooseLove, [23] Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation [24] and others.

Discography

with 311

with The Nick Hexum Quintet

with George Clanton

as Nick Hexum

Hexum has announced an upcoming solo album to be released in 2025. He has described this venture as acoustic / americana. [25]

Guest appearances

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">311 (band)</span> American rock band

311 is an American rock band from Omaha, Nebraska. The band was formed in 1988 by vocalist and guitarist Nick Hexum, lead guitarist Jim Watson, bassist Aaron "P-Nut" Wills, and drummer Chad Sexton. Watson was replaced by Tim Mahoney in 1990. In 1992, Doug "SA" Martinez joined as a second vocalist and turntablist.

<i>Soundsystem</i> (311 album) 1999 studio album by 311

Soundsystem is the fifth studio album by 311, released on October 12, 1999. Soundsystem, which was certified Gold by the RIAA, was the last 311 album on Capricorn Records before the band switched to Volcano Records in 2000. Recording processes for the album began on March 11, 1999.

<i>311</i> (album) 1995 studio album by 311

311 is the third studio album by American rock band 311, released on July 11, 1995, by Capricorn Records. The album contains the successful singles "Don't Stay Home", "All Mixed Up", and "Down", and was certified triple platinum with sales of over three million copies.

<i>Hydroponic</i> (EP) EP album by the band 311

Hydroponic is an EP by 311, released in 1992. It was their last independent release before they were signed to Capricorn Records for their first studio album Music. It was considered the first EP with S.A. Martinez as an official member of the band. This EP was a six-track demo that contained four songs that would appear on their debut album Music. The four that made it to Music were all tuned down one half step. Before the official release of Hydroponic, the band made hand-written "pre-release" promo copies of the new EP and sold them at various shows as well as "Joe Voda's Drum City", which was Chad's mother's store, who now works at Dietze's Music in Bellevue, Nebraska. Pre-release promo copies were hand-written by the band and sold at various shows as well as "Joe Voda's Drum City" before its official release on cassette. Most of the copies were hand-written by Chad Sexton himself and have been spotted on eBay.

<i>Grassroots</i> (album) Album by 311

Grassroots is the second studio album by American rock band 311, released on July 12, 1994, through Capricorn Records. The album was intentionally recorded to have a "muddy" tone, and was recorded in a small house in Van Nuys where all of the band members lived together. This album also contains the track "Applied Science", which is a staple in 311's live show and has included a full-band drum solo since 2000. This marks P-Nut’s first studio effort recorded with a 5-string bass guitar. The album was certified gold in 1999 by the RIAA, having sold over 500,000 copies. With their second album, 311 started recording with Eddy Offord, but parted ways very early in the process. Funds for the album were cut off, but the band persevered by doing it themselves. 311 finished recording the album in their band house, leading to the unique sound of this record.

<i>Music</i> (311 album) 1993 studio album by 311

Music is the debut studio album by American rock band 311. It was released on February 9, 1993. "Do You Right" was released as a single. The album was certified gold in 1999 by the RIAA, having sold over 500,000 copies.

<i>Transistor</i> (311 album) 1997 studio album by 311

Transistor is the fourth studio album by American rock band 311, released on August 5, 1997, by Capricorn Records. The album saw a change in musical style as fewer songs feature rapping in comparison to the band's previous albums. Intended as a double album, 311 opted to release the album on a single CD in order to make it more affordable to their fans.

<i>From Chaos</i> 2001 studio album by 311

From Chaos is the sixth studio album by 311, released on June 19, 2001.

<i>Unity</i> (311 album) 1991 studio album by 311

Unity was 311's second independent release and first CD release on their own record company, What Have You Records. It was released in 1991 on both CD and Cassette. It is considered by some to be the band's second album if Dammit! is counted as their debut album. This album is no longer in print and is very rare, and there were only 1,000 original copies on CD and 500 on cassette that were pressed and released for this album.

<i>Omaha Sessions</i> 1998 compilation album by 311

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Down (311 song)</span> 1996 single by 311

"Down" is a song by the band 311. It is the first song on their third album, 311. It was their first #1 single on the Billboard Alternative Songs charts, and along with their self-titled album, was largely responsible for launching them into mainstream success. An accompanying video for the song was in rotation on MTV at the time of its release. Due to its massive popularity it was also included as the first song on their live album, Live, and on their greatest hits album, Greatest Hits '93–'03. Since its release it has also become a staple of their live concerts, and is usually dedicated "to all the old-school 311 fans." However, following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, it was placed on the list of post-9/11 inappropriate titles distributed by Clear Channel.

"Amber" is a song from American rock band 311. A reggae rock song, "Amber" was inspired by vocalist Nick Hexum's relationship with singer Nicole Scherzinger. Scherzinger appears briefly in the music video, playing in the ocean with Hexum. It reached number 13 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. It was certified 3× Platinum by the RIAA.

<i>Uplifter</i> 2009 studio album by 311

Uplifter is the ninth studio album by American rock band 311, released on June 2, 2009 by Volcano Records. It was the band's first album in nearly four years. This was the longest gap between albums in 311's career, until their fourteenth studio album Full Bloom was released following a five year gap after their thirteenth album, Voyager. Uplifter was produced by Bob Rock, who has produced or engineered albums by numerous notable acts, such as Metallica, Aerosmith, Mötley Crüe, Bon Jovi, The Cult, Our Lady Peace and The Offspring. It debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200, their highest position to date.

<i>Universal Pulse</i> 2011 studio album by 311

Universal Pulse is a mini-LP and the tenth studio album by American rock band 311, released on July 19, 2011 on 311 Records/ATO Records. It clocks in at just under 29 minutes, making it the shortest album 311 ever released, as well as their first release on their own independent record company. It has a 57 out of 100 on Metacritic, indicating "mixed or average reviews".

<i>Stereolithic</i> 2014 studio album by 311

Stereolithic is the eleventh studio album by the American rock band 311, released on March 11, 2014. It is the band's first fully independent studio album release since 1991's Unity. Stereolithic is also 311's first album since 1999's Soundsystem to be produced by Scotch Ralston, making this their first album since 2005's Don't Tread on Me not to be produced by Bob Rock.

<i>Mosaic</i> (311 album) 2017 studio album by 311

Mosaic is the twelfth studio album by the American rock band 311. Released on June 23, 2017, it is the band's first album to be released by the label BMG, their first to be produced by John Feldmann, and their fourth to be produced by Scotch Ralston. The track listing was revealed by Pledge Music on April 10, 2017.

<i>Voyager</i> (311 album) 2019 studio album by 311

Voyager is the thirteenth studio album by American rock band 311. It was released on July 12, 2019. It is the second to be produced by John Feldmann and the fifth to be produced by Scotch Ralston. Matan Zohar is also listed as a producer. It is 311's first album since their 1995 self-titled album to not debut in the top 10 of the Billboard 200, peaking only at number 18.

<i>Full Bloom</i> (311 album) 2024 studio album by 311

Full Bloom is the fourteenth studio album by American rock band 311, released on October 25, 2024. It is the first to be produced by Colin Brittain and the sixth to be produced by Scotch Ralston. Tim Pagnotta is also listed as a producer. It is the first 311 album since 2019's Voyager, which marks the longest gap between studio LPs in the band's career. The album was released through SKP, a company founded by lead singer Nick Hexum and his wife Niki Hexum. It strives to help upcoming musicians publish their music without the takeaways of record labels. Full Bloom is the first ever album to be released through SKP.

<i>My Shadow Pages</i> 2013 studio album by Nick Hexum Quintet

My Shadow Pages is the first album released by Nick Hexum, lead singer of the band 311. This surprise album was announced via socials on July 18, 2013, and was released on October 1, 2013. It was a very different approach to music than heard by Hexum in the past, lending its self toward jazz and jam band.

References

  1. ↑ "UNMC researcher cheers on musical sons - UNMC". App1.unmc.edu. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  2. ↑ "Nick and Curt Grubb discuss their new song and the good old days!". YouTube . 5 August 2021.
  3. ↑ "ARCHIVE: Pre -311". 27 November 2022.
  4. ↑ "ARCHIVE: Pre -311". 27 November 2022.
  5. ↑ Omaha World Herald | https://omaha.com/entertainment/the-bands-that-have-kept-their-original-lineups-the-longest/article_3bbaec1d-d8ba-56a1-b8b7-c283ed3d9472.html
  6. ↑ "311 | Biography, Music & News". Billboard .
  7. ↑ Ginsing Clothing | https://web.archive.org/web/20040318175652/http://www.ginsingclothing.com/
  8. ↑ Liberal Hexum | https://www.taxexemptworld.com/organization.asp?tn=1654278
  9. ↑ LA Times| https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2006-sep-07-wk-pop7-story.html
  10. ↑ https://www.skp.io/
  11. ↑ "311 Has No Rules with Nick Hexum | Bertcast # 651". YouTube . 20 November 2024.
  12. ↑ "311 Frontman Nick Hexum: Rockstar, Entrepreneur, Fitness Enthusiast". 30 September 2024.
  13. ↑ "311's Nick Hexum Joins Union Omaha Ownership Group".
  14. ↑ "311's Nick Hexum joins Union Omaha ownership group". 28 September 2023.
  15. ↑ https://www.ascap.com/repertory#/ace/writer/406622384/HEXUM%20ZACHARY
  16. ↑ "311: Renowned Alt. Rock Band Wraps Up Two Sold Out Concerts For '311 DAY 2018'". Screamer Magazine. 20 March 2018. Retrieved 24 September 2021.
  17. ↑ Hexum, Nick [@NickHexum] (2009-08-29). "Echo Hexum was born at home today at four in the morning. Words cannot describe how amazing it was. Time to go to bed..." (Tweet). Retrieved 2020-02-23– via Twitter.
  18. ↑ "311 DAY Nick & Echo Hexum Only Time Will Tell". YouTube . 13 March 2020.
  19. ↑ "311's Nick Hexum Delivers Daughter Maxine". People. June 16, 2011. Retrieved February 23, 2020.
  20. ↑ Hexum, Nick [@NickHexum] (2014-09-16). "Healthy baby girl Harlow born into the Hexum family at 3:42 on 9/16/14. 7 lbs. 15 oz. Overjoyed!" (Tweet). Retrieved 2019-07-28– via Twitter.
  21. ↑ "Harlow Happy Hexum | Actress". IMDb .
  22. ↑ https://grammy.com/news/band-of-merrymakers-holiday-single-supports-musicares
  23. ↑ https://x.com/NickHexum/status/1499074474108493832
  24. ↑ "Rock star Nick Hexum taking part in Empire State Building Run-Up to benefit blood cancer research".
  25. ↑ "New Music from Nick Hexum!". YouTube .
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