There's a certain kind of presence that some artists just carry, a quiet intensity that really pulls you in, and Nick Hexum, the voice and guitar behind the well-known band 311, definitely has that. You know, he’s not just about the big stage lights and concert crowds; his work goes much deeper than that. He’s been a constant figure in music for quite some time, actually, making his mark with a sound that many people recognize right away.
For a long while now, Nick Hexum has been a key part of the music scene, bringing a unique blend of sounds to listeners. His influence stretches across various projects, including his main gig with 311, where he’s helped shape their distinct style. But, you know, his creative spirit doesn't stop there. He also puts his energy into his own solo efforts, showing a different side of his musical interests and what he can do on his own.
Beyond the music itself, Nick Hexum is involved in some other interesting things, too. These ventures often reflect his wider interests and passions, connecting him to different parts of the creative and community worlds. So, in a way, he’s someone who keeps quite busy, always finding new ways to express himself and share what he cares about, which is pretty cool, if you ask me.
Nick Hexum, a person known for his work as a singer, a rapper, and someone who writes songs, got his start in Madison, Wisconsin. He came into the world on April 12, 1970. This makes him a person who has seen quite a bit of life, you know, growing up and getting into music. He is, as a matter of fact, primarily recognized for his role as the guitarist and vocalist for the rock group 311. This band, which started back in 1988, has been a fixture for a long time, more than three decades, actually, on the airwaves that play alternative music. Their live performances are also quite famous for being full of energy and very lively. The current members of the group include Nick Hexum on vocals, and they have really made a name for themselves with songs like “Down” and “All Mixed Up,” which a lot of people know and enjoy.
His involvement in music isn't limited to just one band, though. Nick Hexum also dedicates his creative energy to the Nick Hexum Quintet, which is another musical project he's involved with. Over the years, he has contributed to a good number of musical collections and individual song pieces, both with his bands and when he works on his own. This shows, in a way, just how much he has given to the music world. His path in the music and film businesses spans more than two decades, too. He began by working on music videos and later got to work on some major motion pictures with well-known people like Val Kilmer and a producer named Robert Evans, who is quite a figure in the industry. So, basically, his experience is pretty broad, covering different creative areas.
Full Name | Nick Hexum |
Date of Birth | April 12, 1970 |
Place of Birth | Madison, Wisconsin, United States |
Current Occupation | Singer, Rapper, Songwriter, Guitarist, Vocalist |
Main Band | 311 |
Other Musical Projects | Nick Hexum Quintet, Solo EPs (e.g., Full Memories, Waxing Nostalgic) |
Known For Songs | "Down," "All Mixed Up" (with 311), "Lonely Existence," "California" cover (solo) |
Relationship History | Was with Nicole Scherzinger (2000-2004) |
Family | Wife, Daughters (details not specified beyond existence) |
Height | Information not provided in source text |
Net Worth | Information not provided in source text |
When you listen to Nick Hexum’s music, whether it’s with 311 or his own solo efforts, there’s a certain quality that just stands out. It’s not just about the notes or the words; it’s about the feeling he puts into it, which, you know, really comes through. His work with 311 has helped them become a group with a long and respected history in alternative rock. Their live shows are, apparently, something quite special, known for being very energetic and full of life. This really speaks to the kind of connection they build with their audience, which is, honestly, a pretty big part of why they’ve stayed so popular for so long. The way he sings and plays the guitar creates a sound that is quite recognizable, and that’s a big reason why people keep coming back to their songs.
His approach to creating music, whether it’s a new album with 311 or one of his personal EPs, seems to be about letting the ideas flow naturally. For instance, he mentioned that some new 311 music was taking shape, and he said it in a way that was very casual, like someone just talking about running out of oat milk. This kind of relaxed attitude, in a way, might be part of what allows for such genuine and interesting musical creations. He also talked about how the first few songs he and Chad brought in for a new 311 project just happened to be in a particular tuning, which wasn't planned. This suggests a creative process that is, you know, pretty organic, letting the music find its own path rather than forcing it into a specific mold. That sort of spontaneity, I mean, can often lead to some really unique and memorable pieces of music.
Beyond his well-known work with 311, Nick Hexum has also put out his own musical projects, showing a different side of his artistic self. One of these is the Nick Hexum Quintet, which offers another avenue for his musical expression. More recently, he has been sharing solo EPs, which are like smaller collections of songs. For example, he released an EP called "Full Memories," which is actually the second one he put out this year. This particular EP is part of what he calls a trio of EPs that have a moon-related theme. The first one in this series was "Waxing Nostalgic," and it came out in February. That one included a song called "Lonely Existence," which, you know, gives you a sense of the kind of thoughtful content he explores on his own.
The "Full Memories" EP, which is available on digital platforms, contains five songs. One of these songs is a version of "California," originally by Chappell Roan. Nick Hexum shared that he felt a strong connection to the words of "California," saying it tells a story that he could really relate to. This willingness to cover other artists' work and connect with the lyrics on a personal level shows a certain openness in his solo work, which is, frankly, pretty cool to see. These solo efforts allow him to explore different sounds and themes that might not fit perfectly within the 311 sound, giving his listeners another way to experience his musical ideas. So, in some respects, it’s a chance for him to really stretch out creatively.
The sound that Nick Hexum helps create with 311 is something that many people have come to appreciate over a long period. For more than thirty years, this group from Omaha has been a consistent presence on alternative radio waves, and they are quite well-regarded for their energetic live performances. Their music, which often features Nick Hexum's singing and guitar playing, has produced well-known songs like “Down” and “All Mixed Up.” These songs, you know, really captured the attention of many listeners and helped establish 311 as a significant force in rock music. The group's ability to stay relevant and continue to draw crowds to their shows, like the one planned for the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, speaks to the lasting appeal of their sound and the energy they bring to their performances.
The group's approach to making music, with Nick Hexum as a key creative voice, seems to be about continually finding new ways to express themselves. When they are creating new material, like the "new 311 music brewing," as he put it, there's a sense that they are always looking for fresh ideas. The fact that the first few songs for a new project just happened to be in a specific tuning, without any prior planning, really highlights a creative process that allows for discovery and natural development. This means their sound is not static; it’s always got a bit of movement to it, keeping things interesting for long-time followers and new listeners alike. It’s pretty much about letting the music guide them, which, you know, can lead to some really cool results.
It seems Nick Hexum is not the kind of person who just rests on past achievements. He is, as a matter of fact, quite interested in staying active and continuing to create new things. When asked about his approach, he mentioned that he isn't interested in just "coasting," which, you know, really tells you something about his work ethic. This drive to keep moving forward, to keep putting out new music, whether it's with 311 or his solo projects, suggests a deep passion for what he does. He’s someone who appears to be always thinking about the next creative step, rather than just relying on what has worked before. This mindset, in a way, is probably a big part of why he has remained such a consistent and respected figure in the music world for so long.
His approach to his career and personal life seems to be rooted in a genuine sense of self and authenticity. For instance, the idea of partying all night and then immediately going into a photo shoot is, apparently, just "not Hexum's style." This little detail, you know, gives us a glimpse into his personal values and how he chooses to live. It suggests a focus on a more grounded and perhaps disciplined way of life, which, in some respects, could contribute to his ability to maintain a high level of output and performance. It’s pretty clear that he prioritizes his work and his well-being in a way that allows him to keep creating and performing at a high level. That, I mean, is something to really think about.
Maintaining a demanding career in music for over three decades, with touring and creating new albums, definitely requires a certain level of personal upkeep. Nick Hexum, who recently started a summer concert series and is getting ready to put out a new album with 311, has talked about how he manages to stay in good shape. This focus on personal wellness is, you know, pretty important for anyone in a physically demanding role like performing live music. It’s not just about the creative side; it’s also about having the physical energy to deliver those energetic performances that 311 is known for. So, basically, his commitment to staying fit plays a role in his ability to continue doing what he loves and sharing it with his audience.
His choice to not "coast" in his career likely extends to his personal habits, too. The fact that he isn't interested in the typical rock star image of constant partying, as suggested by the "not Hexum's style" comment, speaks to a more balanced and sustainable approach to his life. This kind of sensible living, I mean, probably helps him maintain the stamina needed for extensive touring and the mental clarity required for songwriting and creative work. It’s pretty much about a holistic approach, where his personal choices support his professional endeavors, allowing him to keep going strong for many years. That, you know, is something to really consider when thinking about longevity in any demanding field.
Beyond his main musical endeavors, Nick Hexum has a hand in several other projects and connections that show his wider interests and contributions. He is involved in various ventures that go beyond just performing and recording music. For example, he has a connection with something called SKP, which is described as being "created by artists, for artists." This suggests an interest in supporting the creative community and perhaps helping other artists in their own paths, which is pretty cool. He is also involved with the Nick Hexum Foundation, which implies a commitment to giving back or supporting causes he cares about. These kinds of outside activities really round out the picture of who he is, showing that his influence extends beyond just the songs he creates.
His past experiences also include a significant amount of time in the film business, which, you know, is quite a different field from music. For over two decades, he’s been involved in both music and film. He started out working on music video productions, which makes sense given his background. But then he also worked on some major motion pictures alongside well-known actors like Val Kilmer and a very respected producer named Robert Evans. This background suggests a versatility and an interest in different forms of artistic expression, showing that his creative talents are not limited to just one area. So, in a way, he has a pretty diverse professional history.
Nick Hexum's involvement in SKP, which is said to be "created by artists, for artists," points to his interest in the broader artistic community. This kind of initiative, you know, often aims to provide support or platforms for creative individuals, which is a really positive thing. It shows that he's not just focused on his own work but also on helping others who are pursuing artistic paths. Then there's the Nick Hexum Foundation, which, while the details are not fully laid out, typically means he's involved in some form of charitable or philanthropic work. This kind of engagement suggests a desire to make a difference beyond the entertainment world, which, I mean, is pretty admirable. These ventures illustrate that his contributions extend into areas that support and uplift others in the creative and wider community.
The fact that his experience spans over two decades in both the music and film businesses is, frankly, pretty impressive. Starting with music video production makes a lot of sense for someone in the music industry, but then moving on to work on major films with figures like Val Kilmer and Robert Evans shows a willingness to explore different creative avenues. This kind of background means he has a unique perspective, having seen the inner workings of both industries. It’s pretty clear he’s not someone who just sticks to one thing; he’s someone who has, in a way, explored different aspects of the creative world, which makes his overall professional story quite interesting.
Nick Hexum's connections also extend into his local community, particularly in Omaha, where 311 started. The band and Nick Hexum himself are considered a very important part of Omaha's identity. For instance, the owner of Union Omaha, a local sports team, mentioned that working with Nick Hexum and 311 on a special kit was a "true hometown moment." This kind of collaboration, you know, really highlights the deep roots the band has in its origins and how much they mean to the people there. It's pretty cool to see how artists can become so intertwined with the identity of a place, making their mark not just through their art but also through their community presence.
This connection with Omaha, where 311 began its journey in 1988, shows a lasting bond. The band has been a fixture there for a long time, and their success has, in a way, brought a certain kind of pride to their hometown. The idea of a special jersey for a local team, designed in collaboration with the band, speaks volumes about how much they are valued. It’s not just about the music anymore; it’s about being a part of the fabric of the community, which is, honestly, a pretty special thing. This kind of local engagement really humanizes the artists, showing them as people who care about where they come from and who are willing to contribute to their local area.
It seems like Nick Hexum is always looking ahead, with new music and performances on the horizon. He recently started a summer concert series, which means he’s still very much active on the performance front. There’s also talk of a new album with 311 getting ready for release, which, you know, is pretty exciting news for their followers. He even mentioned that there’s "some new 311 music brewing," which he said in a very casual way, suggesting that the creative process is always ongoing for him and the band. This indicates that he’s not resting on past successes but is continually working on fresh material, which is, honestly, what you hope for from a long-standing artist.
His solo work is also continuing to evolve. He has been releasing a series of EPs with a moon-related theme, with "Full Memories" being the second one this year. This means there’s likely another installment in that trio of EPs still to come, which will give his solo listeners something more to look forward to. The fact that he’s putting out solo work alongside his band commitments shows a consistent drive to create and share his musical ideas in different forms. So, basically, for anyone who enjoys his music, there’s a good chance there will be more to hear from him, both with 311 and on his own, which is pretty much what you want to hear.
Nick Hexum has, over many years, established himself as a significant figure in the music world, primarily as the vocalist and guitarist for 311. His journey began in Madison, Wisconsin, and he has since become known for his distinct voice and guitar work, contributing to many albums and songs with his band and as a solo artist. He has also put out his own musical projects, like the Nick Hexum Quintet and a series of EPs such as "Full Memories" and "Waxing Nostalgic." These solo efforts allow him to explore different musical ideas and themes, showing a broader range of his creative talents.
Beyond the music itself, Nick Hexum has also been involved in other ventures, including SKP, which aims to support artists, and the Nick Hexum Foundation. His professional experience also extends to the film industry, where he worked on music videos and major films. He is known for his dedication to his craft, his commitment to personal wellness, and his genuine connection to his hometown of Omaha. His ongoing work with 311, including new music and concert series, shows that he continues to be an active and influential presence in the music scene, always looking to create and share new artistic expressions.