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ARCHIVE 10
Current Questions and Answers starting from March 2001

428. Question: Where you guys involved in any sports or other activities while growing up in Omaha?
Email: CB Siffredi@aol.com

(P-Nut) I played some basketball, but I couldn’t make the team cause I was (and still am sometimes) a hothead. I did compete quite well in some track events, which I was involved with for about three years, one in junior high and then through my sophmore year as well. Mostly jumps and hurdles, but I also did some relays, but I wasn’t as good at that.

(Nick) I played football for a year. I sucked.

(SA) I played little league baseball and peewee football. My little league baseball team was the ish. We ruled. We were the champions 4 years running. Quite a dynasty for some whipper snappers. My football team on the other hand … how should I say … not so good Ralph. But still a blast. I played organized football from age 9 through 15. Then decided to play tennis. Nowadays I lift, run, ride my bike, shoot some hoop, and occasionally pick up my racket.

(Tim) I played baseball (catcher & 1st base), basketball (forward), and football(offensive guard & defensive end) growing up. I made the switch to full time Rock around 8th grade. My little league all-star team (Hillside Little League -age 12) won the Nebraska state championship in ’82(?).

(Chad) I played flag football in elementary school (center and wide receiver), but I am a huge sports fan; mostly into football and basketball.

429. Question: Who are your all-time favorite bands that you have jammed with on stage?
Email: nightmarezonwax@yahoo.com

We haven’t really jammed with many other musicians on stage. I guess the most memorable situation was when John Popper from Blues Traveler joined us on stage during the Horde Tour and played the harmonica, as we jammed “Taiyed”. It was also great having Bobo come out and play percussion with us during some of the dates we did on the Cypress Hill tour.

430. Question: What is the craziest thing that a fan has ever done?
Email: gmg149@psu.edu

I remember on the last tour in Philadelphia a fan dove from the upper balcony. The people down below cleared out and he hit the floor. It was not a good scene. We had to stop the show for about 15 mintues, as the ambulance came for him. We called into the hospital and miraculously he was ok. We definitely do not recommend anyone else trying it.

431. Question: Who is your favorite band to go on tour with?
Email: Bananaeatsmonkey@mail.com

We’ve had so many great experiences with other bands on tour…it’s impossible to pick a favorite. On the inside of the Live album we thank a lot of the bands that we’ve done shows with. You should check that list out (also at archive #154). The last tour we did was with Incubus and that was great. We love having those guys on the road with us.

432. Question: Will the new home movie be available on DVD with enhanced sound like Dolby Digital and DTS?
Email: ucdjimmy@hotmail.com

We’re definitely going to release it on DVD, but we don’t know when and we don’t know what kind of special features it will have yet.

433. Question: What kinds of jobs are available in working for the band, and what goes into being eligible?
Email: katherine@hotmail.com

We don’t really have any jobs available within our organization right now. All of the people we have on the road with us are touring industry professionals who have been on numerous tours with lots of other bands. We’ve got a great road crew that keep the tour running smooth.

434. Question: What is in everyone’s cd collection that they have to listen to on the road?
Email: Stan91383@aol.com

(P-Nut) Lots of Tom Waits, Curtis Mayfield, Ween and many funk discs.

(Nick) I’ve been listening to the new albums from Common (my favorite right now), Roni Size, De La Soul, Deftones, and U2.

(SA) My CD collection on the road is pretty simple (primarily because it’s the last thing I remember to pack) But basically it consists of mix CD’s I’ve made which will have some reggae and hip-hop flavors, as well up tempo electro and chill out textures.

(Tim): A little bit of everything I enjoy listening to… Nashville Pussy, NOFX, Pantera, Bob Marley, John Scofield, lots of Jerry and Carlos, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Rev. Horton Heat, Pennywise, Black Eye Peas, History of Jamaican Music box set, Wu Tang Clan, Phish, Willie Nelson, Tool, John Coltrane, Wes Montgomery, John McLaughlin, Pat Metheny, Django Reinhardt, Jane’s Addiction, Bad Brains, Kruder and Dorfmeister, Aphex Twin, various DJ Lofton and DJ Beat mixes… lots and lots of cds. And there are tons more.

(Chad) Bad Brains, Deftones, Black Eye Peas, Aphex Twin, Roni Size….

435. Question: What is the most beautiful thing you guys have ever witnessed?
Email: Transistor310plus1@hotmail.com

(P-Nut) My fiance’ dancing in front of me the first and second night that I met her.

(Nick) The feeling I had when Joe Strummer of the Clash walked on stage with his bleach blonde mohawk. It was pure joy. I was 14.

(SA) I couldn’t name one thing, but I love watching my nephews and niece. They are so fun and hilarious. Same with Jen, Pablo, and Irie.

(Tim) The stars (billions?) in the night sky from the outback of Australia.

(Chad) Excitable energy from my dogs.

436. Question: What was the hardest task to overcome individually when y’all first came together?
Email: frankie@buttfunk.com

(P-Nut) Well, when I was first in the band we had a different guitar player and he was my best friend. And I knew after working together for a little under a year that it wasn’t going remain the same, too much butting of heads. So one day, I had to call up Jimi and tell him that he wasn’t in the band anymore, one of the hardest things I have ever had to do.

(Nick) The hardest thing we’ve ever done was to get rap/rock treated as a real art form. It wasn’t on the radio when we started.

(Tim) The decision to rock for life.

(Chad) Financially to make it work as a living.

437. Question: I read a book called “Rule of the Bone”, which SA once suggested in a magazine article. Can you guys suggest any other good books to read?
Email: jdawson2@niu.edu

(P-Nut) “Illuminatus Trilogy” By Robert Anton Wilson. “Promethus Rising” also by BOB, “Up the Line” by Robert Silverberg, and any biography on Stanley Kubrick.

(Nick) “Come As You Are” (the story of Nirvana)

(SA) Man, for all you music lovers I must recommend “Last Night A DJ Saved My Life” Kenisha Perkins gave it to me. It documents the history of the DJ, club culture, and the roots of all this great dance music. Wicked.

(Tim) I always recommend “Cosmic Trigger” by Robert Anton Wilson. Lots of good information and knowledge in there. Then try his “Quantum Pschology.” Smart M.F’r.

(Chad) “Oh the Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss.
Also see Archive question #39 .

438. Question: P-Nut, are you self taught? I am learning bass, would it help to get lessons? I’ve heard many of the best bassist are self taught.
Email: bad_mo_joe@joymail.com

(P-Nut) I took lessons for years, about four, and wouldn’t trade those hours with my teachers for anything. I did learn just as much on my own, but the combination of philosophies made me the bass player I am today.

439. Question: What is the best advice each one of you could give someone, in general?
Email: messyfloor@hotmail.com

(P-Nut) Tackle your dreams and do what you want for a living, there’s nothing like it.

(Nick) Come Original.

(SA) In all things have patience.

(Tim) Trust your instincts.

(Chad) Stay positive and in tough or hard situations change your perspective; look at your situation from different angles, put it into a new light and make it better.

Also see Archive question #278 .

440. Question: Have you all found it difficult to keep such a positive outlook/focus even though there has been a push towards angst/anger in music. At what point did you all focus your energy on making music that was uplifting?
Email: tobiasbouska@hotmail.com

(P-Nut) In the beginning it was tough for me to accept that I was in a positive band, cause I was listening to the angst music myself, and almost nothing else, but over the years, I see how good it is to be on the light side. Helps me sleep at night, knowing that we make people think before they go out and do some stupid shit.

(Nick) It was never a conscious effort to be positive. It just came naturally. I would be embarrassed to constantly complain about my life considering all the freedom and opportunities we have today. People that can’t find anything they enjoy in life simply aren’t giving it a real try. Keep in mind that I don’t walk around happy all the time. Positivity doesn’t always come easily to me, or anyone. My lyrics come largely out of the struggle to stay positive in the face of adversity. I’m just being real about it.

I wouldn’t say that people who are expressing anguish in there music are not valid. For example Jonathan Davis is obviously venting some very real pain from things that happened in his life. When he sings, I feel what he’s saying. He’s a great artist. I just object to all the Korn clones who are all trying to act more mentally ill than everyone else. It can’t all be real. It doesn’t ring true. It looks more like fashion to me. Heavy metal with new hair-do’s.

(SA) It’s not difficult for me to keep a positive outlook. I’m grateful for my health and spiritual well being and I give thanks to a lot of great music that has helped shape me this way. I don’t think there was any question that this wasn’t something I wanted to reflect in music. These are the vibes that continue to inspire me.

(Tim) We have always focused on making music. Music of all kinds inspires us, but anger/angst music has never interfered or made it difficult for us to keep a positive outlook. Positive mental attitude has always been a goal of ours. We play music from our hearts for life and hope it affects people in a positive way.

(Chad) Yes it’s hard for someone to always maintain a positive attitude. That’s why it is such a challenge, it’s much easier to be negative. However we have chosen to always write music that is inspiring to us and that makes us feel good and happy. We also hope it inspires others.

441. Question: What inspired you all to be muscisians?
Email: burntwister220@aol.com

(P-Nut) Music and wanting to be a part of it.

(Nick) My dad’s rock and roll 45′s from the 50′s. Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, Elvis, Bill Hailey, and Buddy Holly. My dad taught me all about the culture, dancing, cars, and clothes of the era.

(Tim) For as long as I can remember I’ve always loved playing music. Started on tennis racket playing Kiss songs, then trombone in school band, and finally the guitar when I started wanting to play the punk/ metal music I was listening to.

(Chad) My parents were musicians and I was always surrounded by music.

Also see Archive question #271 .

442. Question: I found Transistor to have the most meaning and depth. I found Soundsystem to be at the surface and a lot of fun. I love both of these albums, but how did you seem to go to these two different sounds?
Email: memmesej@notes.udayton.edu

(Nick) I find your interpretation different from mine. I have never written more personally deep songs than Eons, Flowing, or Large in the Margin. I was dealing with serious lack of direction and self doubt at that time.

443. Question: Nick, did you guys have alot of trouble getting signed at first or was it smooth sailing?
Email: Patdninja@aol.com

(Nick) Honestly, the only smooth sailing I can remember is the last one year and three months. We’ve been very united and focused during this time. ’95-’96 was a good era as well.

444. Question: Hey P-Nut, is a 5 string bass hard to play or the same as an 4 string bass?
Email: sitm89@hotmail.com

(P-Nut) Well, of course you have more notes on a five string, but all in all, it’s really not that different. It’s only as hard as you make it. With practice and lots of it, bass can be very easy…but controlling the notes and nailing them everytime you play them, that’s the hard part and it will be equally hard on a four or a five.

445. Question: This question is for Nick- when you were in high school, what were some jazz charts that you and Chad performed in the jazz combo? What level jazz did you guys play back in the day?
Email: Gregg7834@yahoo.com

(Nick) I played whatever songs our teacher Mr. Groth would present to us. That whole experience helped me a lot. I wish I would have practice more but I was too busy being punk rock.

446. Question: I know when im feeling down, 311 always puts me in the best mood, but what do the positive rock gods of 311 listen to when they are a little down?
Email: InQbutt420x@aol.com

(P-Nut) Curtis Mayfield, Ween, almost any music makes me feel like my problems are tiny as sand.

(Nick) If I’m depressed I would listen to Chet Baker, Billie Holliday, or The Smiths.

(SA) I listen to my dogs.

(Tim) When I’m depressed, Bob Marley, Jerry Garcia, and especially Pantera help this brother out.

(Chad) I listen to Bad Brains and Bob Marley.

447. Question: What would be your one guilty pleasure?
Email: Csojka@hotmail.com(P-Nut) Becoming part of my couch when we are home from the road.

(Nick) Red Bulls! I keep thinking all the caffiene might cause high blood pressure, but my doctor says I’m cool.

(SA) Dessert. Cookies and milk.

(Tim) Only one? I try not to act in ways for which I’ll feel guilty. One unguilty pleasure: lighting my farts.

(Chad) Chocolate.

448. Question: When 311 first started out, what was the very first guitar/bass/drum kit that each member of 311 had?
Email: sorry lost it

(P-Nut) I had a Phantom P bass and a Gibson amp, but before that I played violin for about four years and guitar for about six weeks, cause they didn’t have any beginner bass lessons.

(Nick) I had a Peavey guitar and practice amp combo that my parents bought me for my 12th birthday.

(Tim) The first guitar I ever owned was from a catalog of some nature…Sears, I think. First amp: Peavey.

(Chad) At age four, I got a four-piece red sparkle Sonar set as a gift from a friend of my parents.

449. Question: Who do you thank most for your success?
Email: britty1179@go.com

(P-Nut) My mother and brother. Both being such help in pushing me to do whatever I wanted.

(Nick) Fans, bandmates/crew/management, parents. All tied for first place!!!!!!!!

(SA) I thank my brothers in 311 along with my family.

(Tim) I thank Nick, Chad, SA, and P-Nut the most for our success.

(Chad) Nick Hexum, Tim Mahoney, P-Nut, SA, Adam and Peter.

450. Question: When you write music, how do you figure out each element of the song and how they are best put together? Do you sit at a piano? With a guitar? Sing melodies and harmony? All or none of these? Do you write it down on music scores?
Email: cstooker@ncounty.net

(Nick) We don’t write out music scores. Other than that we use all of the methods you listed in various occasions. Such as, singing acapella and then making music to go under it or writing the music first on guitar, bass, or piano. Lately I find it best to write the music, lyrics, and melody all at once.

451. Question: I have a quick question regarding “Grassroots”. I know there are 3 different covers to the cd…
large logo in the middle w/ grassroots under it
small logo w/ grassroots on the bottom
small logo w/ grassroots on top
I was wondering if you could tell me what the difference is (if any) and which one is the most rare/early edition?
Email: slinkie311girl@hotmail.com

The “small logo w/ grassroots on the bottom” was first cover. The “large logo in the middle w/ grassroots under it” was second cover. The “small logo w/ grassroots on top” was third cover. The band approved the first cover and was very happy with it. However, the label thought that the logo was too small. The label was also concerned that since the logo was at the bottom – you could not see it when the cd was in a bin at the record stores. So the label wanted to change the cover. The band did not want to. Then the label released the second cover without the band’s approval – and the band was really upset about it. The label claimed it was a misprint and that it was never supposed to be released like that. So, they compromised and made the third cover. I don’t know for sure which one is the most rare…either the first or second cover. Probably the second.

452. Question: Other than making fat songs and going on tour, what do you do on your spare time?
Email: dan1520@hotmail.com

See Archive question #288 .

453. Question: Who was each of your influences in music growing up?
Email: mdu40@hotmail.com

See Archive question #34 ,Archive question #70 ,Archive question #71 ,Archive
question #72 ,Archive question #159 .

454. Question: If you guys could pick an ideal tour, of any bands through-out time to play with, who would the bands be?
Email: utahpike182@collegeclub.com

See Archive question #40 .

455. Question: P-Nut, where did you get your nickname?
Email: aldask8er@netscape.net

See Archive question #149 .

456. Question: What was the original name of the band?
Email: a11a1one@yahoo.com

See Archive question #5 .

457. Question: What does 311 really mean?
Email: fer311mx@yahoo.com

See Archive question #6 .

458. Question: What’s your fondest memory of touring?
Email: sparticus312@hotmail.com

See Archive question #22 .

459. Question: Chad, In a previous question you said that other drummers influenced your unique stylee, what other drummers would you say were your top influences?
Email: kayne33@hotmail.com

See Archive question #34 .

460. Question: Where did you guys work in Omaha before you got big?
Email: slandolt@uswest.net

See Archive question #169 .