Nick Hexum

{{Infobox musical artist

| name = Nick Hexum

| image = Nick_Hexum_of_311.jpg

| caption = Hexum performing in 2023

| background = solo_singer

| birth_name = Nicholas Lofton Hexum

| alias = DJ Lofton

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1970|4|12}}

| birth_place = Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.

| death_date =

| death_place =

| origin = Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.

| instrument = {{hlist|Vocals|guitar|keyboard|bass|programming}}

| genre = {{hlist|Alternative rock|hard rock|reggae rock|rap rock|experimental rock|ska punk|funk rock|dub}}

| occupation = {{hlist|Singer|songwriter|rapper}}

| years_active = 1985–present

| label = {{hlist|Capricorn|Volcano|311|What Have You|100% Electronica|SKP}}

| current_member_of = {{hlist|311|The Nick Hexum Quintet}}

| module = {{Infobox person

| child = yes

| children = 3

| website = {{URL|https://www.nickhexum.com}}, {{URL|https://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.

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,{{cite web|url=https://app1.unmc.edu/publicaffairs/todaysite/sitefiles/today_full.cfm?match=1689|title=UNMC researcher cheers on musical sons - UNMC|website=App1.unmc.edu|access-date=17 November 2017}} 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.{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXf8vMyZk0Y | title=Nick and Curt Grubb discuss their new song and the good old days! | website=YouTube | date=5 August 2021 }}

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.{{cite web | url=https://311archive.com/archive-pre-311/ | title=ARCHIVE: Pre -311 | date=27 November 2022 }}

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.{{cite web | url=https://311archive.com/archive-pre-311/ | title=ARCHIVE: Pre -311 | date=27 November 2022 }} 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.Omaha World Herald | https://omaha.com/entertainment/the-bands-that-have-kept-their-original-lineups-the-longest/article_3bbaec1d-d8ba-56a1-b8b7-c283ed3d9472.html 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.{{cite magazine | url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/311/chart-history/hsi/ | title=311 | Biography, Music & News | magazine=Billboard }}

Solo Music Ventures

In 2013, Hexum surprised many by announcing a side project under the name Nick Hexum Quintet, releasing an LP titled My Shadow Pages. This was a stylistic departure from 311, leaning into jam and jazz. He toured with the Quintet in 2013 and 2014. [https://web.archive.org/web/20140517230601/http://nickhexum.com/]

In 2025, Hexum again announced another venture, this time under his own name. He announced that he would release an EP every other month during 2025. He holds listening parties the night before release dates on various socials such as Twitch.

Waxing Nostalgic was released February 26, 2025 and lended itself to americana, acoustic singer-songwriter stylings. Hexum worked with musicians, such as Water Tower (band), Jared Masters, Colin Blanton, Brasko; as well as family in his sister Angie and daughter Echo. It was mixed by Bob Horn and Hexum himself. Tracklist included Cosmic Connection, 1978, Work of Fiction, Lonely Existence. [http://www.nickhexum.com][https://www.instagram.com/nickhexum/p/DGjSw_ySbQ3/]

The second EP Full Memories was released April 22, 2025. The music carried a similar style to Waxing Nostalgic. This EP has five songs; Just To See You Smile, Please Explain, Careless, Where I Belong, California.

Outside ventures

From his own clothing line Ginsing Clothing | https://web.archive.org/web/20040318175652/https://www.ginsingclothing.com/ to his non-profit awareness group,Liberal Hexum | https://www.taxexemptworld.com/organization.asp?tn=1654278LA Times| https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2006-sep-07-wk-pop7-story.html 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.https://www.skp.io/

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.{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOkPVwm8Wxc&t=2425s | title=311 Has No Rules with Nick Hexum | Bertcast # 651 | website=YouTube | date=20 November 2024 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.muscleandfitness.com/athletes-celebrities/interviews/nick-hexum-no-rockstar-attitude-just-sweat-and-gratitude/ | title=311 Frontman Nick Hexum: Rockstar, Entrepreneur, Fitness Enthusiast | date=30 September 2024 }}

Hexum is also part owner of Union Omaha, a soccer team in his hometown on Omaha, NE.{{cite web | url=https://www.unionomaha.com/news/2023/09/28/311s-nick-hexum-joins-union-omaha-ownership-group/ | title=311's Nick Hexum Joins Union Omaha Ownership Group }}{{cite web | url=https://www.uslleagueone.com/news_article/show/1285980 | title=311's Nick Hexum joins Union Omaha ownership group | date=28 September 2023 }}

Personal life

File:Nick Hexum of 311 (828287219).jpg

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.https://www.ascap.com/repertory#/ace/writer/406622384/HEXUM%20ZACHARY 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.{{cite web |title=311: Renowned Alt. Rock Band Wraps Up Two Sold Out Concerts For '311 DAY 2018' |url=https://screamermagazine.com/press-releases/311-renowned-alt-rock-band-wraps-two-sold-concerts-311-day-2018/ |website=Screamer Magazine |date=20 March 2018 |access-date=24 September 2021}}

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.{{cite tweet|user=NickHexum|number=625318057|first=Nick|last=Hexum|title=Echo Hexum was born at home today at four in the morning. Words cannot describe how amazing it was. Time to go to bed....|date=2009-08-29|access-date=2020-02-23}} Echo has taken up piano, performing live with her father at 311 Day 2020.{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-IyMxNC5bY&pp=ygUOMzExIGVjaG8gaGV4dW0%3D | title=311 DAY Nick & Echo Hexum Only Time Will Tell | website=YouTube | date=13 March 2020 }}

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.{{cite web |title=311's Nick Hexum Delivers Daughter Maxine |url=https://people.com/parents/311-nick-hexum-daughter-maxines-homebirth/ |website=People |access-date=February 23, 2020 |date=June 16, 2011}}

Their third daughter, Harlow, was born September 16, 2014.{{Cite tweet|user=NickHexum|first=Nick|last=Hexum|number=512037017119887360|title= Healthy baby girl Harlow born into the Hexum family at 3:42 on 9/16/14. 7 lbs. 15 oz. Overjoyed!|date=2014-09-16|access-date=2019-07-28}} Harlow has numerous acting credits, including in the TV series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. as Alya, American Gigolo as young Isabelle Desnain, and Yo Gabba Gabbaland! as herself.{{cite web | url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11097287/ | title=Harlow Happy Hexum | Actress | website=IMDb }}

Hexum has been known to support numerous charities, such as MusiCares,https://grammy.com/news/band-of-merrymakers-holiday-single-supports-musicares ChooseLove,https://x.com/NickHexum/status/1499074474108493832 Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation{{cite web | url=https://abc7ny.com/nick-hexum-blood-cancer-multiple-myeloma-empire-state-building-run-up/1181292/ | title=Rock star Nick Hexum taking part in Empire State Building Run-Up to benefit blood cancer research }} and others.

Discography

=with 311=

Dammit! (1990)
Unity (1991)
Hydroponic EP (1992)
Music (1993)
Grassroots (1994)
311 (1995)
Transistor (1997)
Soundsystem (1999)
From Chaos (2001)
Evolver (2003)
Don't Tread on Me (2005)
Uplifter (2009)
Universal Pulse (2011)
Stereolithic (2014)
Mosaic (2017)
Voyager (2019)
Full Bloom (2024)

=with The Nick Hexum Quintet=

My Shadow Pages (2013)

=with George Clanton=

"Crash Pad" b/w "King for a Day" (2019)
"Under Your Window" b/w "Out of the Blue" (2019)
George Clanton & Nick Hexum (2020)

=as Nick Hexum=

Waxing Nostaglic (Feb 2025)
Full Memories (Apr 2025)

Singles:

"Ocean Eyes" (2021, single)
"St. Judy's Comet" (2021, single)
"Don't Know What" (2021, single)

= Guest appearances =

The Urge - Master of Styles (1998, vocals on "Jump Right In")
Joe Strummer - Chef Aid: The South Park Album (1998, guitar on "It's A Rockin' World")
Sugar Ray - Sugar Ray (2001, vocals on "Stay On")
Goldfinger - The Knife (2017, vocals on "Liftoff")
Dirty Heads - Swim Team (2017, vocals on "So Glad You Made It")
Neverending White Lights - Act 1: Goodbye Friends of the Heavenly Bodies (2006, vocals on "Age of Consent")
Disco Fries - Autonomous (2015, vocals on "Head in the Clouds")
Infected Mushroom - IM25 (2022, vocals on "Business as Usual")
Tropidelic - All The Colors (2022, vocals on "Falling Down")
HR - Everything You Do (2023, vocals on "Everything You Do")