Exclusive WRRV Interview Featuring Nick Hexum Of 311: Story Behind 311, Hudson Valley & More

I was SO excited for the opportunity to talk with Nick from 311! I grew up listening to 311 and love that we also play it on WRRV. We got to chat with Nick who shared his personal stories including fostering kittens to the name meaning behind 311, their song “Amber” and more.

Getting Personal With Nick Hexum From 311 About Kittens, Cali And More

You can listen to this exclusive interview as I shared everything relating to Nick from 311! I started off the interview with wishing Nick a happy belated birthday which he celebrated on April 12, 2026 and he shared that he's “56 years young”.

He was thanking everyone on social media and shared his attitude for gratitude which I can definitely relate to. I was excited to ask Nick about his foster kittens who he included in his birthday video considering that I’m such a cat lady!

Nick shared that himself and his family got into fostering, how they love them and sleep in their bed. He also mentioned that they have three dogs, seven ducks, a snake, kitties and foster cats as well!

I appreciate that Nick from 311 is a fellow animal lover and was happy that he shared this with us. He was also born in Wisconsin, lived in Nebraska and later headed out to Cali! I was curious what Nick’s thoughts were when moving to the beautiful state that I call a second home.

Nick highlighted that he went on camping trips with his dad and they would jam out to the Beach Boys who sang about the West Coast. Today, Nick loves being outside in nature and sitting on his patio in California with his family and fur babies!

Here's The Name Meaning Behind 311, "Amber" And Upcoming Tour Info

I asked Nick how himself and 311 came together to create their name! He shared that 311 is all about unity and love. However, their bass player friend at the time was arrested for skinny dipping who received a ticket with a code on it which was 311.

Nick also mentioned that the police code for independence exposure is 311, haha! He explained that they thought it was hilarious and how he also liked the idea of being a number because it was different.

I was curious about the meaning behind 311’s song, “Amber” and if it was really about a relationship. Nick told the story of how a lot of good songs come from trying to impress others which makes sense. He explained that the concert of “Amber” relates to the

“Soft light color of sunsets”

Nick included that “Amber” also relates to the guitar tone, the warmth of it and the entire concept of Amber. This was such a beautiful explanation and I was jamming out to it days before the interview.

I was also excited to chat with Nick about their upcoming tour and new merchandise which is the Vault Series Line. They also had the 311 day and their 311 cruise which will be in March of 2027. Nick shared that he appreciates Jamaican culture. He highlighted that himself and his family went to the Cayman Islands when he was younger and how much it meant to him.

For the 311 cruise, they have been mixing up the destinations and always have a different set list. Nick mentioned that they have toured with the Dirty Heads before and how it’s always good vibes. I would imagine that these two groups together would bring that! He’s looking forward to that this summer and playing outside.

Nick highlighted that he can see how people become more comfortable outside, listening to music when the sun goes down.

We are giving away tickets on the WRRV app under the Win Stuff Tab to see 311 and Dirty Heads at Jones Beach this summer!

What Does Nick Hexum From 311 Love The Most About The Hudson Valley?

Nick shared that on his solo tour, he had a couple days off in the Hudson Valley before playing at the Levon Helms Studios in Woodstock!

He had a wonderful time in the area and said it reminded him of Wisconsin's lakes and trees. Nick mentioned that the Hudson Valley is “quite lovely”. I asked him if the Hudson Valley is his favorite place to visit within New York State. He shared,

“Definitely up there, I love being in the city but I’m more of an outdoorsy person.”

Fun fact, Nick from 311 performed at the Mid Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie where the WRRV Studios is also located nearby!

Nick and I had so many similarities, haha. We share our love for the Hudson Valley area in addition to fur babies especially cats. Nick and I both have appreciation for the West Coast and of course, music!

I invited Nick and everyone from 311 to the Hudson Valley area and including the WRRV Studios! You can also invite them to the area as well.

We can stay updated with Nick and 311 on their website and social media platforms. Be sure to check out their tour dates as well!